Joshua tree was soft music, not rock and roll. To each his own, but for Bono to criticize the softening of music is hilarious. He was part of that movement that wanted MASS appeal over musical quality.
I saw U2 in 1983 and in 2000. In the latter concert, people were clearly only interested in their earliest music.
Truth is, I’m 50 now, and heavy metal, hardcore, metalcore, punk rock could not be MORE alive than it is now. Music is amazing for so many hard rock styles. I go to concerts frequently and support the artists too.
You are correct. While I like the album, Joshua Tree did not have the raw energy/anger of U2’s early days.