The great music for so many artists - the Beatles, the Rolling Stones - was always at the moment when they were closest to pop. It would be easy for U2 to go off and have a concept album, but I want us to stay in the pop fray.
This quote underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of accessibility and immediacy in music. Bono emphasizes that some of the most influential artists excelled when they connected directly with popular tastes and feelings, rather than venturing too far into abstraction or experimentation. There's a recognition that staying within the realm of pop allows an artist to reach a broader audience and keep their music relevant. For U2, this reflects a conscious choice to balance artistic ambition with pop appeal, ensuring their work remains compelling without losing its mass appeal. It highlights the timeless tension and harmony between artistry and popular culture, reminding creators to value the power of immediacy and relatability in music.
