by U2
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 293 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 30 out of 293
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  1. Sep 10, 2014
    10
    This is a wonderful album! I'm surprised by so many negative reviews. People have got used to music with out good melodies or lyrics, and when they actually here music with this, they dont know what to make of it ...
  2. Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Superb album, and even better, it works perfectly as an album, a proper experience from start to finish - something that U2 haven't been so good at since the "Pop" era. There's not a single bad track and my favourites continually change but right now Iris, Volcano and particularly Cedarwood Road are right up there. The overall level of intricacy and musical detail mean that even a monthSuperb album, and even better, it works perfectly as an album, a proper experience from start to finish - something that U2 haven't been so good at since the "Pop" era. There's not a single bad track and my favourites continually change but right now Iris, Volcano and particularly Cedarwood Road are right up there. The overall level of intricacy and musical detail mean that even a month later I'm hearing new nuances in every song.

    The Deluxe Edition CD2 is a nice bonus, Lucifers Hands is a great B-Side, Crystal Ballroom is brilliant but let down by a flat, noodly guitar solo that outstays it's welcome. Acoustic songs are interesting though not particularly essential. The alternative mix of Sleep Like A Baby is superb, lyrics literally the other side of the story and the music much dirtier and darker than the album version. Invisible is still a great tune, though not really on a par with anything on the album. Then the different version of The Troubles is a bit of a let down, really just showing how it developed.
    Really looking forward to seeing plenty of songs from Songs of Innocence being played live on the next tour and then we have Songs of Experience to look forward to! Great time to be a U2 fan, despite all the bandwagon-jumping negativity being thrown around.
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  3. Sep 10, 2014
    10
    First off, if you look at the negative user reviews, most are just complaining about how they don't like U2. So this section is skewed. It's a very, very good album.
  4. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    "Songs of Innocence" is the best album of the year and U2's best since Achtung Baby. This album cannot be judged on a casual first listen as there are layers and textures that appear with repeated listenings. "California" and "Volcano" are among the best pop singles in U2's catalog, "The Miracle" is "Drift Away" for a generation that grew up on punk rock and new wave, a tribute to rock"Songs of Innocence" is the best album of the year and U2's best since Achtung Baby. This album cannot be judged on a casual first listen as there are layers and textures that appear with repeated listenings. "California" and "Volcano" are among the best pop singles in U2's catalog, "The Miracle" is "Drift Away" for a generation that grew up on punk rock and new wave, a tribute to rock music; "This is Where" is a similar tribute to the Clash. "Iris", "The Troubles", "Raised by Wolves" are meatier album cuts dealing with growing up in Northern Ireland and finding one's identity. "Every Breaking Wave" is an anthem of profound simplicity, a nod to Blake, daring us to be ourselves and not to let fear and social pressure define us - one of U2's finest efforts yet. "Songs" represents U2 fully embracing modern production capabilities (and producers) to enhance some of their strongest songs to date. Expand
  5. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    Awesome U2 and awesome Apple!
    Love the songs, great album and I got it for free! :D
    It's really a good album don't understand why so much hate for it..
  6. Sep 19, 2014
    10
    This album is really expellant. U2 reminiscing the past in a very direct and honest way. Swagger and attitude does not fit this album and that is probably why many listeners dislike this album in compassion to other U2 albums. Comparing this album with their earlier albums reminded me of the reviews of “Achtung baby” back in 1991. Many compared “Achtung baby” with “Joshua tree”This album is really expellant. U2 reminiscing the past in a very direct and honest way. Swagger and attitude does not fit this album and that is probably why many listeners dislike this album in compassion to other U2 albums. Comparing this album with their earlier albums reminded me of the reviews of “Achtung baby” back in 1991. Many compared “Achtung baby” with “Joshua tree” referring to U2 as sell outs! All of these albums are completely different conceptually and should not be compared. Instead they should be viewed separately as pieces of art. The difference between the albums and their artistic comprehensiveness is what truly makes U2 such a great band and this particular unit of songs a great album. On the other hand this is most likely not for listeners of “Best of …..” albums. Expand
  7. Sep 10, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand 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 Expand
  8. 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 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 followupIf 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. Expand
  9. Sep 10, 2014
    10
    An exceptional return to form. While there is a freshness to the tracks that lacked on recent albums, there are characteristic U2 moments throughout. The first truly polished album since Achtung Baby. Thank God they took their time.
  10. KND
    Sep 10, 2014
    10
    As a long term fan I think it's one of their best albums because of the meaning behind each song. Such a personal and emotive album, it touches me to the core.

    The production is slick, the songs are catchy (I already know most words after eight listens), and I can already hear how some songs will be played in big arenas. Undecided as to whether there are any massive radio success
    As a long term fan I think it's one of their best albums because of the meaning behind each song. Such a personal and emotive album, it touches me to the core.

    The production is slick, the songs are catchy (I already know most words after eight listens), and I can already hear how some songs will be played in big arenas.

    Undecided as to whether there are any massive radio success songs on the album, which I know is important to the band. I played it in the office today (to non U2 fans) and they actually liked most songs. Hopefully that's a good sign.
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  11. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    The best U2 album since ACHTUNG BABY in the sense that there is no weak song or filler in this album. Upon first 3 or 4 hearings, the stand-out songs are Every Breaking Wave, Song For Someone, The Troubles, Iris (Hold Me Close), and Raised By Wolves.
  12. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    This album is much more complicated (both musically and lyrically) then it seems at first glance (like most U2 albums). I really like the whole Sirens/crashing against the shore imagery mixed with the autobiographical stuff (The Clash & Ramones = Sirens, Bono/U2 = doomed sailors, etc.)

    The music is, as per U2's standards, excellent. Once again, what at first may seem like a standard
    This album is much more complicated (both musically and lyrically) then it seems at first glance (like most U2 albums). I really like the whole Sirens/crashing against the shore imagery mixed with the autobiographical stuff (The Clash & Ramones = Sirens, Bono/U2 = doomed sailors, etc.)

    The music is, as per U2's standards, excellent. Once again, what at first may seem like a standard rock song, turns into something that rivals something Tony Banks may have written. I think you have to listen to this album at least 10 times all the way through with lyrics in hand before you can really get the complete picture.

    Bono's mom is to U2 what Roger Waters' father is to Pink Floyd. The "dark star" that she,once again, represents is the theme of the album.

    Best songs: Every Breaking Wave, California, Sleep Like a Baby Tonight, The Troubles
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  13. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    Very much like a mix of good old U2 with a modern approach, This is one of U2's best, I've loved it. Though Song for someone is guilty of being a bland acoustic ballad every other song hits all the right notes and despite the mix up of genres the band never has tonal inconsistencies. Catchy, expertly crafted and better than almost everything on the charts right now, this is a must have.
  14. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    The biggest surprise of the launch of U2’s new album isn’t the way it was released—it’s how good the songs are.

    It has been five long years since No Line On The Horizon, an album with some great moments but one which also revealed a band in artistic decline. In those five years, they knew they were one more misstep away from irrelevance. The reports weren’t hopeful: a new producer here,
    The biggest surprise of the launch of U2’s new album isn’t the way it was released—it’s how good the songs are.

    It has been five long years since No Line On The Horizon, an album with some great moments but one which also revealed a band in artistic decline. In those five years, they knew they were one more misstep away from irrelevance. The reports weren’t hopeful: a new producer here, a scrapped album concept there. They seemed “stuck in a moment that they can’t get out of”, finally crushed under the weight of their own ponderousness.

    So on September 9, 2014, when the band surprisingly released Songs of Innocence for free at Apple’s gargantuan iPhone 6 product launch, I was only sure of one thing: the music would be worth the price I paid for it.

    Before I heard the songs, I noticed a clue that they might be special. On the release day, Bono said that in fact the album had been paid for, just not by the listeners. Apple Corporation paid the price. “I don’t believe in free music,” Bono said, “music is a sacrament.”

    The power of Songs of Innocence is found within its sacramental atmosphere. There are holy moments throughout. With very personal and vulnerable lyrics, Bono has (probably temporarily) laid down his political megaphone. It feels less like a prophetic diatribe and more like a prayer of confession.
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  15. Sep 11, 2014
    10
    Just listened through the whole record on proper headphones & wow, it's almost like hearing for it for the first time again. There's so much detail & the dynamics of the band are wonderful.

    I also realised that there is absolutely nothing I'd change about SOI. I can't even remember the last time I felt that way about a U2 album apart from Achtung Baby. They have genuinely gone &
    Just listened through the whole record on proper headphones & wow, it's almost like hearing for it for the first time again. There's so much detail & the dynamics of the band are wonderful.

    I also realised that there is absolutely nothing I'd change about SOI. I can't even remember the last time I felt that way about a U2 album apart from Achtung Baby.

    They have genuinely gone & created something special here.
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  16. Sep 12, 2014
    10
    This album will be remembered as one of the best the Irishmen have crafted in their long career. Songs of Innocence resembles the industrial art of Achtung Baby and lyrical authenticity of Boy. Sunday Bloody Sunday got it's sequel in Raised By Wolves and Vertigo in Volcano. It's not as pop as U2's editions in 2000's, but it's way more listenable than No Line On The Horizon. It grows on youThis album will be remembered as one of the best the Irishmen have crafted in their long career. Songs of Innocence resembles the industrial art of Achtung Baby and lyrical authenticity of Boy. Sunday Bloody Sunday got it's sequel in Raised By Wolves and Vertigo in Volcano. It's not as pop as U2's editions in 2000's, but it's way more listenable than No Line On The Horizon. It grows on you with each listen. Expand
  17. Sep 12, 2014
    10
    Surprisingly good. It seems that they finally found what they were looking for. Now I understand better what they tried to achieve - without success - with No Line.
    This is definetely one of their best, even better and All that you can't leave behind.
    Something of U2, but with a better production, with a better sound, more emotional, more variety.
    I was far from expecting this!
  18. Sep 16, 2014
    10
    I am 40 years old and I am a music fan since 1986 when I was a young 12 years of age. I really did not expect to hear an album with so much energy, honesty and quality of a band with more than 30 years on the road. I was hoping that U2 released an album warm and bland, but that has not happened with Songs of Innocence.
    U2 once again surprised me.
    Since the beginning of the album with The
    I am 40 years old and I am a music fan since 1986 when I was a young 12 years of age. I really did not expect to hear an album with so much energy, honesty and quality of a band with more than 30 years on the road. I was hoping that U2 released an album warm and bland, but that has not happened with Songs of Innocence.
    U2 once again surprised me.
    Since the beginning of the album with The Miracle Of Joey Ramone (oh my God I love the Ramones!) when the Irish band shows a strong and contemporary rock until the last song The Troubles when brings me references to the wonderful sound of the Mother of The Disappeared 1987 album Joshua Tree.
    Incidentally, this is the key point of the album: are all there. Boy, War, Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Leave Can't behind. Each song brought back memories (and good) phase of U2 and that's what makes it a beautiful album. As with cooking, when the best dishes leads us to times, places or events experienced by each of us, Songs of Innocence reminded me of when I was a young man, but not a dumb! Note 100 !!!
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  19. Sep 13, 2014
    10
    Probably the greatest album since Achtung Baby.A lot of shades from U2's early years and from The Clash,Led Zep,The Ramones ... even the Beach boys ! But still it has a freshness to it.Like all U2's album it grows on you the more you listen to it but still it is the first album in a while that i don't skip some songs.There are some very atmospheric moments , Some very solid rock songs andProbably the greatest album since Achtung Baby.A lot of shades from U2's early years and from The Clash,Led Zep,The Ramones ... even the Beach boys ! But still it has a freshness to it.Like all U2's album it grows on you the more you listen to it but still it is the first album in a while that i don't skip some songs.There are some very atmospheric moments , Some very solid rock songs and some nice riffs from Edge. Expand
  20. Sep 14, 2014
    10
    This is perhaps U2s most complete album. With not a single bad song. The band sounds fresh and there is truly something personal and genuine about this album. Haters will hate, but the ones that really appreciate U2s music are in for 50 or so fantastic minutes.
  21. Sep 14, 2014
    10
    Good Album ! U2 still continue like a great band ! The album is very good, sometimes you need to heard, you can see quantities and they are still with great songs This album isn´t is the best album their, but i see U2 came back, and the next album must be still better than this.
  22. Sep 15, 2014
    10
    Their best album since 1997's POP. Didn't expect anything good from U2 after bland and predictable No Line On The Horizon. What a surprise! Songs Of Innocence is coherent and fresh album of band who still has fun from making new music and the melodies are again unpredictable and full of passion. Mr. Edge is on real Fire! Best tracks are Every Breaking Wave (classic tune with With OrTheir best album since 1997's POP. Didn't expect anything good from U2 after bland and predictable No Line On The Horizon. What a surprise! Songs Of Innocence is coherent and fresh album of band who still has fun from making new music and the melodies are again unpredictable and full of passion. Mr. Edge is on real Fire! Best tracks are Every Breaking Wave (classic tune with With Or Without You viibe), This is Where You Can Reach Me Now (vintage tune, kind of The Clash tribute) and Sleep Like Baby Tonight (Lemon-esque lullaby). Expand
  23. Sep 15, 2014
    10
    I have been a fan of U2 since 1984 and have purchased every album upon its release since The Joshua Tree. Obviously I am biased in writing this review. However, I have been fairly critical of their past few albums. I feel that while they contained some good songs, they also had a number of lackluster songs. Overall I felt that the songs just didn't flow together well or provide a clearI have been a fan of U2 since 1984 and have purchased every album upon its release since The Joshua Tree. Obviously I am biased in writing this review. However, I have been fairly critical of their past few albums. I feel that while they contained some good songs, they also had a number of lackluster songs. Overall I felt that the songs just didn't flow together well or provide a clear definition of the 'feel' of the album as a whole.

    When I downloaded Songs Of Innocence (SOI), I immediately felt that this was the album I have been waiting for in U2's catalog. It is cohesive, and although there is a distinct mood shift between the first and second halves of the album, every song somehow seems to belong. Additionally, this is U2 doing what they do best. Solid rock anthems and emotion-invoking ballads, all with just a hint of an off-center vibe to make the music sound relevant and distinct. I wanted to write a review of SOI immediately but I am glad I waited to know each song well. This album seems to evolve and unfold with more listens. It has a fundamental mainstream sound, but the subtle textures and layers are there.

    As musicians, U2 are performing as well as they ever have in my opinion. Bono sings like his younger self in songs like California and Volcano, and shows his range in others like Iris. The Edge maintains his signature style and occasionally explores different sounds not frequently heard on a U2 album. Adam Clayton's bass sound is somehow both fat and crisp. And as a drummer, I always pay attention to Larry Mullen Jr. on each album. He has always had an interesting style that doesn't really follow the drumming rule book, and in this album he maintains that style but in a way in which he makes very tasteful choices in his playing to compliment each song.

    I have read many reviews of SOI since it came out. and I think that regardless of whether the review is from a professional critic vs. just an average person like myself with a passion for music, it just comes down to one's opinion. There really is no right or wrong. However, with that said, here are some observations that I see as common among the negative reviews of this album:
    1. People are upset that it was 'forced upon them' by showing up on their iTunes. To that I would argue that it is unfair to consider that aspect in the review of an album.
    2. People are upset that U2 has 'sold themselves out' to big corporations and therefore endorse an ideology that is inconsistent with the U2 of 20+ years ago.
    3. Some people just don't like U2's music
    4. 'The Miracle' does not sound like a Ramones Song and 'This is where you can reach me now' does not sound like a Clash tune.

    I am not judging or criticizing the merit of these negative reviews, just simply identifying my observations. For me, SOI is a hugely enjoyable album with 11 great songs and no duds. I would not be surprised to hear many of these songs on the upcoming tour and to be well received at the concerts. I also would not be surprised to hear much more radio airplay from this album than what we have gotten in the past decade. These songs are not life changing. Maybe none will have the impact that Pride, With Or Without You, or One has all had. But they are enjoyable songs with great beats and melodies, and will be dominating my iTunes player for a long time.
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  24. Sep 15, 2014
    10
    This is one of the most consistent albums U2 has put out since Achtung Baby. While it sounds fresh and new it also has various moments that harken back to some of their best records. Volcano, a powerful rocker sounds like it could be off Boy. While the sultry Sleep Like A Baby Tonight sounds like it could be from their experimental album Pop. The painfully beautiful The Troubles is one ofThis is one of the most consistent albums U2 has put out since Achtung Baby. While it sounds fresh and new it also has various moments that harken back to some of their best records. Volcano, a powerful rocker sounds like it could be off Boy. While the sultry Sleep Like A Baby Tonight sounds like it could be from their experimental album Pop. The painfully beautiful The Troubles is one of the best closers since Love is Blindness. Every Breaking Wave's pulsating base sounds like it is right off of Joshua Tree. Lastly, Song for Someone harkens back to Walk On as it feels like it could be off of All That You Can Leave Behind. Expand
  25. Sep 16, 2014
    10
    Songs of Innocence is everything a U2 fan could want and more. I'm particularly fond of Iris, simply because on that song I think U2 is burning on all cylinders. The liner notes and words on the Lp really tie it all together. A focused vision by all involved, made this a great U2 concept record . Dare I say, Songs of Innocence ..will be remembered as another Masterpiece.
  26. Sep 20, 2014
    10
    Lyrically and sonically, their most interesting album since Achtung Baby. A full 11 songs worthy listening to many times with no duds. The first 4 are straight down the middle pop/rock, the middle 3 are glorious salutes to earlier years, and the final 4 bring it home in a fashion that we have not seen in recent albums. All that is missing are Edge's masterful riffs and solos, for whichLyrically and sonically, their most interesting album since Achtung Baby. A full 11 songs worthy listening to many times with no duds. The first 4 are straight down the middle pop/rock, the middle 3 are glorious salutes to earlier years, and the final 4 bring it home in a fashion that we have not seen in recent albums. All that is missing are Edge's masterful riffs and solos, for which we usually get 1 or 2 masterful examples in an album. In this one, they are not as pronounced. A fantastic offering. Expand
  27. Feb 17, 2020
    10
    Coesivo, cuidadoso, experimental, e conservador tudo ao mesmo tempo, Songs Of Innocence é um álbum que mostra uma mudança significativa no som do U2, é claro que o som clássico do U2 esta presente no álbum também.
    Músicas como Sleep Like A Baby Tonight, This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now, Raised By Wolves, Cedarwood Road, The Troubles mostra o U2 adrentando num experimentalismo musical
    Coesivo, cuidadoso, experimental, e conservador tudo ao mesmo tempo, Songs Of Innocence é um álbum que mostra uma mudança significativa no som do U2, é claro que o som clássico do U2 esta presente no álbum também.
    Músicas como Sleep Like A Baby Tonight, This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now, Raised By Wolves, Cedarwood Road, The Troubles mostra o U2 adrentando num experimentalismo musical bem diferente do antecessor No Line On The Horizon e pode se dizer que é mais um grande acerto do U2.

    Em Every Breaking Wave, Song For Someone, California (There Is Not End To Love), e o refrão de The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone), é mostrado o U2 que todos conhecemos, mais moderno é claro mais a essência do U2 está lá, Volcano remete e lembra bem a era inicial do U2, a era mais pesada do rock pós-punk do U2 dos três primeiros álbums Boy, October, War embora agora com um som mais moderno também não iria soa exatamente como o rock do começo dos anos 80.

    Enquanto Iris (Hold Me Close) é uma mistura perfeita do som clássico do U2, uma bela melodia + um forte linha de baixo de Adam Clayton, juntamente com um toque de experimentalismo nos versos.

    Confesso que é um álbum que me estranhou muito assim que foi lançado, e não me agradou tirando a primeira metade que gostei muito desde de quando saiu, mais da canção "Iris (Hold Me Close)" para frente o álbum me soou como uma tentativa de experimentalismo fraco, desajeitado e com pouco ritmo que para mim só havia funcionado a última canção "The Troubles" e um pouco da "Cedarwood Road".

    Hoje minha opinião mudou completamente sobre esse álbum principalmente sobre a segunda e final metade desse álbum, e posso dizer que hoje eu consigo ver completamente o que para mim era inimaginável de enxergar e concordar que é os fãs antigos do U2, ou mesmo os novos fãs que descrobriram o U2 com esse álbum, que é dar uma nota 9 ou 10 para esse álbum, e digo super merece um 10, o erro meu e de muitos fãs antigos de qualquer banda, é querer comparar um novo álbum com os melhores da banda, ou mesmos com os antecessores que você gostou, claro que gosto é individual pode muito bem acontecer de um fã antigo não gostar de nenhuma música nesse álbum ou gosta de 1,2 ou 3, e eu respeito, mais o erro de comparar os melhores álbum da banda com um que não foi e não será considerado um dos melhores da banda, é que você não consegue enxergar o seu álbum preferido nesse novo, você tenta e não consegue e isso consequentemente te frustar e consequentemente também você não aprova o álbum, mas justamente esse fato de querer enxergar ou escutar seu álbum favorito no outro, faz com que você não escute o novo álbum você não busca entender esse álbum como diferente, que a banda optou por fazer uma coisa nova que funciona sozinha, por isso quando é anunciado um novo álbum de uma banda que você conhecer a anos, e que você conhece e já ouviu centenas de vezes seus melhores trabalhos e quer que esse novo álbum te lembre ou soe como os melhores álbums dessa banda, te frusta em cheio quando você não enxergar aquela banda que fez seu álbum ou álbums favoritos nesse novo disco, essa necessidade e expectativa que nos criamos, atrapalha demais para apreciamos esse novo trabalho como único, singular e diferente.

    Parabéns U2 pela fome de mudança, de nunca soar o mesmo, e por entrar num estúdio para fazer um novo álbum com muita paixão e dedicação acreditando nesse novo material diferente, com som diferente e correndo riscos, riscos esse de ser imcompreendido por críticos ou pelo próprios fãs.
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  28. Jul 27, 2015
    10
    This is U2's best album, it has lots of great music like: Raised By Wolves, Iris, California, and many others. Bono's voice is freaking awesome and Edge's guitar play is great.
  29. May 13, 2016
    10
    One of the decade's best albums! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  30. Dec 20, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of my favorite albuns. I love Iris, Every Breaking Wave and the amazing Raised By Wolves, All the songs on Innocence + Experience tour was awesome. Just perfect Expand
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 32
  2. 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. 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.