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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. zainraza23
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent album. A poignantly beautiful collection of cohesive songs - which is a pleasant surprise. Haters will always be there. No point worrying over their drivel… Expand
  2. ondersma80
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    If you don't get U2 you probably won't get most of this album. It has a few obviously good songs that can be enjoyed by all, but you really have to understand the band to get the whole album. Songs of Innocence is reflective of the band's (specifically Bono it seems) early days finding themselves, finding a place in the world, living first experiences, and love. It has a followupIf you don't get U2 you probably won't get most of this album. It has a few obviously good songs that can be enjoyed by all, but you really have to understand the band to get the whole album. Songs of Innocence is reflective of the band's (specifically Bono it seems) early days finding themselves, finding a place in the world, living first experiences, and love. It has a followup "sister" album coming called Songs of Experience which will likely create a full circle and possibly a final album release.… Expand
  3. moscardino
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    Very much like a mix of good old U2 with a modern approach, This is one of U2's best, I've loved it. Though Song for someone is guilty of being a bland acoustic ballad every other song hits all the right notes and despite the mix up of genres the band never has tonal inconsistencies. Catchy, expertly crafted and better than almost everything on the charts right now, this is a must have.
  4. DrSmoker
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    An exceptional return to form. While there is a freshness to the tracks that lacked on recent albums, there are characteristic U2 moments throughout. The first truly polished album since Achtung Baby. Thank God they took their time.
  5. 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
  6. cjboog
    Sep 11, 2014
    9
    U2's latest sounds fresh and colorful - it is their most musically textured and sonically appealing album since the 90's. It sticks to what they do best which is rock - but with so many beautiful layers, sounds and styles. Yet, the album feels oddly cohesive.

    It doesn't quite have the feel of a classic like Achtung Baby or Joshua Tree, but is another solid entry into their late-career    U2's latest sounds fresh and colorful - it is their most musically textured and sonically appealing album since the 90's. It sticks to what they do best which is rock - but with so many beautiful layers, sounds and styles. Yet, the album feels oddly cohesive.

    It doesn't quite have the feel of a classic like Achtung Baby or Joshua Tree, but is another solid entry into their late-career canon which has shown them capable of making compelling, grand rock music even as old farts. "Every Breaking Wave" simply gives me goosebumps, the chorus is sublime. For me it is already an all-time great U2 song. Songs of Innocence is growing on me with each listen. Other highlights are Iris and The Troubles. This album proves they are still the greatest rock band around and can still make great music no matter how much they doubt themselves or the U2-haters continue to spew nonsense on the internet.    … Expand
  7. hwedel
    Sep 11, 2014
    8
    While not the complete rebirth we may have been promised, U2 has given its fans something to finally smile about. Songs like "Raised by Wolves" and "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" harken back to the musical style of the bands early days, a welcome sight after the heavy texturization found in 2007's No Line on the Horizon. Yet the band lets down on its promise of the kind of rebirth found inWhile not the complete rebirth we may have been promised, U2 has given its fans something to finally smile about. Songs like "Raised by Wolves" and "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" harken back to the musical style of the bands early days, a welcome sight after the heavy texturization found in 2007's No Line on the Horizon. Yet the band lets down on its promise of the kind of rebirth found in 1991"s Achtung Baby. The chourses are ambitions, ones are comfortably in the U2 niche of filling stadiums. But even if it isn't as radical as Achtung Baby, its a welcome sight to have U2 back in its own comfort zone, the arena filling bombastic sound. Because this is where we find U2 at its best. The songs even get better after carefully analyzing the musicianship of the band, and its clear they are still at the top of their game on this front. So what do we have? Is it the most revolutionary album U2 has created? No. But it rapidly catapults the band back to relevance and shows they can still dominate the game they created.… Expand
  8. troglodrew
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    This album is much more complicated (both musically and lyrically) then it seems at first glance (like most U2 albums). I really like the whole Sirens/crashing against the shore imagery mixed with the autobiographical stuff (The Clash & Ramones = Sirens, Bono/U2 = doomed sailors, etc.)

    The music is, as per U2's standards, excellent. Once again, what at first may seem like a standard    This album is much more complicated (both musically and lyrically) then it seems at first glance (like most U2 albums). I really like the whole Sirens/crashing against the shore imagery mixed with the autobiographical stuff (The Clash & Ramones = Sirens, Bono/U2 = doomed sailors, etc.)

    The music is, as per U2's standards, excellent. Once again, what at first may seem like a standard rock song, turns into something that rivals something Tony Banks may have written. I think you have to listen to this album at least 10 times all the way through with lyrics in hand before you can really get the complete picture.

    Bono's mom is to U2 what Roger Waters' father is to Pink Floyd. The "dark star" that she,once again, represents is the theme of the album.

    Best songs: Every Breaking Wave, California, Sleep Like a Baby Tonight, The Troubles    … Expand
  9. dcmedo0
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    This is a wonderful album! I'm surprised by so many negative reviews. People have got used to music with out good melodies or lyrics, and when they actually here music with this, they dont know what to make of it ...
  10. AndyP73
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    First off, if you look at the negative user reviews, most are just complaining about how they don't like U2. So this section is skewed. It's a very, very good album.
  11. revnathanhart
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    The biggest surprise of the launch of U2’s new album isn’t the way it was released—it’s how good the songs are.

    It has been five long years since No Line On The Horizon, an album with some great moments but one which also revealed a band in artistic decline. In those five years, they knew they were one more misstep away from irrelevance. The reports weren’t hopeful: a new producer here,    The biggest surprise of the launch of U2’s new album isn’t the way it was released—it’s how good the songs are.

    It has been five long years since No Line On The Horizon, an album with some great moments but one which also revealed a band in artistic decline. In those five years, they knew they were one more misstep away from irrelevance. The reports weren’t hopeful: a new producer here, a scrapped album concept there. They seemed “stuck in a moment that they can’t get out of”, finally crushed under the weight of their own ponderousness.

    So on September 9, 2014, when the band surprisingly released Songs of Innocence for free at Apple’s gargantuan iPhone 6 product launch, I was only sure of one thing: the music would be worth the price I paid for it.

    Before I heard the songs, I noticed a clue that they might be special. On the release day, Bono said that in fact the album had been paid for, just not by the listeners. Apple Corporation paid the price. “I don’t believe in free music,” Bono said, “music is a sacrament.”

    The power of Songs of Innocence is found within its sacramental atmosphere. There are holy moments throughout. With very personal and vulnerable lyrics, Bono has (probably temporarily) laid down his political megaphone. It feels less like a prophetic diatribe and more like a prayer of confession.    … Expand
  12. rodrigo_77
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    Just listened through the whole record on proper headphones & wow, it's almost like hearing for it for the first time again. There's so much detail & the dynamics of the band are wonderful.

    I also realised that there is absolutely nothing I'd change about SOI. I can't even remember the last time I felt that way about a U2 album apart from Achtung Baby. They have genuinely gone &    Just listened through the whole record on proper headphones & wow, it's almost like hearing for it for the first time again. There's so much detail & the dynamics of the band are wonderful.

    I also realised that there is absolutely nothing I'd change about SOI. I can't even remember the last time I felt that way about a U2 album apart from Achtung Baby.

    They have genuinely gone & created something special here.    … Expand
  13. hasin73
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    The best U2 album since ACHTUNG BABY in the sense that there is no weak song or filler in this album. Upon first 3 or 4 hearings, the stand-out songs are Every Breaking Wave, Song For Someone, The Troubles, Iris (Hold Me Close), and Raised By Wolves.
  14. 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
  15. KND
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    As a long term fan I think it's one of their best albums because of the meaning behind each song. Such a personal and emotive album, it touches me to the core.

    The production is slick, the songs are catchy (I already know most words after eight listens), and I can already hear how some songs will be played in big arenas. Undecided as to whether there are any massive radio success    As a long term fan I think it's one of their best albums because of the meaning behind each song. Such a personal and emotive album, it touches me to the core.

    The production is slick, the songs are catchy (I already know most words after eight listens), and I can already hear how some songs will be played in big arenas.

    Undecided as to whether there are any massive radio success songs on the album, which I know is important to the band. I played it in the office today (to non U2 fans) and they actually liked most songs. Hopefully that's a good sign.    … Expand
  16. bono212
    Sep 11, 2014
    8
    Unfortunately, I'm sure my username predisposes my affections towards the band, so please don't dismiss the review out of hand. I've been following the band for a long time, and I've seen them grasp at success so tightly, in this last decade, not realizing, they'd already lost it. But here, they did something truly unique to their catalogue, and threw out their past conventions, focusingUnfortunately, I'm sure my username predisposes my affections towards the band, so please don't dismiss the review out of hand. I've been following the band for a long time, and I've seen them grasp at success so tightly, in this last decade, not realizing, they'd already lost it. But here, they did something truly unique to their catalogue, and threw out their past conventions, focusing instead *on* their past. It works brilliantly. A story that starts wide-eyed and innocent follows the production path down into the depths of all that is evil in the hearts of men: Controversy in the Catholic Church, death, religious warfare, anger, war, and somehow battling your own demons down deep enough that the light, in the end, can win out.

    It's pretty deep for a U2 that's so recently *tried* to be deep and it seems like it comes across incredibly naturally. I'm pleased, at any rate.

    Sure, there are a few problems, here and there: Volcanoes and Raised by Wolves are almost *too* frenetic and the exclusion of Invisible is nearly unforgivable, but entirely possible to overlook, in the long run.

    At any rate, I'm sure pleased.    … Expand
  17. dare
    Sep 10, 2014
    8
    this is by far most cohesive and enjoyable record since pop, there are maybe only two songs that are not so great (The Miracle, California) the rest of it is pure delight
  18. jimlefferts
    Sep 11, 2014
    10
    "Songs of Innocence" is the best album of the year and U2's best since Achtung Baby. This album cannot be judged on a casual first listen as there are layers and textures that appear with repeated listenings. "California" and "Volcano" are among the best pop singles in U2's catalog, "The Miracle" is "Drift Away" for a generation that grew up on punk rock and new wave, a tribute to rock"Songs of Innocence" is the best album of the year and U2's best since Achtung Baby. This album cannot be judged on a casual first listen as there are layers and textures that appear with repeated listenings. "California" and "Volcano" are among the best pop singles in U2's catalog, "The Miracle" is "Drift Away" for a generation that grew up on punk rock and new wave, a tribute to rock music; "This is Where" is a similar tribute to the Clash. "Iris", "The Troubles", "Raised by Wolves" are meatier album cuts dealing with growing up in Northern Ireland and finding one's identity. "Every Breaking Wave" is an anthem of profound simplicity, a nod to Blake, daring us to be ourselves and not to let fear and social pressure define us - one of U2's finest efforts yet. "Songs" represents U2 fully embracing modern production capabilities (and producers) to enhance some of their strongest songs to date.… Expand
  19. Wills
    Sep 14, 2014
    10
    This is perhaps U2s most complete album. With not a single bad song. The band sounds fresh and there is truly something personal and genuine about this album. Haters will hate, but the ones that really appreciate U2s music are in for 50 or so fantastic minutes.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. MountTemple76
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    Probably the greatest album since Achtung Baby.A lot of shades from U2's early years and from The Clash,Led Zep,The Ramones ... even the Beach boys ! But still it has a freshness to it.Like all U2's album it grows on you the more you listen to it but still it is the first album in a while that i don't skip some songs.There are some very atmospheric moments , Some very solid rock songs andProbably the greatest album since Achtung Baby.A lot of shades from U2's early years and from The Clash,Led Zep,The Ramones ... even the Beach boys ! But still it has a freshness to it.Like all U2's album it grows on you the more you listen to it but still it is the first album in a while that i don't skip some songs.There are some very atmospheric moments , Some very solid rock songs and some nice riffs from Edge.… Expand
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Zadeus
    Sep 10, 2014
    8
    A breath fresh air, not just the same old U2. I've listened through a few times now and I'm liking it more and more every time. I can't say I love every song equally, but there are definitely some good ones here being added to the U2 song catalog.
  27. KleWdSide
    Sep 10, 2014
    8
    Probably U2's best album since "All That You Can't Leave Behind." Don't listen to the negative reviews. It's just from trolls who simply dislike U2 due to Bono's political convictions & that the fact that they feel threatened by someone who's far more talented & successful than they'll ever be.
  28. RayLanta
    Sep 13, 2014
    8
    Three years after wrapping up the highest-grossing, most-attended concert tour in history, U2 give the world the widest release of any record in history. This is exactly what we expect of U2: grand statements on a grand scale! But how is the record?

    As a fan of U2 since War, I am very pleased with this release. Will history remember it as being as good as "Joshua" or "Achtung?"    Three years after wrapping up the highest-grossing, most-attended concert tour in history, U2 give the world the widest release of any record in history. This is exactly what we expect of U2: grand statements on a grand scale! But how is the record?

    As a fan of U2 since War, I am very pleased with this release. Will history remember it as being as good as "Joshua" or "Achtung?" Probably not, and that's the dilemma that comes with having recorded two of the most well-loved records in rock history - you will always be compared to those insurmountable heights and come up wanting in comparison.

    While not U2 at their absolute best, Songs of Innocence is a very, very good record that - for U2 fans - will likely be a "grower." Without exception, the songs are all solid, but they won't win over legions of new fans with this set of tunes. People who complain that the record being background music or filler are not patient enough to understand what U2 are doing here. With dozens, perhaps hundreds, of unreleased songs from the past 10 years, they could have gone in many directions with the new record. Rather than release a new record designed to go toe-to-toe with the legacy of The Joshua Tree or Achtung! Baby (i.e. Greatest Hits 3), they made a very personal record. It took them over 5 years to make this, so it may take the average listener a while to really absorb it.

    I have to admit that I didn't really "get" Zooropa for about 5 years. It took almost two years for "No Line" to really sink into me. Songs of Innocence is that kind of record, but that's exactly what will give it staying power for the patient listener. While it lacks the immediacy of "All That You Can't Leave Behind," there are immediate hooks to be sure. California is the most radio-friendly song on this record, on par with Vertigo and Magnificent. Volcano, Song for Someone, and The Miracle will likely become concert staples. (I can't wait to hear "Song for Someone" live! The Troubles is one of the best album-closers U2 have ever given us.

    Having survived and thrived for nearly 4 decades in the fickle world of popular music, U2 are nothing if not visionary. I am eager to see how this record fits into U2's larger plans. I would be unsurprised if U2 released a second record before their next world tour, and only then can Songs of Innocence be understood in context. If they don't release another record before the next tour, and if this record intended to represent the next half-decade or so of U2's focus and energy, most of us longtime fans will be quite satisfied with how Songs of Innocence fits into their legacy.

    I intend to purchase the physical release next month. Yes, it's that good!    … Expand
  29. 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
  30. andrea_91
    May 13, 2016
    10
    One of the decade's best albums! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »