I think it's a very good album. It sounds fresher and more cohesive than Bomb. Yet it lacks its big singles. It also lacks those distinctive U2 songs - e.g. BD, SYCMIOYO, COBL, NLOTH, Magnificent, even Invisible - EBW is perhaps the most distinctively, and only, U2-esque song on the record.
This said, the album is rich, powerful, and has a lot to offer. I can't really get into 3-5 either. Iris starts so well, but the chorus isn't really memorable.
As many have observed, the Danger Mouse produced tracks stand out. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight is a great pop song - direct and yet sophisticated and mature. The last three songs are, like, big. And so are the first two. Lots of good stuff in between, and a really great uplifting feel throughout - a big difference compared to NLOTH. But I'm missing some inspiration here and there. Still, what a great surprise. And: clearly there will be a companion album... and acoustic songs, and more songs. U2 fans are being treated - thanks U2!!
Morning guys! Just seen all this stuff about the new album, flabbergasted and pleasantly surprised, to say the least. Don't have an iTunes account so not sure how to listen to it, but just going to rejoice in the moment - new U2 music!