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  1. I've thought for a while, and I'm sure I've said it here, that the best approach to a new U2 album would be to strip back all the layers and go for a simpler, more organic sound that is easier to recreate live. I'm encouraged by this interview that they may actually be thinking about that. Technology has enabled lush and sophisticated albums but created a restrictive straight-jacket and sometimes even a barrier to performing some songs in a live setting. While it might seem a little retro to some to go back to the first trilogy in terms of simplicity; it would actually be innovative these days - rebellious even, to reject all that technology offers.
  2. I'm highly skeptical of them releasing any new music early next year given how much they're pushing these reworked songs right now, with promotional appearances, gradual releases of songs on streaming, etc. They're giving it a full promotional spin, which would make trying to push a single in the Spring just not make too much sense in terms of media saturation with new U2 music. That, much more than anything they've said in the interview, makes me think Fall 2025 at the earliest, or yes, why not 2026 if they're not chasing a '25 tour anymore.
  3. Great we can blame this box set for no tour
  4. Definitely don't expect early next year in terms of an album.

    And I also think we will get some mix of acoustic/rockers on a new album. I'd imagine they missed Larry and are happy to play together again. Obviously they don't have their whole lives ahead of them anymore.
  5. I guess this 're-assemble' period (March 24/NOV 24) is good as a stop-gap and to come down from all things Sphere. It is keeping the fanbase satiated. It is nice to do some housekeeping I guess while Larry gets sorted.

    But time is marching on fast and it has almost been seven years since the last original album. Maybe it would be good to create a compilation of all material solo, soundtrack etc since December 2017. I would enjoy that.

    All I know is there has to plenty of non-SOS material in the vault since 2017. This is the same band that went strait from the Elevation tour to recording the Best Of 90 tracks in the South of France with limited or no turnaround. There has to be at least three to four half completed projects from that time period. Maybe we will hear them one day.
  6. Lets wait until Adam drops the verdict on the future of U2.
  7. I've just recently booked a somewhat expensive trip for April, very much recommend it for anyone still holding out hope for a tour next year. Now part of me definitely doesn't want them to tour too soon!
  9. ICYMI:

  10. Originally posted by Sydney_MIke:I've thought for a while, and I'm sure I've said it here, that the best approach to a new U2 album would be to strip back all the layers and go for a simpler, more organic sound that is easier to recreate live. I'm encouraged by this interview that they may actually be thinking about that. Technology has enabled lush and sophisticated albums but created a restrictive straight-jacket and sometimes even a barrier to performing some songs in a live setting. While it might seem a little retro to some to go back to the first trilogy in terms of simplicity; it would actually be innovative these days - rebellious even, to reject all that technology offers.
    I understand what you're saying and can partially agree, musically speaking.

    But, my worry is that lyrically and overall creatively that that would not lead to any exciting new ground being broken for the band at this stage in their career. I feel like U2 has time and time again already tried this "four guys in a room making music" approach, so actually hearing Edge and Adam talk like this is making me nervous. ATYCLB and HTDAAB were both "back to basics" types of albums...then SOI was advertised as that after NLOTH, too, with SOE more or less continuing that mindset of looking back.

    If they really want to challenge themselves and make a record that people will be talking about, keep pursuing the direction of songs like "Glorify", I say. Something a little "out there" and different, ambient, collaborative with others, etc.
  11. U2 for the pas 20 years are saying we want it stripped down to four guys playing in a room etc.
    For me it’s ok if they don’t deliver until it’s anything good. Could be 8 years, fine.