Songs of Experience is the companion album to the Songs of Innocence album that U2 released to the world for free en-mass via Apple’s Itunes in 2015.
What a wild ride that was...
Prior to the release of that album, many U2 fans had expected the album to be called Songs of Ascent. This was based on comments from Bono in the lead up to the release. It never happened and this duo of albums appeared from the ether.
U2's Songs of Experience serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s evolution, channeling personal and universal themes that resonate with both the struggles and triumphs of life. Following the release of Songs of Innocence, this album represents a maturation of ideas, a meditative exploration of the dichotomies of innocence and experience inspired by William Blake's illustrated poems.
As Bono himself noted, the album is a deeply personal project, framed as a collection of letters addressed to people and places that hold profound significance for him. This thematic approach allows for an intimate dialogue not only with loved ones but also with the broader tapestry of human experience, imbuing each track with layers of meaning that extend beyond mere nostalgia.
The opening track, “Love Is All We Have Left,” introduces the overarching theme of vulnerability and resilience, echoing the sense of urgency that permeates the album.
The lyrics encapsulate a search for meaning amid chaos, a sentiment that feels particularly resonant in today’s tumultuous world. Bono's near-death experience and subsequent heart surgery undeniably influenced this quest for depth.
He expressed a desire to confront mortality head-on, emphasizing that the album's emotional gravity necessitated an upbeat tempo, juxtaposing the heavy themes with a defiant joy. This juxtaposition is particularly evident in “The Blackout,” where the raw energy of the music contrasts with a lyrical introspection that reflects on personal and collective struggles.
The album artfully navigates the interplay between innocence and experience, echoing the philosophical underpinning of Blake's work.
Songs like “You're the Best Thing About Me” and “American Soul” capture the fervor of love and identity against the backdrop of broader societal issues, blending the personal with the political. Here, Bono's letters act as vehicles for connection, addressing not just intimate relationships but also the complexities of nationality and faith.
The track “Get Out of Your Own Way” serves as a rallying cry for self-acceptance and liberation from internal and external obstacles. The lyrics challenge listeners to overcome their limitations, resonating with the album's aim to find joy in defiance amidst adversity.
Ultimately, Songs of Experience emerges not only as an exploration of personal narratives but also as a testament to the band’s enduring relevance. Bono's approach of writing as if he were already gone, inspired by the wisdom of Irish poet Brendan Kennelly, invites a fearless honesty that permeates the album.
What a wild ride that was...
Prior to the release of that album, many U2 fans had expected the album to be called Songs of Ascent. This was based on comments from Bono in the lead up to the release. It never happened and this duo of albums appeared from the ether.
U2's Songs of Experience serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s evolution, channeling personal and universal themes that resonate with both the struggles and triumphs of life. Following the release of Songs of Innocence, this album represents a maturation of ideas, a meditative exploration of the dichotomies of innocence and experience inspired by William Blake's illustrated poems.
As Bono himself noted, the album is a deeply personal project, framed as a collection of letters addressed to people and places that hold profound significance for him. This thematic approach allows for an intimate dialogue not only with loved ones but also with the broader tapestry of human experience, imbuing each track with layers of meaning that extend beyond mere nostalgia.
The opening track, “Love Is All We Have Left,” introduces the overarching theme of vulnerability and resilience, echoing the sense of urgency that permeates the album.
The lyrics encapsulate a search for meaning amid chaos, a sentiment that feels particularly resonant in today’s tumultuous world. Bono's near-death experience and subsequent heart surgery undeniably influenced this quest for depth.
He expressed a desire to confront mortality head-on, emphasizing that the album's emotional gravity necessitated an upbeat tempo, juxtaposing the heavy themes with a defiant joy. This juxtaposition is particularly evident in “The Blackout,” where the raw energy of the music contrasts with a lyrical introspection that reflects on personal and collective struggles.
The album artfully navigates the interplay between innocence and experience, echoing the philosophical underpinning of Blake's work.
Songs like “You're the Best Thing About Me” and “American Soul” capture the fervor of love and identity against the backdrop of broader societal issues, blending the personal with the political. Here, Bono's letters act as vehicles for connection, addressing not just intimate relationships but also the complexities of nationality and faith.
Ultimately, Songs of Experience emerges not only as an exploration of personal narratives but also as a testament to the band’s enduring relevance. Bono's approach of writing as if he were already gone, inspired by the wisdom of Irish poet Brendan Kennelly, invites a fearless honesty that permeates the album.
Lyrics to U2’s Songs of Experience album
- Love is all we have left
- Lights of Home
- You're The Best Thing About Me
- Get Out of Your Own Way
- American Soul
- Summer of Love
- Red Flag Day
- The Showman (Little More Better)
- The Little Things that give you away
- Landlady
- The Blackout
- Love is bigger than anything in its way
- 13 (There is a light)
The bonus tracks for the deluxe vinyl edition include:
The album was released on 1 December 2017.
The album was released on 1 December 2017.