So, even though there are some positive for me, I was overall disspointed with Songs Of Surrender.
Before anyone jumps at me for having a 'negative take', I want to just remind all that this is only my opinion, it won't hurt you, and differing opinions make the world more interesting anyway. I would also like to disclose that it's not all doom and gloom, there are certainly some positives here.
So my main issue? It just boils down to me being one of those people that wanted the full band sound, as opposed to a minimalist acoustic project. I mean, the acoustic versions are pleasant enough, and a nice enough listen. But it wasn't what I was looking for. But it's the direction U2 wanted to go in, which is fair enough. But for me, I wanted all 4 members, full drum kit etc. Most of the album just sounds like Bono and The Edge only...
Some thoughts on some of the songs:
Electrical Storm - Most of this feels like what I mentioned as above, too stripped down and quiet for my liking, but towards the end of the song the full band suddenly comes in and then it sounds great. That is what I was looking for most, and I wish the entire album was like that...
Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses - This is my favourite ever U2 song probably. This version, while a very pleasant listen, is just an acoustic. I wish they did more with it. However, as far as the minimalist acoustic versions go, this is one of the better ones for me, but then again that could be bias for loving the actual song so much. I love the additional 'ride on' lyric at the end. But yeah, it's still nothing on the amazing temple bar versions or album version for me. Will never replace those, but a cool companion to them.
Red Hill Mining Town - This is BY FAR the best on the entire album for me. Already an excellent song, this version is just as good as the original, also it is full-band and really stands out from the rest of the album which mostly isn't full-band.
If God Will Send His Angels - After hearing the snippet I was worried about this one, but after hearing the full thing, it works very well indeed. It is one of the best ones here, in my top 3, after Mining Town and on level with Horses. I am very relieved that they kept the main groovy riff. And I love the high piano notes throughout, which were included on the Pop album version but not the single version, but as synths. Glad they're included again.
Two Hearts Beat As One - Another track that seems to be closer to a full-band feel, with more energy than the rest. The verses are great. The chorus I'm not sure does it for me, but kudos to them for trying and putting a little more energy into this one than most of the rest.
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone) - This is one of the few that is better than the original. But that's not hard to beat because I really disliked the original. This version works so much better.
Miracle Drug - And on the flip side, this is one that I hate. But I love the original. Kudos to them for trying something different here, but to me it sounds like an experiment gone wrong. Ironic when Miracle Drug is one of U2's finest songs for me. Oh well.
Vertigo - Was an interesting one, and lends itself well to the new style. As does The Fly.
Invisible - I quite liked. Still prefer the original, but I'm glad we have this version too.
And the singles - Pride, WOWY, BD, and One.... well, Pride is pretty good I felt, and by far my favourite of the singles as it has a bit of life towards the end. The other 3 though, just feel so bland and lifeless to me...
I think I'll stop there because 40 songs is a lot to process. But those are some of my initial thoughts. Just wondering where New Year's Day is though...
