U2 Releases New Album ‘Songs of Innocence’ for Free via iTunes

That 70s Guy

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U2 has released ‘Songs of Innocence,’ its first album in five years, for free via iTunes. Everyone with an account in 119 countries — something like half a billion people — will have exclusive access to the album through October 13. Physical copies arrive via Interscope Records the next day.

“From the very beginning, U2 have always wanted our music to reach as many people as possible — the clue is in our name, I suppose — so today is kind of mind-blowing to us,” Bono said, during a special Apple announcement. “The most personal album we’ve written could be shared with half a billion people, by hitting send. If only songwriting was that easy.”

‘Songs of Innocence’ features 11 new songs. A deluxe edition will include an acoustic session featuring select tracks from ‘Songs of Innocence,’ as well as four additional tunes.


The album, which will also reportedly be available via iTunes Radio and Beats Music, was recorded in New York, London, Los Angeles and Dublin with producers Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder, Declan Gaffney and Flood — the latter of whom has worked with U2 since 1987′s ‘The Joshua Tree.’ A complete tracklisting is below.

Anyone who signs up for iTunes in the next five weeks receives a free copy, as well. “It’s exciting and humbling to think that people who don’t know U2 or listen to rock music for that matter might check us out,” Bono added.


U2, ‘Songs of Innocence’ Tracklist:

‘The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)’
Every Breaking Wave’
‘California (There Is No End To Love)’
‘Song For Someone’
‘Iris (Hold Me Close)’
‘Volcano’
‘Raised By Wolves’
‘Cedarwood Road’
‘Sleep Like A Baby Tonight’
‘This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now’
‘The Troubles’

Deluxe Edition Bonus Songs:
‘Lucifer’s Hands’
‘The Crystal Ballroom’
‘The Troubles’ (Alternative version)
‘Sleep Like A Baby Tonight’ (Alternative Perspective Mix by Tchad Blake)


Read More: U2 Releases New Album 'Songs of Innocence' for Free via iTunes | U2 Releases New Album 'Songs of Innocence' for Free via iTunes
 

mrJim

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Posted in the U2 thread yesterday. I did pulled it down and gave a listen last night.

Jim
 

Musikwala

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Posted in the U2 thread yesterday. I did pulled it down and gave a listen last night.

Jim

Well... you haven't shared your thoughts yet, man!? :D

Personally I still haven't warmed up to it at all. I need more listens I think.
 

mrJim

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^^ I am giving it some play time before I pass any judgment on it.

My immediate reaction is.... it's a little lite britches :)

The quality of those files is bad. I read something about a double album available at the release date with acoustic versions of the songs and some additional tracks.

Given how I was with No Line on the Horizon, I want to see if this one goes the same way when I come back to it.

Jim
 

Lynch

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So, has U2 told the world how much they sold this album for to Apple?

Or is the number going to be dependent upon the number of people that get their 'free' copy via the invasive app known as iTunes?
 

mrJim

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^^ all kinds of numbers floating around right now..... one number that is all around says it cost Apple $100 million. Apple has the rights to tie it to the I6 release, so expect the first song to be highly commercialized. I am sure the Ramones camp won't be all to excited given the song.

it was immediately obvious that this was a push not a down load, you got it weather you wanted it or not. Given U2's desire to always put themselves on some almighty pedestal, they need their BS called on this one.

ego stroke for Bono, I remember him whining about only selling 5 million copies of No Line on the Horizon. This should seal the legacy he so wants.

Jim
 

Musikwala

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Why can't it be just about the music? If you like the album, listen to it. Else don't. Nobody is forcing anybody to like anything. Sheesh!
 

Sharp Dressed Man

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Well, here is a way to look at it. When you walk in to a record store, you are going to have XX amount of albums on display, most of which, you have absolutely no interest in. So what do you do? You walk over to one of the people working in the store and tell them to remove the album from the shelves? No, you walk right by it and just leave it be. That's what people should do in iTunes, just ignore it and it will be out of sight when the album is out in physical formats.

Of course, the above example most likely would not make a difference to most iTunes users, as they probably have no idea what a record store is. :heheh:
 

Soot and Stars

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Well, here is a way to look at it. When you walk in to a record store, you are going to have XX amount of albums on display, most of which, you have absolutely no interest in. So what do you do? You walk over to one of the people working in the store and tell them to remove the album from the shelves? No, you walk right by it and just leave it be. That's what people should do in iTunes, just ignore it and it will be out of sight when the album is out in physical formats.

Of course, the above example most likely would not make a difference to most iTunes users, as they probably have no idea what a record store is. :heheh:

:heheh:
 

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