ALBUM REVIEW: 9 Years of U2: Songs of Innocence (2014)

U2 - 9 Years of U2: Songs of Innocence (2014)

Ok, listen. I know this album is one of the most contentious releases of the past decade. I know it sparked one of the largest popular discussions around music and personal freedoms. I even know it came out in September of 2014 and thus this “anniversary review” is a little…liberal with its timing. But let me ask you - have you really listened to this damn album? I’ll say it; I stand in defense of Songs of Innocence, an album that I can officially say (as a non-avid U2 listener) is “pretty good,” honestly. 

I fully understand why this album’s release garnered so much hate. In partnering with Apple, U2 magically dropped this album into our iTunes libraries overnight with no warning, no choice to opt-out, and no way to delete the record. While this infamous release sparked a larger discussion around personal freedoms and privacy, 13-year-old-me’s only concern was “hey look, music I don’t have to buy.” And let me tell you, I loved it. I do not know why I identified with what can affectionately be considered “Mom Music”, but allow me to be the first to say that U2 are absolute music-making legends and undeniably dope Dubliners. They have something to say…maybe not so much in this album…but in general, yes. 
  
I honestly identify less with this album than I did at 13 (I don’t know either), but there are still true standout moments of the album. I feel like I may be all 17 million streams on “The Troubles” featuring Lykke Li (this and “I Follow Rivers” did a number on me in the early 2010s). The track is a haunting power ballad marking U2’s most explicit reference to The Troubles in Northern Ireland following earlier hits like “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” It’s not that this album was a sonic revelation for the band in comparison to their more recent productions—it’s anthemic, electric guitar-driven, and feels like it could go well in a Chevrolet commercial. In reality, this was U2’s best-performing album in years, heavily in part to the controversy surrounding its release (no press is bad press, I guess). It’s catchy, it’s fun, and Bono’s still got it. I truly see why people were so up in arms, but nine years later, this is still the first album I’ll put on during a flight once the WiFi drops off. 

- DJ T 

Recommended If You Like:  Depeche Mode, INXS, The Police, Coldplay

Recommended Tracks: 
“Iris (Hold Me Close)” Track 5
“Sleep Like a Baby Tonight” Track 9
“The Troubles” Track 11

FCC: Clean