Songs Of Experience - General album discussions

Originally posted by Bloodraven:wow, is out in Australia, we should expect a leak any moment now...

Originally posted by cqleonardo:so... It's out in Australia and NZ... anyone knows if a flac has leaked? no links, just want the info

Originally posted by bartajax:Since it's almost a week I think I can finally say what I think of this album. It's good! Or at least better than I expected, there are some great song on, some really great songs even. I think I haven't heard an amazing U2 songs as The Little Things since Mercy or Please.

For me the first two songs are good. Nothing really amazing but cool. Then comes the weak part of the album with Best Thing, GOOYOW, American Soul, I kinda like GOOYOW, its typical U2. But it's also a song which annoys me after a few times. Summer Of Love and Red Flag Day are nice, not really amazing but enjoyable to listen too. The Showman is not my thing, don't like it.

But the end of the album is fantastic, really great. Actually it's the only thing I find myself listening to mostly. Little Things is amazing, I love Landlady, Blackout is a nice song in between there. Love Is Bigger is so U2 it's just crazy, but it's great! Really great. I hated Song For Someone but 13 is beautiful, love that song.

This mix of Ordinary Love is good too, enjoyed that. Book Of Your Heart is also an amazing song.

Overall I'm very happy with this album. The singles made me fear but the album as a whole is good. Mainly because the end, those 5 songs are just great.
I'd say 7/10, 3.5/5.

Originally posted by Remy:https://twitter.com/U2start/status/936309082335703041

Originally posted by bpt3:[..]
I finally caved and listened to the album, since my email confirmation of my SOE deluxe CD is making me fear that it might not arrive for another week...

And I agree with pretty much everything you said here! It's a wonderful, pleasant surprise after the singles made me a little worried, initially. My only differences in opinion (after just a couple listens through the album):

1. Regarding the first two songs: LIAWHL is definitely cool, very "Frank Sinatra on the moon", as it's been described. Will need to grow on me more, I think...an other-worldly sounding intro over the PA before the E & I show starts, maybe? But I LOVE Lights of Home - a definite standout for me. Rocking, catchy, poignant, desperate, all of it.

2. Summer of Love is also near the top for me. What an incredible song.

3. While I agree that the ending of the album is the strongest (thought the same for SOI, too), I'm still not sure about Love Is Bigger. Another one that might need to grow on me. Right now sounds too blunt and obvious, even as I recognize it has all the hallmarks of a classic U2 song and will be great live.

Overall very very pleased with SOE thus far. Definitely tops SOI for me.

Originally posted by paulc:[..]
Genuine question here (as I have been out of the loop for a week or so).
How are people listening to the album when it isn't released until midnight?
There are only 5 tracks on Spotify as an example.

Originally posted by Remy:[..]
It has leaked for a week or so, all over the (illegal) interwebs

Plus it's already available in some countries as we speak (Israel and further East!)

Originally posted by paulc:[..]
Ahh OK.
Well I am sure I can wait another few hours!