Songs of Innocence
by U2
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
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Sep 11, 2014
    100
    U2's first studio album in five years--is a triumph of dynamic, focused renaissance.
  2. Mojo
    Sep 10, 2014
    90
    The result is their best and most thematically complete album since Achtung Baby. By turning towards their past, U2 have found their way back to the future. [Nov 2014, p.88]
  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 3, 2014
    80
    Some veteran rock stars write a memoir in order to make sense of their origins; Bono has chosen to sing one. From this autobiographical precision all the album's strengths flow. [Nov 2014, p.100]
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  5. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 15, 2014
    80
    Songs of Innocence is a great record. Not a perfect one, mind you: for one thing, Danger Mouse, the record’s primary producer, uses a few too many of his tired stock tricks along the way, making the record sound more generic than it would with Brian Eno behind the boards.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 12, 2014
    80
    The fact remains that Songs of Innocence ultimately feels like a crucial upswing in U2’s discography, especially since it comes at such a late stage in their careers.
  7. Boston Globe
    Sep 10, 2014
    80
    Yes, it’s big and shiny and sometimes bombastic, but it also takes chances and pushes forward the band’s legacy.
  8. The New York Times
    Sep 10, 2014
    80
    The album is a blast of discoveries, hopes, losses, fears and newfound resolve in lyrics that are openly autobiographical. It’s also a blast of unapologetic arena rock and cathedral-scale production, equally gigantic and detailed, in the music that carries them.
  9. Billboard.com
    Sep 10, 2014
    80
    Songs of Innocence is a colossal-sounding record from rock's ultimate stadium wreckers, and a quick listen reveals why no other marketing strategy would have worked.
  10. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 10, 2014
    80
    At times it does sound like it is trying a bit too hard to please. But it's more pop than Pop ever was, and it certainly does the job it apparently sets out to do, delivering addictive pop rock with hooks, energy, substance and ideas that linger in the mind after you’ve heard them.
  11. Paste Magazine
    Sep 16, 2014
    79
    Once the controls for the album are ceded (mostly) to Danger Mouse, the album really starts to cook. The last five songs are the best batch of material U2 have played a part in for a decade, at least.
  12. Pretty Much Amazing
    Sep 15, 2014
    75
    This is no disaster, nor is it a masterpiece. Songs of Innocence is a competent U2 album, always a good thing.
  13. The A.V. Club
    Sep 12, 2014
    75
    Things get more interesting in the album’s second half, when U2 ditch the tasteful anthems in favor of bolder influences and outré detours.
  14. Spin
    Sep 10, 2014
    70
    Instead of a triumphant return to form, then, Innocence is more of a satisfying side conversation, a familiar face coming round to the back door and whiling the time away nicely till dark or dawn

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. zainraza23
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link 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… Full Review »
  2. 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 ISimply 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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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 reallyIf 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.… Full Review »
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