November 12, 2026 – Radio 854 Music News:

Bono Admits U2 ‘Failed the Mainstream’ With Their Last Two Albums

U2 frontman Bono has admitted that the legendary Irish rock band struggled to connect with mainstream audiences through their last two studio albums, Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience.

In a new interview with NME, Bono reflected on the band’s musical direction and acknowledged that, despite having some great songs, the two records lacked a consistent sound that could bring everything together.

The albums, released in 2014 and 2017 respectively, received mixed reactions from audiences. Bono believes the band had strong material and meaningful themes but struggled to create a cohesive musical identity.

“We went in on those two albums and wrote really great songs, we just couldn’t find a cohesive sound to those two albums,” Bono explained.

He also admitted that U2 had found it difficult to accept that their opportunities to reach mainstream radio audiences might have changed.

A New Musical Direction

Following those experiences, U2 decided to approach their latest material differently. Rather than concentrating on creating radio-friendly hits, the band returned to experimentation and rediscovered the creative freedom they enjoyed earlier in their career.

Working alongside longtime collaborator Brian Eno, the group explored new sounds and musical ideas while allowing the creative process to develop naturally.

Their new album, Carnaval de Luz, reflects that approach. The record features a mixture of musical styles and is accompanied by two sister EPs, Days of Ash and Easter Lily.

Bono says the band no longer worries as much about whether their music will receive mainstream radio airplay.

Inspired by a New Generation

The interview also touched on the influence of younger artists and the importance of continuing to challenge themselves creatively.

Bono and guitarist The Edge praised contemporary acts including Fontaines D.C., Wolf Alice and Lambrini Girls, saying that hearing exciting new music encourages U2 to raise their own standards.

After celebrating 50 years together, the band clearly has no intention of slowing down.

With Carnaval de Luz arriving on November 13, U2 are ready to open another chapter in their remarkable career — even if that means leaving some of their old musical expectations behind.

For Bono, the priority now seems simple: make music that excites the band, challenges their creativity and gives listeners something new.