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. 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
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. alexandrefenot
    Dec 3, 2017
    10
    Probably one the best album of U2 and for sure the best since How to dismantle an atomic bomb. After the semi deception of Songs of innocence this album is s slap in the face , a reminder that U2 is still here and capable of transporting you far far away . You can ear all the band , voice guitar bass drums. It s a perfect combination . Summer of love gives you goos bumps and red flag dayProbably one the best album of U2 and for sure the best since How to dismantle an atomic bomb. After the semi deception of Songs of innocence this album is s slap in the face , a reminder that U2 is still here and capable of transporting you far far away . You can ear all the band , voice guitar bass drums. It s a perfect combination . Summer of love gives you goos bumps and red flag day sounds like the Old days of Sunday bloody sunday. i am Speechless , for me the best rock album for the past 15 years , a master piece , a musical jewel to listen again and again ..........… Expand
  8. bonneria
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    Every u2 album does that U2, reason to live, connecting now to eternity to ancient truth, like the music just arrives But this.. this album, Songs of Experience, after a few listens.. oh man. It's like after all these years they actually decided to try.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Mr-Voorhees
    Dec 16, 2017
    10
    U2 is one of, if not, the most polarizing bands in history. They have made a few mistakes/rubbed people the wrong way but none of that should affect their music. People act like disliking them it the "cool" thing to do but why? Because they skirted their taxes around Ireland? Big deal, tons of celebrities do. They have done more for this world than any other band, their music is soU2 is one of, if not, the most polarizing bands in history. They have made a few mistakes/rubbed people the wrong way but none of that should affect their music. People act like disliking them it the "cool" thing to do but why? Because they skirted their taxes around Ireland? Big deal, tons of celebrities do. They have done more for this world than any other band, their music is so positive and uplifting. Not to mention the One and Red Campaign for AIDS and Africa.

    U2 is EXACTLY what the world needs right now and this album proves it. Definitely their best since HTDAAB (and before that Achtung Baby). All they really want to do is make a difference with their music and this album is a perfect example. So happy they still make music and want to change the world. Keep it up boys!    … Expand
  17. 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.
  18. u2fan
    Dec 20, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My favorite album by U2

    Power full, complete. My favorite song at moment is Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way.

    The live versions on BBC Special was awesome. Lights Of Home was the best one in my opinion. Love it!    … Expand
  19. summit
    Dec 8, 2017
    9
    No Doubt much better than Songs of Innocence. At least this time the Production seems on track. We can't compare all the time each new released album back to Achtung Baby. Move on!!
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Arsebandit
    Dec 3, 2017
    9
    First off, this is a very, very good album. Period. It is also U2's best for a long time. The only problem with this album is whether or not you still want to listen to a band that has continued to claw at the title of biggest of band of the 80's, 90's, 00's... and so on. And with U2 comes a lot of baggage along with expectation, and a fair degree of cynicism (most of which isFirst off, this is a very, very good album. Period. It is also U2's best for a long time. The only problem with this album is whether or not you still want to listen to a band that has continued to claw at the title of biggest of band of the 80's, 90's, 00's... and so on. And with U2 comes a lot of baggage along with expectation, and a fair degree of cynicism (most of which is unjustified). The last time they made another attempt for the throne they downloaded themselves onto everyone's iphone, thankfully this time they are leaving the audience to choose if they want to listen to them. And quite frankly, they really should, because this is a keeper. The opener, "Love is all we have left" is a lovely thing, a warm and understated gem. The bombast kicks in on "Lights of Home", a proper U2 song, familiar, but with a nice mean guitar riff to elevate it. "Your the best thing about me" is a song I initially didn't like, but has really grown on me over time, assured and melodic. "The little things that give you away" is probably the best thing on the album, a song that easily could stand with any of their earlier greats. After the weak "Songs of Innocence", this album reaffirms this bands ambition and quality. Bottom line is this is one damn fine album from a band still full of confidence in what they do and clearly still loving it.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. cjboog
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    Songs of experience is U2’s most focused, melodic album in a long time. I agree with critics who’ve said it feels like the band is on a mission again. A strong album from start to finish with few weak spots and many highlights. The songwriting is crisp, modern, and emotional without being over the top. If you have to pick one song, try “Red Flag Day” and turn it up loud!
  25. walden54
    Dec 1, 2017
    9
    40 years, 14 albums later and this band are still as creative, engaged and as relevant as ever, the U2 iconic sound is still there but it sounds fresher and younger one of the best records this year.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. Ginger64
    Dec 8, 2017
    9
    To me, The Unforgettable Fire is U2's best album. Something about that got to me emotionally almost immediately. SOE has had the same impact. And it has not waned after about 50 listens. It is truly an amazing album full of diversity of emotions, styles, themes and lyrics. It's heavy, light, epic, intimate, political, personal, spiritual. The weakest song is "You're the Best Thing AboutTo me, The Unforgettable Fire is U2's best album. Something about that got to me emotionally almost immediately. SOE has had the same impact. And it has not waned after about 50 listens. It is truly an amazing album full of diversity of emotions, styles, themes and lyrics. It's heavy, light, epic, intimate, political, personal, spiritual. The weakest song is "You're the Best Thing About Me," and even that is ok as it flows well as the third song on the album. Every band member is at peak form (though i could've used more searing solos from Edge). I agree with the reviewer who said something like you may just come to listen to one song, but you'll stay for more, if not the whole album. It pulls you in again and again. "The Little Things That Give You Away" has to be the best song i've heard in years by any band, young or old. (And i listen to a TON of new music of all genres.) It's that amazing. It's heart breaking and Bono has never sounded as vulnerable or as brave on a song. I can't believe "Summer of Love" wasn't the first single. It should be released as a single right away. Actually, there are so many songs that could be released as singles. "Red Flag Day" or "Love is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way" or "Lights of Home." The opener "Love Is All We Have Left" is captivating, eerie, cosmic and personal all at the same time. "Get Out of Your Own Way" has one of the best choruses (bridges?) of a U2 song in ages -- the "I can sing it all night...but it's your fight" part -- spoiled only by the fact that they don't come back to it after the guitar solo, coming back instead to the "Get Out of Your Own Way" refrain. Can't believe all the band members and the hordes of producers let that happen (this song, which is great otherwise, is also somewhat spoiled by the drums sounding oddly muted...just like they did on "Miracle Drug"; why the producers keep hosing Larry, i'll never understand). I also wish they hadn't included the new mix of "Ordinary Love" (though it's a better version of the song than the original) as a bonus track...it's just not as melodic as the rest of the album and the band should've instead tried for a more rocking (even throwaway) song. All other bonus tracks are so worth it, especially "Book of Your Heart." People may not like U2 or any of the songs for whatever reason, but they can't deny that these are honest songs. This is them being authentic. That they can pull it off so melodically after so many decades should inspire younger bands. It's interesting to me how some critics only aspire to self-congratulatory writing when reviewing U2 albums ("I told those guys who's boss and made my still-mad-at-Songs of Innocence-auto-downloading-audience happy with me."), or so easily slag Bono for being Bono, while ignoring the fact that every musician, artist, politician or average Joe who's ever met or spent some time with any of U2 members has amazing things to say about them (ok, not counting Liam Gallagher). With such a strong album so late in its career, U2 is making history.… 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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