U2 surprise release new album Songs Of Innocence for free on iTunes

The band announced the surprise release of their 13th studio album today (September 9) at an event hosted by Apple, where it immediately appeared in iTunes users’ libraries in 119 countries.

The feat has been described by iTunes as the biggest album release ever, with over half a billion copies distributed. The LP will continue to be available for free on iTunes for next five weeks.

“From the very beginning U2 have always wanted our music to reach as many people as possible, the clue is in our name I suppose-so today is kind of mind-blowing to us,” frontman Bono said.

“The most personal album we’ve written could be shared with half a billion people… by hitting send. If only songwriting was that easy.

He continued: “It’s exciting and humbling to think that people who don’t know U2 or listen to rock music for that matter might check us out. Working with Apple is always a blast. They only want to do things that haven’t been done before - that’s a thrill to be part of.”

Songs Of Innocence features 11 new songs and is described as “their most personal work to date”, citing influences from ‘70s rock and punk rock to early ‘80s electronica and soul.

The collection was recorded in New York, London, Los Angeles, Dublin and produced by Danger Mouse, along with Paul Epworth, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, Declan Gaffney and Flood.

The release follows a similar move by Beyonce, who released her self-titled album without warning on iTunes last December, though not for free. Back in July last year, her husband Jay Z also released his own album Magna Carta Holy Grail free for 72 hours, to all customers who bought Samsung's Galaxy S II, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note II phones. 

The Songs Of Innocence tracklisting appears below: 

1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Every Breaking Wave
3. California (There Is No End To Love)
4. Song for Someone
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Volcano
7. Raised By Wolves
8. Cedarwood Road
9. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
10. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
11. The Troubles 

The deluxe edition, which will be released on October 13, will also contain an acoustic session of select songs from the album, plus four additional tracks, titled Lucifer’s Hands, The Crystal Ballroom, The Troubles (Alternative version), Sleep Like A Baby Tonight (Alternative Perspective Mix by Tchad Blake).