I'm undergoing the same sort of crisis myself, Smee. It's disheartening enough to witness this downfall as a younger fan... but it must be harsher for you, knowing your stronger historical ties to the band.
It's typical of artists to release progressively shoddier music with age, but U2 is following this sentiment in an unprecedented manner. What artist has released an album as prolific as Achtung Baby only to eventually drop a deuce like Songs of Experience however many years down the line? It truly is disheartening.
U2 was the zeitgeist in the 90s. U2 did its part in
creating the mainstream. Now the band mimics its contemporaries and writes off of cliches and platitudes.
Achtung Baby, Zooropa, and Pop are easily some of the greatest albums that I have ever heard. No other records can compare sonically. There are some albums that I enjoy to a similar degree, but none that can truly elicit the same euphoric feelings from me. Coincidentally, these were some of the first records that I ever listened to. Unfortunately, nothing can match the bar that they set.
I listen to a plethora of other groups, but none can match U2 in its prime. There is this intangible facet to U2 that is simply indescribable... maybe it's that unique mixture of talent and luck that, when coming from a genuine place, makes the band's music feel so relatable and just comprehensive enough.
I've been harping on this a bit much now... time to enjoy some Achtung Baby.