Songs Of Experience (studio album) by U2

I am divided on this album. It is definitely a pop influence and I don't really hate anything - just not being blown away with much either. Found the last three tracks to be amongst the best after starting to get a bit bored half way through - not that those in the middle section are particularly worse than the start - it was just starting to drain me a bit by the time I got there.
Haven't paid much attention to the lyrics - outwith the choruses - maybe over time this will work onto a much more loved album. For now it is good/ok

From TheDude85 07/31/2020 19:22

Enjoyed the maturity and reflection of Bono's lyrics as he incorporated his life experience into philosophical growth. The role of the rest of the band, especially The Edge , seems to be reduced significantly. It felt almost like a Bono solo album - if one could imagine what that would sound like. The quality was there for me, though, even though there were no radio friendly singles that overstayed their welcome and one became sick of. Most of the tracks sat around the same level.

From llibnanoon 06/15/2020 18:37

Not thier best, but not bad!

From InsanityPrawnBoy 06/20/2019 00:26

This is their most enjoyable album since Pop.

From VADERBREWING 12/11/2018 17:08

Got the blue vinyl version of this. It’s more an alternative rock sound to me. I liked it right away. It’s always nice to find a later released album from an artist that you really enjoy. It’s album oriented rock in that All songs good no real stand out pop songs.

From DeusExMackia 08/30/2018 23:08

Take That have released records with more substance, and have been substantially more entertaining, than this drivel.

I can understand that some fans did not like this album. I on the other hand enjoyed this album even though it may not be their best album.

From RoundTheBend 01/21/2018 00:00

It's a sad day for me when not a single song is a 100/100 from U2. Much better than many artists can do on their best efforts, but for U2, this rides a thin line between almost great and boring. There's times when I'm like, ooh, they almost did it and other times I'm holding my face in disgust for them. You're The Best Thing About Me is a near terrible single. The best song on here, imo, is The Blackout. I wish American Soul wasn't using an electronic fuzz, but analog... I think it made the grit sound flat and really low in the mix when (imo) it should be a bit more gritty and in your face. Likely it does live as that's been my experience with U2 - album is often flat, live is fantastic. Lights of Home really grew on me and might be a top song on the album. Summer of Love almost feels like a pop song by Ed Sheeran. It grew on me in that aspect... decent pop song I suppose. Red Flag Day sounded almost like a bad RHCP song... haha. I mean like a late in the album song... not bad/not good. The Showman reminded me of something musically, but I can't put my finger on it - lyrically is a bit brutally honest.

About the only real positive thing on this album is that the drumming and bass have some really solid stuff you don't often hear on a U2 album. Edge is really disappointing- I have higher expectations than what he delivered here. Bono's lyrics are raw and often catchy, but I didn't really find a great vocal performance. IDK. SOI I hated at first and it kind of grew on me... maybe this will too.

BEST 2017 ALBUM!

my favorite u2's album