Songs of Experience
by U2
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 191 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 191
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 191
  3. Negative: 40 out of 191
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  1. revanb
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    U2 evolves from album to album, never settling to do quite the same thing twice.

    Songs of Experience is a slightly dark, but joyous and thrilling experience. Qualities that endeared the masterpiece which is Achtung Baby to me. Songs of Experience has the same effect, achieved it in a new way.

    Another masterpiece!
  2. originalfoo
    Jan 12, 2018
    9
    A vastly underrated effort. In my opinion, among their best work without Eno or Lanois. Less bloated than its far inferior predecessor -- they are not trying to pull a hit single out of every track "Revolver" style. Also it feels as their most "edge" album since Zooropa. Very satisfying!
  3. Music_Observer
    Dec 21, 2017
    7
    U2 continue to do what they’ve always done and find inspiration through politics and love, though this individual passion project shows an absence of musical care and reliance on intuition over potential, which still produced some forceful choruses and nice delicate guitar textures to make it more enjoyable than much of today’s popular market. My Score: 129/180 (Good) = 7.2/10
  4. egreiner
    Dec 6, 2017
    10
    The biggest issue with this album is the production, which partially strips the band of its 'U2ness' in pursuit of a more pop sound. Perhaps some of the lyrics are also a bit much. However, the songs here are still overwhelmingly U2, and written in the anthemic way only U2 can manage. I agree with a critic who cited this as a "late career classic"; the songs draw fittingly upon the soundThe biggest issue with this album is the production, which partially strips the band of its 'U2ness' in pursuit of a more pop sound. Perhaps some of the lyrics are also a bit much. However, the songs here are still overwhelmingly U2, and written in the anthemic way only U2 can manage. I agree with a critic who cited this as a "late career classic"; the songs draw fittingly upon the sound that U2 has developed and perfected over the past 40 years. U2, and more particularly Bono, have no shortage of critics. However for the moaning that one hears about them 'selling out' theres an impressive lack of evidence. I have never seen a band stick more closely to it's guns after such a long career than U2.… Expand
  5. MES
    Dec 15, 2017
    9
    I'm sort of shocked by some of the haters out there. While I'm not a huge U2 fan, I am a fan of well-constructed, thoughtful and tuneful music. U2 scores on all three counts. While I liked No Line and Songs of Innocence, this album is far superior. There is almost no filler (not a fan of Landlady, but some good lyrics). The rest of the songs boast compelling lyrics, catchy melodiesI'm sort of shocked by some of the haters out there. While I'm not a huge U2 fan, I am a fan of well-constructed, thoughtful and tuneful music. U2 scores on all three counts. While I liked No Line and Songs of Innocence, this album is far superior. There is almost no filler (not a fan of Landlady, but some good lyrics). The rest of the songs boast compelling lyrics, catchy melodies and unassailable musicianship. I consider this album one of the top 10 of the year. It doesn't break any molds or trailblaze like the work of Kendrick Lamar (who appears on this album), David Bowie or Frank Ocean, but this is U2 at the top of their game and no one can argue that their game is anything less than stellar. I think history will view this album as one of their strongest ones.....but then, history is slow to pass any judgments.… Expand
  6. Ricko
    Apr 6, 2018
    9
    The internet would have you believe U2 are the most hated band in the world. Their ticket sales and to a slighty lesser extent, album sales suggest another story. I liked many elements of its predecessor, "Songs of Innocence" although I felt the songs came across far better when played live than on the record with a mix of producers resulting in a inconsistent feel. Having been a huge fanThe internet would have you believe U2 are the most hated band in the world. Their ticket sales and to a slighty lesser extent, album sales suggest another story. I liked many elements of its predecessor, "Songs of Innocence" although I felt the songs came across far better when played live than on the record with a mix of producers resulting in a inconsistent feel. Having been a huge fan for 20 years plus I was always going to be looking forward to this album even though I can't say I was blown away by the first 2 singles (the albums only truly poor song "The Blackout" and the sanitised Stones sounding "You're The Best Thing About Me"). I did like "Get Out Of Your Own Way" though and when I finally got to hear the full album I found the rest of the material far more interesting and emotive. "The Little Things That Give You Away" ranks among the bands best songs and the album deserves to be heard for this track alone. "Lights of Home", "Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" and "Landlady" are other tracks that build to a point where the listener is truly sucked in. "Summer of Love" and "Red Flag Day" at the centre of the album are other highlights. Essentially, if you took off a few of the lead singles, the album demonstrates a surprising level of brilliance considering how many miles are on the clock for the band. In summary, it's not perfect and it's not necessarily fresh but it does have some of their strongest work in decades. Unusually for these lads, the second half of the album is the stronger side in my own humble opinion. It's bursting with tunes and melody and I love that. Music is all about enjoyment and "Songs of Experience" has bought me a lot of that.… Expand
  7. dcmedo0
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    What a beautiful album this is. Full of great melodies, lyrics and vocals. No band should be writing songs this good 40 years into their career. Bono sings like a 20 year old on this record. The Edge does a great job of holding the songs together with some very neat and minimalist guitar parts. The rhythm section sounds very solid, specially the bass parts. All in all I would say thisWhat a beautiful album this is. Full of great melodies, lyrics and vocals. No band should be writing songs this good 40 years into their career. Bono sings like a 20 year old on this record. The Edge does a great job of holding the songs together with some very neat and minimalist guitar parts. The rhythm section sounds very solid, specially the bass parts. All in all I would say this ranks as one of their best. One of the few albums I have liked on just the first listen. Stand out songs for me are the breathtaking "Little things that give you away" which I cannot get out my head right now. Some other highlights are "Love is all we have left", "Red flag day", "Landlady", "Summer of love" and "Lights of home".… Expand
  8. raciocinio
    Dec 14, 2017
    8
    Is like a "Guilty Pleasure" U2 Album, seeing the Standard of U2 Albums, and before others U2 Fans criticize me, i'm not even talking about U2 Very Famous Standard Quality albums like The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby.

    Because for me "All That You Can't Leave Behind" & "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is two U2 Masterpiece for 21st Century. But talking on the good side of this record, me    Is like a "Guilty Pleasure" U2 Album, seeing the Standard of U2 Albums, and before others U2 Fans criticize me, i'm not even talking about U2 Very Famous Standard Quality albums like The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby.

    Because for me "All That You Can't Leave Behind" & "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is two U2 Masterpiece for 21st Century. But talking on the good side of this record, me like "an old U2 fan" i see A Slight improvement against the last album SOI that for me and my family that also is huge old U2 fans is almost U2 "Rock Bottom", Songs Of Innocence is half saved of a total disaster thanks to 4 or 5 good songs what to make worse is basically on the first side of album.

    SOE is Slight improvement to SOI, and is almost on the Standard of NLOTH, But in Resume U2 still can not return to their his time of glory.

    Doesn't need to make another TJT or AB, like U2 most new fans wrongly thinks that "We Wanted" We that are U2 most critics fans of recent years and equally critics of their last albums.
    i clearly know that U2 still can not reach the High Standard that they reached in All That You Can't Leave Behind 2000 and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb 2004 albums.

    Apart for great lyrics of course tracks like "American Soul" "Lights of Home" "Raised by Wolves" "Volcano" "This is where you can reach me now" "Sleep Like a baby Tonight" is some of U2 "Worst songs of recent years". Very bad awful and uninspired melodies.

    Don't forget that U2 reach the Well Deserved slogan "of the Greatest and Best band of world", only because of their Great lyrics but also because of their Great and Beautiful melodies, and are in this last and highly important aspect that U2 Come Sinning Lately.    … Expand
  9. bevok
    Dec 12, 2017
    8
    I quite enjoyed the singles that preceded this album, and listening to it through its a cohesive album. The tracks have the classic U2 sound but with some contemporary touches and great tunes. The album rewards repeated listens. Standout tracks for me were "Love Is All We Have Left", "You're The Best Thing About Me", "Get Out of Your Own Way" and "Red Flag Day", but I don't think there areI quite enjoyed the singles that preceded this album, and listening to it through its a cohesive album. The tracks have the classic U2 sound but with some contemporary touches and great tunes. The album rewards repeated listens. Standout tracks for me were "Love Is All We Have Left", "You're The Best Thing About Me", "Get Out of Your Own Way" and "Red Flag Day", but I don't think there are any duds. There have been some negative reviews but from what I've seen they're either people who expected another Joshua Tree or alternatively some completely fresh new sound (unnamed). Listening on its own terms, a very enjoyable album.… Expand
  10. Jmoro
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    After a few lesser albums with NLOTH and SOI, U2 punches back with the late career classic that SOE is. While it doesn't contain any catchy hit single like Elevation or Vertigo, the album is very strong as a whole without any skip track. For me, the track American Soul is the worst of the record, but works well within the context of the album. Get out of your own way reminds of BeautifulAfter a few lesser albums with NLOTH and SOI, U2 punches back with the late career classic that SOE is. While it doesn't contain any catchy hit single like Elevation or Vertigo, the album is very strong as a whole without any skip track. For me, the track American Soul is the worst of the record, but works well within the context of the album. Get out of your own way reminds of Beautiful Day, while the finale of The little things that give you away reminds of the magnificent unreleased Mercy. The biggest winner from the album, however, is 13 (there is a light) which is U2's best album closer since Love is Blindness and is perhaps even better than that one.
    Of course, the album is not an Achtung Baby or a Joshua Tree, but that's something that no one could ever demand from a band that's already 40 years into business. Instead, SOE is a magnificent piece on its own, that should be cherished for what it is: A great cohesive album that 's produced by old rockers who still care about making great music. The many references to Songs of Innocence, some obvious (American Soul recycling parts of Volcano, 13 (there is a light) recycling parts of Song for Someone), some subtle (Lights of home, with lyrical connections to Iris) are very well done.
    When listening to the album, you will realise that the amount of emotions covered on this album is probably the largest U2 has ever covered on any album. And that's a big enough achievement for this album to get rated with 5 stars. Songs of Experience is therefore a truly joyful experience on its own, that should not let anyone with soul unmoved.    … Expand
  11. neonfeldman
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    This is the bands finest collection of songs in 20 years. While it doesn't hit the highest peaks, it also doesn't reach the low points we've seen in albums like ATYCLB, Bomb and No Line on the Horizon. The amazing part is that there are SO many very, very good songs, in fact, its nearly impossible to choose a favorite. And only about 2 songs that I find to be good, but not great.
    Its an    This is the bands finest collection of songs in 20 years. While it doesn't hit the highest peaks, it also doesn't reach the low points we've seen in albums like ATYCLB, Bomb and No Line on the Horizon. The amazing part is that there are SO many very, very good songs, in fact, its nearly impossible to choose a favorite. And only about 2 songs that I find to be good, but not great.
    Its an emotional album. Catchy songs with dark content, beautiful atmospheres we've not heard before.
    It's a late career classic    … Expand
  12. zainraza23
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    I was wary of this album based off the first few songs. Seemed slightly too commercial and overproduced. Upon listening to the album as a whole, my fears were unfounded. Coherent. Fresh. A Classic.
  13. hone_w
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    U2 have crafted their most lyrically, musically and emotionally nuanced album in 20 years.
    The collection of songs doesn’t only gloriously showcase U2’s return to form, but takes a new step forward that sees the band write songs that are deeply personal and musically and lyrically so perfectly married. It evoke emotions and expressions that i haven’t had listening to music in a long time    U2 have crafted their most lyrically, musically and emotionally nuanced album in 20 years.
    The collection of songs doesn’t only gloriously showcase U2’s return to form, but takes a new step forward that sees the band write songs that are deeply personal and musically and lyrically so perfectly married. It evoke emotions and expressions that i haven’t had listening to music in a long time and certainly not today in the age of over produced synthetic sounding music.

    U2’s finest work this century, after All that you can’t leave behind.    … Expand
  14. maxpouliot
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    Great album. Lots of great songs. Lights of Home, The Little Things That Give You Away and Landlady are superb songs. Album is a joy to listen and one of the best of 2017
  15. the5chord
    Dec 2, 2017
    9
    Very solid Album. Probably the best of the new millennium. Edge is in the background for most of this album which will put out some guitar gunslingers. If you can get past that there are some great tunes here. One of the best surprises for me was The Showman. U2 is the Tom Hanks of rock and roll. What they do seems so effortless we forget how hard it is to pull off.
  16. KleWdSide
    Dec 8, 2017
    8
    It's probably one of U2's best albums to come out in a while. For the first time in years, most of the songs are quite enjoyable and don't feel like filler. Since the "It's Cool to Hate U2" bandwagon still exists and iPhone users are still whining about freebie album from 3 years back, unfair criticisms are inevitable. There's also some fans that so naive to think a band that's been outIt's probably one of U2's best albums to come out in a while. For the first time in years, most of the songs are quite enjoyable and don't feel like filler. Since the "It's Cool to Hate U2" bandwagon still exists and iPhone users are still whining about freebie album from 3 years back, unfair criticisms are inevitable. There's also some fans that so naive to think a band that's been out for over 30 years will come out with an album on par with "The Joshua Tree" and "Actung Baby." So.... take the negative reviews with a grain of salt & listen to the album with realistic expectations.

    Songs to look out for: Lights of Home, Summer of Love, The Little Things That Give You Away, The Blackout, Love is Bigger than Anything In Its Way    … Expand
  17. DavidWasHere
    Dec 1, 2017
    7
    This album was much better than what I was anticipating. While the production neuters a lot of the rock crunch that could give the songs more impact and power and there are times where the band make concessions to pop sounds, it's a focused and at times rocking album, at least compared to the mess that was Songs of Innocence. I can't say that this is another War or Joshua Tree or even AllThis album was much better than what I was anticipating. While the production neuters a lot of the rock crunch that could give the songs more impact and power and there are times where the band make concessions to pop sounds, it's a focused and at times rocking album, at least compared to the mess that was Songs of Innocence. I can't say that this is another War or Joshua Tree or even All Things You Can't Leave Behind, it certainly does feel like U2 in their natural ballpark with the broad yet gospel-like lyrics, Bono's wide range as a vocalist, and the Edge's signature spaced out and minimal yet melodic guitar work. it does feel business as usual for these guys, but honestly I'll take it!… Expand
  18. FartyFartslot
    Dec 9, 2017
    8
    I love how the positive, yet constructive, reviews are the ones getting downvoted. Clearly orchestrated by members of the "I hate U2" bandwagon who have a goal to clearly undermine how most people really feel about it. Get a life...
  19. arikkfir
    Dec 1, 2017
    8
    Wonderful album, with earnest attempt from U2 to conquer the world [just one more time], and while despite trying, they haven't quite reached the stars - they've definitely picked the moon from the sky, and served it wrapped in a glamorous and optimistic wrap that lifts you up in its place.
  20. buckaroo
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    Love this album. Joyful, atmospheric and haunting all in one. Summer of Love, Little Things, Red Flag Day are standouts. Their best album of the 2000s.
  21. yetino
    Jan 2, 2018
    10
    U2s new records suffer from being constantly compared to either Achtung Baby or The Joshua Tree and hence such low ratings mostly from so called professional critiscs who wait for another breakthrough album. Whereas the lastest album proves that the band is still one of best in the world - relevant as ever. Beautifully crafted songs with powerful lyrics - pure pleasure to listen to,U2s new records suffer from being constantly compared to either Achtung Baby or The Joshua Tree and hence such low ratings mostly from so called professional critiscs who wait for another breakthrough album. Whereas the lastest album proves that the band is still one of best in the world - relevant as ever. Beautifully crafted songs with powerful lyrics - pure pleasure to listen to, especially after few listens as U2's albums always need time to be fully appreciated.
    Some complain that SoE is like listening to Coldplay - maybe the sound is a bit Coldplayish in its atmosphere but let us not forget that it was Coldplay that U2 inspired and they set off on their musical journey some twenty years later. The beautifully haunting and ambient Love is All we have left brings the memories of Unforgettable Fire and then it is almost every track that brings something from Achtung Baby, Joshua Tree or certainly SoI. The only track that sounds bit flat is American Soul, but it does not spoil the whole impression that it is yet another strong album of the band that brings joy and hope to millions of fans worldwide.    … Expand
  22. mariasiracuse5
    Dec 4, 2017
    10
    I have no words to express how beautiful this album is. It is the most vulnerable/authentic U2 has ever been. Bono's voice is majestic, his heart is open for everyone to see and feel. This surpassed my expectations. This album, in my opinion, has surpassed AB and JT to become my #1 favorite.
    This album is a new, fresher, more relevant U2. An emotional roller coaster. Beautiful    I have no words to express how beautiful this album is. It is the most vulnerable/authentic U2 has ever been. Bono's voice is majestic, his heart is open for everyone to see and feel. This surpassed my expectations. This album, in my opinion, has surpassed AB and JT to become my #1 favorite.
    This album is a new, fresher, more relevant U2. An emotional roller coaster. Beautiful soundscapes sprinkled with pain, joy, love, Jesus.    … Expand
  23. ArmandoJunior
    Dec 4, 2017
    10
    Wonderful album. Lots of great songs. This album is a joy to listen and one of the best of 2017. U2 have crafted their most lyrically, musically and emotionally nuanced album in 20 years. Congratulations U2
  24. Shades36
    Dec 5, 2017
    9
    Stunning album full of beautiful tunes loved the first 6 songs instantly & honestly wasn't fussed on the second half of the album but after about 10 listens it really has snuck up on me & my god I can't get enough of it every time you listen to it a new sound will catch your attention & make it even better my favourite's at the moment are love is all we have left.lights of home.littleStunning album full of beautiful tunes loved the first 6 songs instantly & honestly wasn't fussed on the second half of the album but after about 10 listens it really has snuck up on me & my god I can't get enough of it every time you listen to it a new sound will catch your attention & make it even better my favourite's at the moment are love is all we have left.lights of home.little things that give you away landlady & bonus track the book of your heart what a gem… Expand
  25. tandream
    Dec 17, 2017
    10
    Their best album from 2004. This album contains the real U2 band without any contamination and reassume all their best in any song you could listen to. Very appreciated and a great surprise. The Bono Vox testament of his music and voice.
  26. chucavox
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    Fourteenth album, fourteen best tracks. New hymns for a collection that features more than one hundred and fourteen songs. P.S love, love, love Book Of Your Heart ....for me, the number one...Others:The Little Things That Give You Away. Red Flag Day. Summer Of Love, Get Out Of Your Own Way, Lights Of Home....complicated to choose.
  27. JaggedLittlePil
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    U2 managed successfully to make again a great album. We can't compare Songs Of Experience to their old masterpieces like War or Achtung Baby, they belong to an old and far past. Songs of Experience is about this world, it talks about it in its lyrics and its music and it does it in a great way. Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way, The Little Things That Give You Away and 13 areU2 managed successfully to make again a great album. We can't compare Songs Of Experience to their old masterpieces like War or Achtung Baby, they belong to an old and far past. Songs of Experience is about this world, it talks about it in its lyrics and its music and it does it in a great way. Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way, The Little Things That Give You Away and 13 are masterpieces and Red Flag Day, with their typical '80s sound is just the best uptempo from a lot of time. I totally love it, I totally love the "new" U2.… Expand
  28. guilherme_soi
    Dec 10, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Songs Of Experience is perfect in all the ways. The lyrics, the songs... Is a complete journey to U2's world. The Little Things That Give You Away is one of the most beautiful songs by U2 of all time for example. I'm so glad to be a fan of this guys… Expand
  29. hasin73
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    The best U2 album of the last 20 years of their amazing career. The highlights : Little Things, Landlady, Lights of Home, Blackout, 13, Summer of Love & Love is Bigger than anything. But other songs are also better than 99% of today's chart-topping songs. U2 will endure for years to come.
  30. Pao_fin
    Dec 10, 2017
    9
    A bit less rock than what I'd have liked but it's still a great album. As usual with U2 the best part is the lyrics and this album delivers and delivers. Together with a couple of forgettable ultra pop songs, there're many others that send shivers down your spine. Given the due time they'll probably be the band's new classics.
    Landlady and Lights of Home, just to name a few, will be    A bit less rock than what I'd have liked but it's still a great album. As usual with U2 the best part is the lyrics and this album delivers and delivers. Together with a couple of forgettable ultra pop songs, there're many others that send shivers down your spine. Given the due time they'll probably be the band's new classics.
    Landlady and Lights of Home, just to name a few, will be really something to remember when played live.
    Looking forward to the next tour!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2017
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Record Collector
    Jan 5, 2018
    60
    The emotional climax of The Little Things That Give You Away is one of several moments that promise more than the album as a whole can deliver.
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  2. Spin
    Dec 19, 2017
    60
    Songs of Experience, clicks into place more boldly than Songs of Innocence did three years ago. Tempos are alert, riffs punchy, melodies sharp. ... It’s also too bad the album’s second half gets stuck in pensive midtempo mode and never recovers.
    Read full review
  3. Clash Music
    Dec 12, 2017
    70
    It may not even share the same ambition as ‘No Line On The Horizon’ however, it’s an undeniable improvement on their two misfiring predecessors, marking this collection as their most cohesive and heartfelt in almost 15 years.
    Read full review
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