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. ArturJFC
    Sep 10, 2014
    0
    Simply horrible. I was took by surprise when I saw that their album was a part of my music on my iPhone. I decided to give it a try and I found myself not recognizing U2. It almost seems like they accepted this deal with Apple because they know that the album sucked.
    Super Disappointing.
  2. dmbhummer
    Jun 16, 2015
    1
    Pathetic album by a big band! I really hope U2 try again in the upcoming album.
    Even the release strategy was ridiculous. They can sell records, don't need to put it down our throat as they did.
  3. numcrun2
    Oct 3, 2014
    2
    Entirely forgettable, not a single on it. You will not hear this on the radio. The Stones wrote their last classic tracks 40 years ago; apparently U2 has passed into that phase too.
  4. ghoti666
    Oct 8, 2014
    1
    Oh dear, what a timid and nondescript album !

    U2 have long ago left their grandiosity and pomposity behind (which was nevertheless entertaining) and have for last 4 albums settled-down for sensible and dull "proper" songs. Mostly over-produced. A few good songs start well then just fizzle-out. They can't decide what they want to be. If they want to release a low-key personal album -    Oh dear, what a timid and nondescript album !

    U2 have long ago left their grandiosity and pomposity behind (which was nevertheless entertaining) and have for last 4 albums settled-down for sensible and dull "proper" songs.
    Mostly over-produced. A few good songs start well then just fizzle-out.

    They can't decide what they want to be. If they want to release a low-key personal album - then don't use a publicity stunt with Apple to foist it onto listeners !

    Do they think that Joey Ramone would want to listen to this album??    … Expand
  5. leezy
    Sep 18, 2014
    1
    Really disappointed by this effort. I was expecting the hard-hitting, darker, post-punk rock and roll that U2 is known for and was met with a syrupy, half-hearted effort. Raised By Wolves had an intriguing title, and could have been a song like Vertigo. Extremely disappointed, I expect more out of Songs Of Experience.
  6. antmolly1995
    Sep 16, 2014
    1
    The trouble with U2 is that they are lionized to such a degree that many critics and fans alike just fail to see that they have been 'treading water' for a very long time now.

    If utterly soulless corporate rock is your cup of tea then you are going to love this album, otherwise I suggest you look elsewhere.
  7. intruder313
    Sep 13, 2014
    3
    Painfully bland, literally fell asleep before reaching the end.

    And yes, I only have it because it was free. U2 have been massively overrated for decades.
  8. geedup
    Sep 10, 2014
    3
    Im not a U2 fan, but when they put out an album I will give it a listen. Considering it is a "freebee" it matched my expectations-you get what you pay for. There is nothing on this album I "get." There is not a song i would enjoy listening to again and again. I am glad I didn't pay 1 cent for it.
  9. lenny68
    Sep 10, 2014
    1
    I think its appropriate that this album is being given away, because it's utterly worthless. I have never been a fan of U2 or their arena/corporate rock, but this plumbing new depths IMHO.

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.
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