Songs Of Surrender

U2 has out done themselves with these classic 40 songs! Love it! Any true U2 Will appreciate this album.

If you ever wanted to picture U2 taking a break from a tour and playing a few sets in your living room, or an airport lounge while wating for the next flight -- this collection might be of interest to you. I'm a bit surprised at the number of people who think this is just a "cheap rehash" or "lazy attempt" or a "money grab". Well... all albums are money-grabs (artists and labels are producing these for charity). That aside, these are all new recordings -- arranged, played, produced, and mastered. They're not simply taking old 2" tapes from previous studio recordings and slapping some dry reverb on them and calling it a new version. What surprises me the most is how well received all of the U2 REMIX CDs were met with such high praise. You had other people remixing EXISTING recordings (granted, many of them had access to the separate tracks) -- essentially reworking an existing work. Shoot -- remember "Lady with the Spinning Head"? Remember the Extended Dance Mix? Stuff from that time period doesn't even sound like U2 material (and Alan Moulder, the brilliant artist remixing the track, isn't even a band member or part of the production team). Why that era of remixes gets a "thumbs up" from so many U2 fans while this album, with ALL NEW recordings and renditions gets such a "thumbs down" from many fans is beyond me. I get that the pace and style of these songs aren't for everyone (just like a dance remix of a U2 song isn't my cup of tea). I also get that Bono is starting to sound a bit "older" with these recordings (mostly because he's not flexing his vocals, and you don't have a lot of effects smoothing/hiding the inperfections we all hear when a vocalist sings a bit quieter). So, while not for everyone (a current 3-star rating shows how fans are split), if you enjoy the previous U2 library, but want to hear versions as if they were in a coffee house, or maybe your living room... you might like the feel of this collection.

This is a gift, thank you U2 for these new versions.

Then buy this album. #PassionlessMoneyGrab

For those complaining it's a money grab most of their money goes to charity and this stripped down basic version of some formerly very over produced songs cut through the excess and you hear the words. Been a fan since the beginning and all bands have slips they are poets.

This is U2, you either like or dislike them. I read the bad reviews and pondered, and one good review notes this was a companion to Bono’s U2 biography, so I bought the album. This isn’t such a lazy concept as I read in one review. This was a concerted effort by the band to elicit emotions to the accompanying biography. Some of the songs are good, some are okay. Some are very interesting versions. I look forward to reading the book, in which each chapter is a named accompaniment to each song on the album. It’s overall a decent album, I’ll listen to it again for the emotional attachment of these songs. By itself it is a nice listen, with the book I imagine to be a great companion.

Big U2 fan but this is disappointing. All of the songs are beautiful as originally recorded. Nothing was done to increase the quality of the sound or the beauty of the music. Just the opposite, it has diminished both. Its like hearing the perfect song on an album and seeing the band live and hearing that same song and it’s not the same. You are better than this.

Don’t listen to reviews calling this lazy or a cash grab, you are depriving yourself of hearing something pretty great and unique because of someone else’s baggage. With or Without You, Bad, City of Blinding Lights, and Walk On are highlights for me. Give it a listen!!!!

You don’t have to be a die hard U2 fan to appreciate this album. Its an amazing piece of music, period. It’s Artwork! and that’s what Bono, Edge, Adam, and Larry accomplished. Also, by going back in time and and finishing their “stories of life”presented in song. For one to negatively criticize this album is immature and ridiculous. Listen to this album over and over and you’ll appreciate this band for what it is…the greatest of all time.

I wasn't sure about this, but the more i listen, the more I like. Soime really terrific versions of some great selections. This reached No. 1 in the UK, and deservedly so. I don't get the big negative reaction from some "fans," and I suspect if the fellas see them they will laugh. They don't need money. support or adulation, so if they feel compelled to do this, why should anyone care? Honestly, if you don't like it, leave it alone!