Songs of Innocence
by U2
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 293 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 293
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 293
  3. Negative: 30 out of 293
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  1. Austerlitz
    Aug 21, 2020
    8
    Disque parfait dans son genre. Pas une seule fausse note. Encore meilleur plus de six ans après sa sortie. Bravo pour un groupe qui a plus de 40 ans de carrière désormais.
  2. bernatj26
    May 4, 2020
    10
    One of the Greatest U2's album,that I ever heard. Best songs are Every breaking wave and Song for someone
  3. NolanLundgaard
    Mar 25, 2020
    8
    Songs of Innocence by U2: 7.48

    The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone): 1 :) Every Breaking Wave: 1 California (There Is No End To Love): 0.75 Song For Someone: 1 :) Iris (Hold Me Close): 1 :) Volcano: 1 :) Raised By Wolves: 0.75 Cedarwood Road: 1 :) Sleep Like a Baby Tonight: 0.5 This is Where You Can Reach Me Now: 1 :) The Troubles: 0.25 Lucifer’s Hands: 1 :) The Crystal Ballroom:    Songs of Innocence by U2: 7.48

    The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone): 1 :)
    Every Breaking Wave: 1
    California (There Is No End To Love): 0.75
    Song For Someone: 1 :)
    Iris (Hold Me Close): 1 :)
    Volcano: 1 :)
    Raised By Wolves: 0.75
    Cedarwood Road: 1 :)
    Sleep Like a Baby Tonight: 0.5
    This is Where You Can Reach Me Now: 1 :)
    The Troubles: 0.25
    Lucifer’s Hands: 1 :)
    The Crystal Ballroom: 1

    11.25/13 ~ .865 -> 7.48

    Overall, a very good album by U2. There are many fantastic songs, such as The Miracle (of Joey Ramone), Iris (Hold Me Close), and Cedarwood Road. The only two songs I couldn’t really get on board with are The Troubles, since it just seems too slow to work, and I’m not totally sure about the lyrics either. I guess I just had a problem with Sleep Like a Baby Tonight’s lyrics, though I do really like the remix of that song on the deluxe version with the different words (that had better lyrics in my opinion). Besides that, the songs are all fantastic. All fans of U2 and rock in general will love this album! Highlights: The Miracle (of Joey Ramone), Every Breaking Wave, Song For Someone, Iris (Hold Me Close), Volcano, Cedarwood Road, This is Where You Can Reach Me Now, Lucifer’s Hands, and The Crystal Ballroom.    … Expand
  4. sicrano
    Feb 17, 2020
    10
    Coesivo, cuidadoso, experimental, e conservador tudo ao mesmo tempo, Songs Of Innocence é um álbum que mostra uma mudança significativa no som do U2, é claro que o som clássico do U2 esta presente no álbum também.
    Músicas como Sleep Like A Baby Tonight, This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now, Raised By Wolves, Cedarwood Road, The Troubles mostra o U2 adrentando num experimentalismo musical    Coesivo, cuidadoso, experimental, e conservador tudo ao mesmo tempo, Songs Of Innocence é um álbum que mostra uma mudança significativa no som do U2, é claro que o som clássico do U2 esta presente no álbum também.
    Músicas como Sleep Like A Baby Tonight, This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now, Raised By Wolves, Cedarwood Road, The Troubles mostra o U2 adrentando num experimentalismo musical bem diferente do antecessor No Line On The Horizon e pode se dizer que é mais um grande acerto do U2.

    Em Every Breaking Wave, Song For Someone, California (There Is Not End To Love), e o refrão de The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone), é mostrado o U2 que todos conhecemos, mais moderno é claro mais a essência do U2 está lá, Volcano remete e lembra bem a era inicial do U2, a era mais pesada do rock pós-punk do U2 dos três primeiros álbums Boy, October, War embora agora com um som mais moderno também não iria soa exatamente como o rock do começo dos anos 80.

    Enquanto Iris (Hold Me Close) é uma mistura perfeita do som clássico do U2, uma bela melodia + um forte linha de baixo de Adam Clayton, juntamente com um toque de experimentalismo nos versos.

    Confesso que é um álbum que me estranhou muito assim que foi lançado, e não me agradou tirando a primeira metade que gostei muito desde de quando saiu, mais da canção "Iris (Hold Me Close)" para frente o álbum me soou como uma tentativa de experimentalismo fraco, desajeitado e com pouco ritmo que para mim só havia funcionado a última canção "The Troubles" e um pouco da "Cedarwood Road".

    Hoje minha opinião mudou completamente sobre esse álbum principalmente sobre a segunda e final metade desse álbum, e posso dizer que hoje eu consigo ver completamente o que para mim era inimaginável de enxergar e concordar que é os fãs antigos do U2, ou mesmo os novos fãs que descrobriram o U2 com esse álbum, que é dar uma nota 9 ou 10 para esse álbum, e digo super merece um 10, o erro meu e de muitos fãs antigos de qualquer banda, é querer comparar um novo álbum com os melhores da banda, ou mesmos com os antecessores que você gostou, claro que gosto é individual pode muito bem acontecer de um fã antigo não gostar de nenhuma música nesse álbum ou gosta de 1,2 ou 3, e eu respeito, mais o erro de comparar os melhores álbum da banda com um que não foi e não será considerado um dos melhores da banda, é que você não consegue enxergar o seu álbum preferido nesse novo, você tenta e não consegue e isso consequentemente te frustar e consequentemente também você não aprova o álbum, mas justamente esse fato de querer enxergar ou escutar seu álbum favorito no outro, faz com que você não escute o novo álbum você não busca entender esse álbum como diferente, que a banda optou por fazer uma coisa nova que funciona sozinha, por isso quando é anunciado um novo álbum de uma banda que você conhecer a anos, e que você conhece e já ouviu centenas de vezes seus melhores trabalhos e quer que esse novo álbum te lembre ou soe como os melhores álbums dessa banda, te frusta em cheio quando você não enxergar aquela banda que fez seu álbum ou álbums favoritos nesse novo disco, essa necessidade e expectativa que nos criamos, atrapalha demais para apreciamos esse novo trabalho como único, singular e diferente.

    Parabéns U2 pela fome de mudança, de nunca soar o mesmo, e por entrar num estúdio para fazer um novo álbum com muita paixão e dedicação acreditando nesse novo material diferente, com som diferente e correndo riscos, riscos esse de ser imcompreendido por críticos ou pelo próprios fãs.    … Expand
  5. Ricko
    Feb 3, 2018
    9
    Whenever a new U2 album comes out, I rather harshly compare it to their back catalog to see where their latest offering fits in. The bands' previous attempt, "No Line On The Horizon" even if it was underrated, was a tepid affair when you got down to it. As a fan, I enjoyed the record but by U2 standards, it left much to be desired. It's not one I revisit regularly. I saw "No Line On TheWhenever a new U2 album comes out, I rather harshly compare it to their back catalog to see where their latest offering fits in. The bands' previous attempt, "No Line On The Horizon" even if it was underrated, was a tepid affair when you got down to it. As a fan, I enjoyed the record but by U2 standards, it left much to be desired. It's not one I revisit regularly. I saw "No Line On The Horizon" as a halfway house return to experimentation after the enjoyable yet straightforward pop/rock albums that brought U2 into the 00's, "All That You Cant Leave Behind" and "How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". After the perceived failure of No Line..., where would the band go next. As usual, U2 fans were kept guessing over the last few years as to what Bono and co would come up with - various producers were hired to try to inspire some freshness, recording sessions were started and talked up only to then be abandoned. The band themselves claimed to have made several albums during this period but discarded them. Standard U2 behaviour. When "Songs of Innocence" did arrive, it was met a level of publicity only U2 could generate. Personally, I think the reaction to the Apple release of September 2014 was a bit pathetic - as Bono said himself - if your outraged at receiving a free unasked U2 album and see it as a type of violation then relatively, your not doing to bad in life. First world problems and all that. Anyway - onto the album itself - of the 11 tracks we get, half of them are top drawer. I'm still not crazy for lead single "The Miracle", a song that is decent but has very little to it bar a serious production job. Fortunately, this is immediately followed up by the album's standout moment, "Every Breaking Wave" one of the finest moments of the bands career. "California" is a simple pop tune with layers of the Edge's guitar work turning it into something really substantial. "Song For Someone" was initially my favourite track off the record - reflective verses with lifting choruses - like a modern day With or Without You. "Iris", while an intensely personal song to Bono, its actually dominated (and carried) by the Edge's guitar. From this point on the album gets inconsistent. "Volcano" is an enjoyable rocker but is totally based on a lifted Neil Young bass line. Of the remaining tracks, only "Cedarwood Road "and closer "The Troubles" really lift themselves above the parapet. "Songs of Innocence" is a collection of some great songs that carry a few other good songs. I feel the producers involved could have had a better influence on the final product. I don't really see what they have added in terms of benefitting the songs. I was at one of the Dublin Innocence and Experience shows and the songs from this album sounded much more vibrant and rockier live. I also think there was material omitted for thematic reasons (e.g. Crystal Ballroom, Ordinary Love, Invisible) that trump some of the album tracks. Still, when I assess the record as a whole and in its own right, disregarding the band, their back catalog and everything else, "Songs of Innocence" comes out smelling like roses. One of the albums of 2014.… Expand
  6. u2fan
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of my favorite albuns. I love Iris, Every Breaking Wave and the amazing Raised By Wolves, All the songs on Innocence + Experience tour was awesome. Just perfect… Expand
  7. asbks123
    Jun 13, 2016
    7
    The first 5 songs of the album are brilliant. Like, wow! Some of their best work in years. Then you get to the next 6...and it all crashes and burns from there. This should have been an EP with only the first 5 songs included.
  8. andrea_91
    May 13, 2016
    10
    One of the decade's best albums! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  9. BatmanDude
    Jul 27, 2015
    10
    This is U2's best album, it has lots of great music like: Raised By Wolves, Iris, California, and many others. Bono's voice is freaking awesome and Edge's guitar play is great.
  10. un4gettablefire
    May 23, 2015
    9
    Most complete U2 album since Achtung Baby (I'm looking at you Some Days Are Better than Others) and while It's not as good or experimental as AB, it's headed into the right direction for U2 if they want to return to relevancy, something they've set out to do. Maybe with the next album they can hit it on the head. The album also has probably some of the best lyrics U2 has ever had.Most complete U2 album since Achtung Baby (I'm looking at you Some Days Are Better than Others) and while It's not as good or experimental as AB, it's headed into the right direction for U2 if they want to return to relevancy, something they've set out to do. Maybe with the next album they can hit it on the head. The album also has probably some of the best lyrics U2 has ever had. Highlights from this album

    Iris: Most U2-like song on the album, which is a good thing.
    Song for Someone: Best lyrics on the album, Bono really makes this song    … Expand
  11. jesseurbancsik
    Mar 24, 2015
    7
    It's a good album once you listen to it a few times and has songs you can sing along to. If only the release of the album was not 'shoved down our throats' and we actually got to come up on this on our own time.
  12. Kaidog
    Dec 15, 2014
    9
    Have to admit.... This album had its weak points, but all in all, it's better than anything they've released in years. If you listen to the record with Ireland of the 1970s in mind, it quickly becomes a poignant, sometimes painful journey though the U2's youth. 'Raised by Wolves' is bizarre and dark and fascinating, while the last lines of 'Iris' are wrenching. Lots to discover here.Have to admit.... This album had its weak points, but all in all, it's better than anything they've released in years. If you listen to the record with Ireland of the 1970s in mind, it quickly becomes a poignant, sometimes painful journey though the U2's youth. 'Raised by Wolves' is bizarre and dark and fascinating, while the last lines of 'Iris' are wrenching. Lots to discover here.

    I was prepared to dislike this disc... Instead, I'm grudgingly loving it, and surprised at the negative reviews. I guess the Apple debacle colored listeners' perceptions? Who knows. Anyway, I've been a U2 listener since 'Boy' and I'm pretty darned happy right now.    … Expand
  13. alecvl08
    Nov 12, 2014
    7
    U2 have made a comeback with this album. Its lyrics are more personal and actually and bold, it shows off the talent of its instrumentalists, and it strikes that satisfying balance between audacious and reserved. I actually like it. It's no Joshua Tree, but its better than I expected. Favorite track: This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now.
  14. Mab_987
    Oct 16, 2014
    7
    Putting all non-musical stuff aside, this might not rank among U2's defining classics, but the general song quality makes it definitely not one to overlook. Especially in the middle to back half when there are some great callbacks to their more bare bones rock stuff.

    (For my full review that goes much more in-depth, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube. There's also a separate video    Putting all non-musical stuff aside, this might not rank among U2's defining classics, but the general song quality makes it definitely not one to overlook. Especially in the middle to back half when there are some great callbacks to their more bare bones rock stuff.

    (For my full review that goes much more in-depth, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube. There's also a separate video where I talk about the release of the album.)    … Expand
  15. citycentre
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Superb album, and even better, it works perfectly as an album, a proper experience from start to finish - something that U2 haven't been so good at since the "Pop" era. There's not a single bad track and my favourites continually change but right now Iris, Volcano and particularly Cedarwood Road are right up there. The overall level of intricacy and musical detail mean that even a monthSuperb album, and even better, it works perfectly as an album, a proper experience from start to finish - something that U2 haven't been so good at since the "Pop" era. There's not a single bad track and my favourites continually change but right now Iris, Volcano and particularly Cedarwood Road are right up there. The overall level of intricacy and musical detail mean that even a month later I'm hearing new nuances in every song.

    The Deluxe Edition CD2 is a nice bonus, Lucifers Hands is a great B-Side, Crystal Ballroom is brilliant but let down by a flat, noodly guitar solo that outstays it's welcome. Acoustic songs are interesting though not particularly essential. The alternative mix of Sleep Like A Baby is superb, lyrics literally the other side of the story and the music much dirtier and darker than the album version. Invisible is still a great tune, though not really on a par with anything on the album. Then the different version of The Troubles is a bit of a let down, really just showing how it developed.
    Really looking forward to seeing plenty of songs from Songs of Innocence being played live on the next tour and then we have Songs of Experience to look forward to! Great time to be a U2 fan, despite all the bandwagon-jumping negativity being thrown around.    … Expand
  16. adhamhany
    Sep 21, 2014
    7
    I don't know why many critics and people are bashing this album. While it's no masterpiece, it's not that awful either.

    Personally, I'm no fan of Bono. I always found his voice soulless and his anthem vocals bland; but it was nice hearing him in Sleeping Like a Baby Tonight. It was a somewhat new style from him. The music, while nothing extraordinary, is catchy and sometimes    I don't know why many critics and people are bashing this album. While it's no masterpiece, it's not that awful either.

    Personally, I'm no fan of Bono. I always found his voice soulless and his anthem vocals bland; but it was nice hearing him in Sleeping Like a Baby Tonight. It was a somewhat new style from him.

    The music, while nothing extraordinary, is catchy and sometimes uplifting. The second half of the album, though, has some interesting tunes that are largely different from the usual stuff they do. The production is quite slick, too.

    Overall, it's a good and enjoyable outing that tries to walk a fine line between old and new, but mostly goes for the old and familiar.    … Expand
  17. howzer
    Sep 20, 2014
    10
    Lyrically and sonically, their most interesting album since Achtung Baby. A full 11 songs worthy listening to many times with no duds. The first 4 are straight down the middle pop/rock, the middle 3 are glorious salutes to earlier years, and the final 4 bring it home in a fashion that we have not seen in recent albums. All that is missing are Edge's masterful riffs and solos, for whichLyrically and sonically, their most interesting album since Achtung Baby. A full 11 songs worthy listening to many times with no duds. The first 4 are straight down the middle pop/rock, the middle 3 are glorious salutes to earlier years, and the final 4 bring it home in a fashion that we have not seen in recent albums. All that is missing are Edge's masterful riffs and solos, for which we usually get 1 or 2 masterful examples in an album. In this one, they are not as pronounced. A fantastic offering.… Expand
  18. Warrzone
    Sep 20, 2014
    9
    The dynamic range is not great as one review mentioned. The LP has a DR score of 9 out of 20. It will officially become an album on October 13th. Now that that's out of the way, on to the review. There are a few songs I like better than others, but it's preference and there aren't really any stand out singles. If there was a single though, I bet it would be "The Miracle." It's unfortunateThe dynamic range is not great as one review mentioned. The LP has a DR score of 9 out of 20. It will officially become an album on October 13th. Now that that's out of the way, on to the review. There are a few songs I like better than others, but it's preference and there aren't really any stand out singles. If there was a single though, I bet it would be "The Miracle." It's unfortunate that this LP was released with the iPhones because most people will be listening to it with ear buds. With ear buds, this album will sound awful. I haven't tried nice headphones yet. I tried playing it through a nice ($250) portable speaker and still got a lot of distortion because of the low bass. I then, hooked it up to my receiver over Airplay, and the difference was night and day. I started off in stereo which was fine (with full-range front speakers), but I prefer multi stereo for surround sound (with 60 Hz crossover to sub). I do not like fake Dolby Pro Logic IIx or DTS Neo:6 processing. I am glad they didn't roll off the bass to appeal to the headphone market, but the tracks could have done with some more dynamic range.… Expand
  19. TSAR
    Sep 19, 2014
    10
    This album is really expellant. U2 reminiscing the past in a very direct and honest way. Swagger and attitude does not fit this album and that is probably why many listeners dislike this album in compassion to other U2 albums. Comparing this album with their earlier albums reminded me of the reviews of “Achtung baby” back in 1991. Many compared “Achtung baby” with “Joshua tree”This album is really expellant. U2 reminiscing the past in a very direct and honest way. Swagger and attitude does not fit this album and that is probably why many listeners dislike this album in compassion to other U2 albums. Comparing this album with their earlier albums reminded me of the reviews of “Achtung baby” back in 1991. Many compared “Achtung baby” with “Joshua tree” referring to U2 as sell outs! All of these albums are completely different conceptually and should not be compared. Instead they should be viewed separately as pieces of art. The difference between the albums and their artistic comprehensiveness is what truly makes U2 such a great band and this particular unit of songs a great album. On the other hand this is most likely not for listeners of “Best of …..” albums.… Expand
  20. Comrade_Critic
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    The lovable lads from Liverpool: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clay-2000lbs, and Larry Mullen Sr.'s son have done it again! This is good rock n' roll, uh, music.
  21. mauri121
    Sep 17, 2014
    9
    Although U2 wont freely admit it this is a concept album in everything but name, and the album is all the better for it.
    It captures the full evolution of the band from Boy right through to All That You Cant Leave Behind there last complete album.
    The Miracle of Joey Ramone and Volcano could easily have been lifted from Boy while Sleep Like A Baby Tonight & The Troubles could seamlessly    Although U2 wont freely admit it this is a concept album in everything but name, and the album is all the better for it.
    It captures the full evolution of the band from Boy right through to All That You Cant Leave Behind there last complete album.
    The Miracle of Joey Ramone and Volcano could easily have been lifted from Boy while Sleep Like A Baby Tonight & The Troubles could seamlessly fit onto there two most experimental albums Zooropa or Passengers (The Brian Eno & Daniel Lanois Collaboration)
    The best and most influential tracks on the album is when a certain Danger Mouse takes full control so lets hope Mr Bono & Mr Edge take heed if as promised they release "Songs of Experience" in the next 12 months.
    Although not among there best albums its a very commendable effort and proves that U2 are still relevant and a musical force to be reckoned with.    … Expand
  22. FabianoSilva
    Sep 16, 2014
    10
    I am 40 years old and I am a music fan since 1986 when I was a young 12 years of age. I really did not expect to hear an album with so much energy, honesty and quality of a band with more than 30 years on the road. I was hoping that U2 released an album warm and bland, but that has not happened with Songs of Innocence.
    U2 once again surprised me.
    Since the beginning of the album with The    I am 40 years old and I am a music fan since 1986 when I was a young 12 years of age. I really did not expect to hear an album with so much energy, honesty and quality of a band with more than 30 years on the road. I was hoping that U2 released an album warm and bland, but that has not happened with Songs of Innocence.
    U2 once again surprised me.
    Since the beginning of the album with The Miracle Of Joey Ramone (oh my God I love the Ramones!) when the Irish band shows a strong and contemporary rock until the last song The Troubles when brings me references to the wonderful sound of the Mother of The Disappeared 1987 album Joshua Tree.
    Incidentally, this is the key point of the album: are all there. Boy, War, Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Leave Can't behind. Each song brought back memories (and good) phase of U2 and that's what makes it a beautiful album. As with cooking, when the best dishes leads us to times, places or events experienced by each of us, Songs of Innocence reminded me of when I was a young man, but not a dumb! Note 100 !!!    … Expand
  23. ProfBSU
    Sep 16, 2014
    8
    I am an admitted U2 homer having listened to them since the 80s and it seems today you either love them or hate them. If you are a U2 fan, this album will be surprisingly refreshing that harkens back to their earlier work of Boy and October. In a world of music today where people can publish music without even being musicians, you have to appreciate a band that sounds tight and mature. MyI am an admitted U2 homer having listened to them since the 80s and it seems today you either love them or hate them. If you are a U2 fan, this album will be surprisingly refreshing that harkens back to their earlier work of Boy and October. In a world of music today where people can publish music without even being musicians, you have to appreciate a band that sounds tight and mature. My favorite tracks: Raised by Wolves, Sleep like a Baby Tonight, and This is Where You Can Reach Me Now.… Expand
  24. Neovant
    Sep 16, 2014
    10
    Songs of Innocence is everything a U2 fan could want and more. I'm particularly fond of Iris, simply because on that song I think U2 is burning on all cylinders. The liner notes and words on the Lp really tie it all together. A focused vision by all involved, made this a great U2 concept record . Dare I say, Songs of Innocence ..will be remembered as another Masterpiece.
  25. wik73
    Sep 15, 2014
    10
    This is one of the most consistent albums U2 has put out since Achtung Baby. While it sounds fresh and new it also has various moments that harken back to some of their best records. Volcano, a powerful rocker sounds like it could be off Boy. While the sultry Sleep Like A Baby Tonight sounds like it could be from their experimental album Pop. The painfully beautiful The Troubles is one ofThis is one of the most consistent albums U2 has put out since Achtung Baby. While it sounds fresh and new it also has various moments that harken back to some of their best records. Volcano, a powerful rocker sounds like it could be off Boy. While the sultry Sleep Like A Baby Tonight sounds like it could be from their experimental album Pop. The painfully beautiful The Troubles is one of the best closers since Love is Blindness. Every Breaking Wave's pulsating base sounds like it is right off of Joshua Tree. Lastly, Song for Someone harkens back to Walk On as it feels like it could be off of All That You Can Leave Behind.… Expand
  26. ecdrumguy
    Sep 15, 2014
    10
    I have been a fan of U2 since 1984 and have purchased every album upon its release since The Joshua Tree. Obviously I am biased in writing this review. However, I have been fairly critical of their past few albums. I feel that while they contained some good songs, they also had a number of lackluster songs. Overall I felt that the songs just didn't flow together well or provide a clearI have been a fan of U2 since 1984 and have purchased every album upon its release since The Joshua Tree. Obviously I am biased in writing this review. However, I have been fairly critical of their past few albums. I feel that while they contained some good songs, they also had a number of lackluster songs. Overall I felt that the songs just didn't flow together well or provide a clear definition of the 'feel' of the album as a whole.

    When I downloaded Songs Of Innocence (SOI), I immediately felt that this was the album I have been waiting for in U2's catalog. It is cohesive, and although there is a distinct mood shift between the first and second halves of the album, every song somehow seems to belong. Additionally, this is U2 doing what they do best. Solid rock anthems and emotion-invoking ballads, all with just a hint of an off-center vibe to make the music sound relevant and distinct. I wanted to write a review of SOI immediately but I am glad I waited to know each song well. This album seems to evolve and unfold with more listens. It has a fundamental mainstream sound, but the subtle textures and layers are there.

    As musicians, U2 are performing as well as they ever have in my opinion. Bono sings like his younger self in songs like California and Volcano, and shows his range in others like Iris. The Edge maintains his signature style and occasionally explores different sounds not frequently heard on a U2 album. Adam Clayton's bass sound is somehow both fat and crisp. And as a drummer, I always pay attention to Larry Mullen Jr. on each album. He has always had an interesting style that doesn't really follow the drumming rule book, and in this album he maintains that style but in a way in which he makes very tasteful choices in his playing to compliment each song.

    I have read many reviews of SOI since it came out. and I think that regardless of whether the review is from a professional critic vs. just an average person like myself with a passion for music, it just comes down to one's opinion. There really is no right or wrong. However, with that said, here are some observations that I see as common among the negative reviews of this album:
    1. People are upset that it was 'forced upon them' by showing up on their iTunes. To that I would argue that it is unfair to consider that aspect in the review of an album.
    2. People are upset that U2 has 'sold themselves out' to big corporations and therefore endorse an ideology that is inconsistent with the U2 of 20+ years ago.
    3. Some people just don't like U2's music
    4. 'The Miracle' does not sound like a Ramones Song and 'This is where you can reach me now' does not sound like a Clash tune.

    I am not judging or criticizing the merit of these negative reviews, just simply identifying my observations. For me, SOI is a hugely enjoyable album with 11 great songs and no duds. I would not be surprised to hear many of these songs on the upcoming tour and to be well received at the concerts. I also would not be surprised to hear much more radio airplay from this album than what we have gotten in the past decade. These songs are not life changing. Maybe none will have the impact that Pride, With Or Without You, or One has all had. But they are enjoyable songs with great beats and melodies, and will be dominating my iTunes player for a long time.    … Expand
  27. eugene_skala
    Sep 15, 2014
    7
    We hoped that U2 would make up for the dud called No Line On The Horizon, and they did, but it still sounds like they are staying in their stadium-sized comfort zone. And speaking of stadiums, It sounds strange to hear the band trying to sound like bands they once mentored, namely Coldplay. Conversely, it's great to hear U2 reclaiming some of the majesty of their early punk wave sound onWe hoped that U2 would make up for the dud called No Line On The Horizon, and they did, but it still sounds like they are staying in their stadium-sized comfort zone. And speaking of stadiums, It sounds strange to hear the band trying to sound like bands they once mentored, namely Coldplay. Conversely, it's great to hear U2 reclaiming some of the majesty of their early punk wave sound on "Volcano" and "Raised By Wolves". Rolling Stone gave this 5-stars and calling it a renaissance triumph at the same level as Achtung Baby. The out of proportion praise reeks of music industry machine oil. A 4-star rating feels more realistic and genuine to my ears.… Expand
  28. Sabredan17
    Sep 15, 2014
    9
    This is a fantastic and complete album. Though its not quite up their with their quintessential, landmark works (Achtung Baby, Joshua Tree), it is right there with their "tier 2" albums of U2's ever evolving sound (Unforgettable Fire, Zooropa, All That You Can't Leave Behind) and a phenomenal addition to one of the greatest collections of music a band has produced. I'm not sure there areThis is a fantastic and complete album. Though its not quite up their with their quintessential, landmark works (Achtung Baby, Joshua Tree), it is right there with their "tier 2" albums of U2's ever evolving sound (Unforgettable Fire, Zooropa, All That You Can't Leave Behind) and a phenomenal addition to one of the greatest collections of music a band has produced. I'm not sure there are any Megahits on here like those previous albums, but many great songs for sure.

    There are instantly charming anthems in the first few tracks, but what makes the album stand out is the back half that becomes a little darker and harder rocking. Cedarwood Road might be the best pure, straight-up rock and roll song U2 released (or at least in quite some time). Sleep Like a Baby is a creepy, atmospheric, addicting tune - like a melodramatic rendition of Acrobat (Achtung Baby). Song for Someone might be their best ballad since One.

    A great return to form after an inconsistent, wandering No Line on the Horizon.    … Expand
  29. konstabl
    Sep 15, 2014
    10
    Their best album since 1997's POP. Didn't expect anything good from U2 after bland and predictable No Line On The Horizon. What a surprise! Songs Of Innocence is coherent and fresh album of band who still has fun from making new music and the melodies are again unpredictable and full of passion. Mr. Edge is on real Fire! Best tracks are Every Breaking Wave (classic tune with With OrTheir best album since 1997's POP. Didn't expect anything good from U2 after bland and predictable No Line On The Horizon. What a surprise! Songs Of Innocence is coherent and fresh album of band who still has fun from making new music and the melodies are again unpredictable and full of passion. Mr. Edge is on real Fire! Best tracks are Every Breaking Wave (classic tune with With Or Without You viibe), This is Where You Can Reach Me Now (vintage tune, kind of The Clash tribute) and Sleep Like Baby Tonight (Lemon-esque lullaby).… Expand
  30. theshankster
    Sep 15, 2014
    9
    As a big fan of U2, I was nothing short of thrilled with the free giveaway from Itunes. I don't care what the naysayers piss and moan about it, it's a nice surprise for those who've followed them over the last several decades.

    U2 have put together a cohesive album meant to be listened to as a whole. There are no honest to God hit singles immediately present. However, this feels    As a big fan of U2, I was nothing short of thrilled with the free giveaway from Itunes. I don't care what the naysayers piss and moan about it, it's a nice surprise for those who've followed them over the last several decades.

    U2 have put together a cohesive album meant to be listened to as a whole. There are no honest to God hit singles immediately present. However, this feels important on several levels. The first is how reminiscent it sounds to their older albums, like Unforgettable Fire and War. Not to say the sounds they've developed over their career aren't present here as well. There's something truly intimate and personable about this album. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Songs of Innocence is how scaled back it feels for a U2 album. Grandiose solos and rafter raising choruses have given way to surgical efficiency in the song writing. It is apparent that considerable care went in to the making of this album, and it is enjoyable in so many ways. They're still leading the pack in style and music making, not following the nauseating EMD trends. They're truly one of a kind, demonstrating it with seeming effortlessness in this latest offering.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2014
72
#72 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 17, 2014
    30
    Songs Of Innocence is stricken with lethargy, with a level of aspiration that extends as far as Coldplay and never explores further. [Nov 2014, p.93]
  2. Uncut
    Nov 11, 2014
    60
    Things get increasingly glum and disenchanted as the album grinds towards the cop-out of "The Troubles." [Dec 2014, p.81]
  3. AllMusic
    Oct 3, 2014
    60
    They want to be everything to everyone and, in attempting to do so, they've wound up with a record that appeals to a narrow audience: fellow travelers who either thrill at the spectacle or dig for the subtleties buried underneath the digital din.
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