U2’s Songs Of Innocence album headed for Top 5 following physical release

U2’s Songs Of Innocence album is on track to enter the Official Albums Chart Top 5 this Sunday following its physical release.

The band’s latest collection was previously chart-ineligible as it was delivered to over 500 million iTunes users’ accounts for free upon its release in September. A deluxe edition of the record featuring four new songs and acoustic sessions has been available to purchase or download since Monday this week (October 13).

Frontman Bono previously described Songs Of Innocence as the band’s “most personal work to date”, citing influences from ‘70s rock and punk rock to early ‘80s electronica and soul. Danger Mouse, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and Paul Epworth are among the collaborators on the record.

The star has since apologised for the manner in which the album was released, after fans complained it wasn't clear how delete it from their iTunes libraries. 

"Oops, I'm sorry about that," he said in a session with Facebook. "I had this beautiful idea and we got carried away with ourselves. Artists are prone to that kind of thing.

"Drop of megalomania, touch of generosity, dash of self-promotion, and deep fear that these songs that we poured our life into over the last few years mightn't be heard."

Songs Of Innocence currently sits behind midweek leader Ella Henderson, who is on track to top the chart with her debut album Chapter One, followed by Jessie J’s new LP Sweet Talker and Ed Sheeran’s X. Check out the Official Albums Chart Top 40 as it currently stands, here.

It’s final position on the album chart will be revealed this Sunday (October 19th) at 7pm. Click here to check out U2's full chart history.