Songs Of Innocence

9 Sep 2014802
The wait is over. Songs of Innocence, the new album, is here.

Got iTunes ? Take a listen.

Simply go to the Music app on your iOS device, or to your iTunes music library on your Mac or PC, and find 'Songs of Innocence' under the artist or album tab. The new album is in iCloud, just tap the track listing to start listening or tap the cloud icon to download. *

Songs of Innocence is set for worldwide release on October 13th. Today Apple are giving it to half a billion iTunes Store customers.

Not got an iTunes account? Create one here - the album will automatically appear in your library.

U2.com slipped into the studio a few days back where the band played us the new tracks and we were blown away. A kind of musical autobiography, the eleven new songs chart their earliest influences from 70s rock and punk to early 80s electronica and soul... and reveal how music changed everything. As Bono sings in the lead song, 'The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)' 'I woke up when the miracle occurred/ Heard a song that made some sense out of the world...'

Exploring themes of home and family, relationships and discovery, detailed liner notes fill out the picture with resonant stories, like one of the first gigs the teenage band got into.

'The 4 members of U2 went to see the Ramones playing in the state cinema in Dublin without thinking about how we were going to get in. we had no tickets and no money.. My best friend Guggi had a ticket and he snuck us through a side exit he pried open. The world stopped long enough for us to get on it. Even though we only saw half the show, it became one of the great nights of our life....'

Songs of Innocence was recorded in Dublin, London, New York and Los Angeles and is produced by Danger Mouse, along with Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Declan Gaffney and Flood. The album closes with 'The Troubles' featuring the distinctive vocals of Swedish indie singer-songwriter Lykke Li.

Here's the eleven tracks: The Miracle (of Joey Ramone), Every Breaking Wave, California (There Is No End To Love), Song For Someone, Iris (Hold Me Close), Volcano, Raised By Wolves, Cedarwood Road, Sleep Like A Baby Tonight, This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now, The Troubles.

On October 13th the physical release of Songs of Innocence comes with a 24-page booklet. A deluxe, gatefold double album, contains an acoustic session of songs from the album and four additional tracks: Lucifer's Hands, The Crystal Ballroom, The Troubles (Alternative version) and Sleep Like a Baby Tonight (Alternative Perspective Mix by Tchad Blake)

The album will also be available as a gatefold, double white-vinyl LP with an exclusive remix of "The Crystal Ballroom".

When you've given it a listen, get right back here and review Songs of Innocence for us in the comments below.

* 'Songs of Innocence' is already in your iTunes library, waiting for you to download.
On iOS
Open iTunes Store
Scroll down to Purchased
Select Recent Purchases
The album should be displayed there.

On Desktop iTunes
Open iTunes Store
Select Purchased [under Quick Links]
Select Music
Recent Purchases (make sure ‘All’ is selected)
The album should be displayed there.



Comments
802
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irishgull
Shivers
I haven't listened yet. I've only read some titles. Titles like Cedarwood Road or Iris (Hold me Close) give me such shivers. Love the intimacy of that. But I have to overcome those shivers and follow with the listening. I'll be back...
JustJuli
Surprised and happy, C U Soon!!
You did it - you surprised me with the new tunes all of a sudden! Very happy and now waiting for tour news! Thank you for all your music and bringing yourselves to us too.
Justo
so long fellas
What made U2, special was the raw, unbridled passion that evoked the heart and soul of people. That honesty, that essence and energy was a magnet to me, and many folks, and it brought me along for the ride for the last 25-30 years, but the music on the lasted album has gone retail. Great innings chaps. So long.
Grylva
Can't stop llistening to it!!!!
This album gets better with every listen. Like all U2 albums, whilst there are so many amazing tracks on it, the Album itself is even better than the sum of it's parts. How do they do it? LOVE IT! THANK YOU U2!!!!!!
carol18
Carol
First listening: I was at work and could only listen to snippets. Seemed pretty good. Second listening: It was late and it was past my bedtime so I was falling asleep but definitely caught so many layers and was completely transported. I couldn't wait to listen again. Third listening: I was on the subway to work and I really got how beautiful, moving and powerful (especially "Iris" which brought me to tears) this album is! I am so thankful and grateful!!
TonyWDink
Just thrilled!
Can't wait to get my hands on the vinyl copy!
JohnPatrick4
A great day finally arrives.
What a wonderful surprise and a very special day. The album is awesome. So happy. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
veritas
Bless you all for such a gracious gift..
Remember you?! Never forgotten you!! From the day I first heard you in 1980 to the present always have you guys in my heart and my prayers. Such a great album and such a great message woven through it. Thank you and bless you all. Cheers Ken
HiQi
THANK YOU!!!!!!
AMAZING!!!!!!!
Cecilette
So happy it comes
Just listen one Time, I loved the songs of the second part and i m so excited with the idea to see you in concert! Thank u U2 to give us these greats songs and moments. Love ~~~~~~~~~~~~ kisses
byderb
Father Christmas Bono!!!!
Hope all U2 fans are feeling still as excited as me even 24 hrs after being given the perfect gift. It's so strange how when u hear a new U2 album in the first few weeks, ur favourite songs constantly change. Today is Sleep like a baby tonight, and The troubles. Bono and the boys,u have finally united U2 fans the world over and we are in a happy place. Made my heart sing and my voice ready to scream out the songs on the tours. Goosebumps in anticipation!!!!
Italo-Man
Speechless Again
Every time I think...you can't get better than the last album...I'm proven wrong...I've been wrong for 30yrs
gdayllon
A blessing
My dream is coming. The next tour will change my life. Thanks for everything!
gdayllon
A blessing...
Bono, Adam, Edge and Larry, you guys are angels of God I can feel. My dream is coming. The next tour will change my life. Thanks for everything!
beachangel
Thank you!!
Thank you so much for this!! So loving it and so much more than I hoped for! You guys are the best!!
martymc
Sleep like a baby tonight...............
..........you must be kidding I can't get enough of this album. I can't work out my favourites. Ah well just another sleepless night ahead of me - perhaps tomorrow night I can sleep like a baby then!
Patty726
What a gift!
I listened to it in its entirety twice, in my car, my favorite place to listen to music, especially U2! I always know I'm listening to something special when it makes me accelerate ....... and today, Songs of Innocence did just that! Thank god the police were busy with other speed racers ..... they were probably listening too! A wonderful album with a lead singer that "sings like a girl"! I really feel like I was given an incredible gift! I'll accept it with many, many, thanks on behalf of myself, my husband, my 21 year old son and 16 year old daughter. My favorite tracks: The Troubles, Raised by Wolves & The Miracle(of Joey Ramone) but really, I'll have no favorite track soon! All the tracks bring a something special to the table ....... Thanksgiving came early! Thank you lads for a most wonderful gift! Can't wait to see you perform them! OXOXOXOXOXOXOX!
linoue1
Bonjour!
"in reply to http://www.u2.com/news/title/remember-us ..." Bonjour, Remember us? Heu... never forgot U. I must admit I was not your biggest fan in last few years but having tipped the scale at 192lbs last week, please consider me as a big fan of your music U2. Thank you very much for your music. :-)
emmalucy08
Big thankyou!!!!!
It's been 5 long years.... But well worth the wait the miracle is a great single knocks the spots off boots from NLOTH. The finished version of every breaking wave is awesome shame no finished version of North Star! (Maybe an acoustic one) on the soon to be purchased deluxe album!! Song for someone great.. In fact they all are and all who are complaining about they didn't want to receive this awesome FREE gift get a life!!!
dbrookmyre
Every Breaking Wave
Absolutely love this song - Going through a difficult time right now , and this song captures the heart of it. Had the pleasure to see the band in Dublin at the 360 tour. Life changing.. To the Hearts on our sleeves ! Ready for the next breaking wave,,,,,,
margaretengdahl9
The Troubles
Somebody step beside your soul.. No one else can take control
humorao
Shut Up, you fake prophets of the end!
Once again, these boys just sillenced bloody prophets! Bravo Adam, Larry, Edge and Bono!! Waiting for next unforgetable tour. See you than!
spinningheadnl
Love It...
Absolutely loving the new album, I love the feel of it. Love that I can hear old U2 mixed with a new modern take. Comments like "it's not a rock album" really piss me off...it's a damn fine pop album so get over it people. U2 have called themselves a pop band. Why people feel the need to label things is a mystery to me...at the end of the day good music is good music. I've been a fan for 30 years and I for one love this album. Let's hope Bono wasn't joking about Songs of Experience and we'll get to experience it real soon. Thanks again lads, it has made my day☺
karl20
karl20
Thx U2 love the new album Every breaking wave was from 360 tour and in the end Mercy and Scarlet were not on the new cd makes my copy of wide awake in europe more precious cant wait for the new tour i reckon indoor dates london 02 glasgow hydro etc....should be a great year 2015
Pier Luigi
thank you U2, FROM ITALY
GREAT ALBUM (but i don't like The Miracle) I think that "Song for someone" and "Iris" are really great songs and "Volcano"... explosive! I love U2 for free!!!
greatd8at
Want to listen to it 24/7
I love it!!!! Looking forward to October 13th to order the vinyl-album. Thank you so much!!! :-)
thedof
Gary Percy's review
U2 Songs Of Innocence The Release We had Radiohead offering In Rainbows for whatever you wanted to pay. Prince has given away CDs with Sunday newspapers of varying repute. The last offering from Jay Z was given digitally to a million samsung device owners. Beyoncé announced her last album with a few hours notice via twitter. U2 and apple made this album available for free to over 500million people with 5 seconds notice via iTunes. Wow. I don't recall a bigger surprise in the history of music. And I was there for it all. Watching and listening and waiting and tapping as it unfolded thanks to a tip off half an hour in advance from U2.com. The Title Thanks to my English Literature teacher at Colquit Street City of Liverpool Community College I am familiar with the genial works of William Blake. Songs of innocence and experience is mighty fine collection of poetry. Bono has said to expect Songs Of Innocence in the very near future. Blake and U2 share a passion for the bible and spirituality coupled with an almost total disdain for organised religion. The Competition No living band would pull this off. You know the other one who could... There's an ex Brooklyn crack dealer and a Chi-town fly boy wishing this could be them. To be fair big Jay has probably already congratulated his friends, collaborators and touring partners. Ye will put it down to racism. Coldplay are wondering just what they have to do. Release a Coldplay album would be a start, not a Chris Martin solo album! The Deal Part of a two year partnership that will change the way we access, listen to and watch music. U2 and apple have history of course with the Vertigo commercial and signed limited edition iPods - the first (RED) product. This isn't about little people donating little money. This is about huge corporations gifting huge sums towards the fight against AIDS. Nothing wrong with that and I take great umbrage with anyone who does have a problem with it or question the motives of anyone involved. The Sound For me it is U2s most 80s sounding record, despite being the undisputed band of the 80s and releasing 6 studio albums during that decade!  It sounds like how their 4th album would've sounded if produced by Giorgio Moroder and Chris Thomas instead of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The oh oh ohs during the opener reminiscent of Angels Too Tied To The Ground (a b side from that period). It still sounds fresh and modern with an almost unbelievable youthful vigour and energy. It's how I wanted it to sound after hearing how The Stokes, The Killers, Coldplay, Arcade Fire and Daft Punk have gone in that direction over the last couple of years. But this isn't U2 following a trend or wanting to sound like anyone else. Just like Alex Salmond says 'it's our pound', this is U2s sound and they cultivated it and honed it back in the day. The aforementioned bands are influenced by U2, Joy Division, Echo & The Bunnymen and Simple Minds. Just like U2 are influenced by The Ramones, The Clash, Kraftwerk and Television. The Songs The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) opens proceedings and sets the tone for some sonically amazing stuff over the next 48 minutes. Jagged guitars and a driving rhythm send it up and bring it back down again before heading for the killer coda - your voices will be heard. Every breaking wave was played a few times on the final leg of the 360 tour and sounds great on record. Like the older, cooler cousin to Coldplays recent hit Magic. It is said that apple is often late to the party with its innovations (note the recent watch) but then takes them in a different direction and makes it better forever. This band did that post punk. This band did that with stadium rock. This band did that with this song. California (There Is No End To Love) completes the opening trio and like so many of their previous albums is mighty impressive. It sounds like it's made for the radio or a concert but in a good way - not a Crazy Tonight or Get On Your Boots way! Song For Someone slows things down for the first time with Bono and The Edge singing in perfect harmony. Is that a little nod to The Smiths in there? As far as I'm aware it's working title was Morleigh's Song or Song For Morleigh and was sung solo by The Edge for his wife. Iris (Hold Me Close) I can hear on a dance floor and finds Bono singing about the mother he lost during adolescence. U2 often front load their albums and even an aficionado like myself can get bored mid way through 'side 2' (see Pop and All That You Can't Leave behind). But there is no chance of that as the next 2 numbers complete the best middle trio on a U2 album since Staring At The Sun, Last Night On Earth and Gone. Volcano is a punchy up tempo rocker in the vein of Wire. Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr are in perfect sync almost playing lead just like back in the day. Raised By Wolves sound like Duran Duran fronted by Gavin Friday! Or Virgin Prunes fronted by Simon Le Bon! Sounds to me like a homage to The Lypton Village crew and perhaps a belated goodbye to Shalom. Cedarwood Road and we're taken down the street on which Paul Hewson grew up on and beyond as Dave Evans riffs away as if he's in Led Zeppelin! Jimmy Page is one of only a handful of 'guitar heroes' he respects and admires. Sleep Like A Baby Tonight starts off with a Kraftwerk heartbeat and when the distorted guitars battle for supremacy I can imagine the daylight turning to darkness in the middle of a football stadium next summer. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now opens with a choral chant as if to show Eno and Lanois that they still love them! It then talks about beat surrender and begins with the former Artane Boys Band drummers most martial beat since Sunday Bloody Sunday. Sounds like a bit of anti English sentiment in there. Perfectly fine by me of course. I'm not English, I'm Scouse! The Troubles is a beautiful closer enhanced by strings and the haunting vocals of Lykke Li. You don't need me to explain the subject matter. The Criticism Not a lot from me. I just would've liked a bit more weirdness a la Original Soundtracks 1 or some of the Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark stuff. There's a bit and we're probably not getting any more due to Larry! Well it is his band I suppose. Too much of the same thing though and you end up with a dirge like Monster by R.E.M. Though Arctic Monkeys latest has a very similar sound throughout and is top drawer. The Producers DangerMouse, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Declan Gaffney and Flood. As long as it's the album U2 wanted to make that's fine by me. Multiple producers is nothing new for them and isn't unusual anymore especially in hip hop. Yeezus produced by Daft Punk, Bon Ivor fella, NoID and big Rick Rubin came in late on to bring it all together. The Reaction Largely positive. In terms of the tie up and the music though one of the many things I've learnt from Kanye is that it's important, vital even, to have an equal amount of haters! Suggested other reading... The Daily Telegraph The Guardian The Daily Mirror Time New York Times Billboard Rolling Stone Bono's letter on U2.com Pen pics / liner notes on iTunes The Future A tour? Indoors and outdoors? More apple surprises. The physical formats will be a treat. Songs Of Experience needs to come out sooner rather than later! Then another before the end of the decade. 3 early 80s, 3 mid / late 80s, 3 90s, 3 noughties. That would keep a nice symmetry to things! Whatever, they can do what they want when they want. I don't actually believe it's taken over 5 years. The last tour didn't finish until late 2011 after being delayed for the singer to have emergency surgery on his back to stop possible paralysis. Then just over a year off. Then just over a year for this ;-) To any naysayers who say U2 are 'trying' to be punk - U2 are punk despite being post punk. U2 were a crew before they were a band. U2 were a band before they could play. U2 could play before they could write songs. U2 have written a great many of the best songs of all time. U2 are still making records that are better than their contemporaries were at their peak and have long since disappeared into obscurity. U2 are making records that sit comfortably in my collection next to recent releases by artists currently cruising the zeitgeist. Bono often thanks fans 'for giving us a great life'. If I ever meet U2 I would like to thank them for giving me a great life. To quote U2.com - the wait is over. Gary Percy - 9/9/14.
richy74
1st listen
Brilliant brilliant brilliant love it
claire17
Back to the roots
Dear 4 fantastic irish, you've made my day! "Songs of innocence" took me on a journey to your first albums with more contemporary sounds and I loved it. There's so much to say (and I only listened to it once actually:)!). It's an emotional, energetic, surprising, rocky, electronic, up and down, moving piece of work. And, oh my god, the lyrics... they directly talk to the heart. More than ever. I like every single song of this album. It was the same for the UFO "No line on the horizon". But i must say "Every breaking wave" broke my heart. Thank you : my heart is even more open now;)! Merci.
Gianmatteo
Thank you!
Thank you very much. Great morning present! Can't wait to get the physical release on Oct 13!
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