Review Summary: Streamlined and relentlessly catchy, Songs of Innocence sees U2 enter their new era with a true understanding of their purpose and musical strengths.
U2 have struggled to find their place in the past decade, even recently questioning their own relevance and the decision to continue their career. Releasing
Songs of Innocence as an automatic download to all iTunes Store accounts is a bold move, but not unexpected from U2. Given the quartet’s grander musical and real world ambitious, a gift album ends up being the best next step for a group repeatedly proclaimed “the biggest band in the world” through multiple decades. Their continued relevance spanning multiple generations and eras is hugely impressive, regardless of how they come across to more pessimistic listeners.
Songs of Innocence ends up being a more effortless release, a wise decision on the part of the songwriters. The pseudo-experimentation found in pre decessor
No Line On The Horizon has been replaced with a poppier, more charming formula that completely works in the album’s favor. While
…Horizon was plagued with questionable musical decisions and schizophrenic genre bending,
Songs of Innocence remains focused and surprisingly replayable. Syrupy melodies and bouncy tempos ensure a relaxed and enjoyable listen, reassuring fans of any lingering doubts after almost six years of inactivity, and hardly any releases beforehand.
"The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" is a straightforward rocker free of The Edge’s signature effects or chiming chords, instead opting for fuzzy riffs and thumping drumming while Bono croons of personal inspirations and his musical beginnings. Most of the lyrics found here share these themes, with Bono even calling this their most personal record. "Every Other Wave" is a friendly sounding track consisting of a dreamy guitar line in the chorus and bouncy electronics in the verses. One very noticeable shift in U2’s sound is the inclusion of fuzzy electronics, bouncy rhythms, and quick, upbeat guitar solos scattered throughout. Tracks like "California (There Is No End To Love)," "Iris (Hold Me Close)," "This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now," and "Cedarwood Road" contain most if not all of these qualities. Overall,
Songs of Innocence manages to remain diverse and enjoyable, despite some elements becoming slightly repetitive toward the end. It is a reassurance to fans, and its delivery into our collective iTunes libraries further makes their statement clear. U2 aren’t going to force their bombast and stadium anthems into our collective consciousnesses, but rather make a relaxed, subdued version of their signature style available, free, and open to our enjoyment. It seems that U2 are content with that image, and aren’t ready to leave the spotlight quite yet.
