Early song rankings

[chocky]

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

I actually don't think there's real "filler" on this album which is fantastic.

After 16 complete listens not much has changed except Cedarwood Road rocketing to top spot:

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

I'm still not that much into 10 & 11 even though some people are loving them.
I really hope Iris is the next single. It might need a little editing but it's a cracker of a song and should get some decent airplay.

 

[snutes1]

1. This is where you can reach me now
2. The troubles
3. Every breaking wave
4. Sleep like a baby tonight
5. Volcano
6. Cedarwood road
7. Raised by wolves
8. Iris
9. California
10. Song for someone
11. The miracle

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using U2 Interference mobile app

 

[Larry's girl]

So far I only have Top 5

1.Iris (hold me close) - haven't been this excited about U2 song since...very long time

2.Cedarwood road
3.Every breaking wave
4.The Troubles
5.Song for someone

 

[Vlaco]

There's no weak song on it. The standouts are Cedarwood Road and The Troubles. The rest varies from pretty good to really good.

U2; you did a very good job. Definitely like this album so far, but it's early, so I don't talk in hyperboles. I think it's the best record they made in the 2000s. No Line is good, but has at least 3 very weak tracks. This one hasn't, so that's good I also disagree with people saying Songs Of Innonence doesn't have any peaks. The two songs I mentioned in the first alinea are top-notch.

 

[intedomine]

After just four listens...

1. Sleep Like a Baby
2. Every Breaking Wave
3. Raised By Wolves
4. California
5. Song for Someone
6. The Miracle
7. The Troubles
8. Iris
9. This is where you can reach me.
10. Cedarwood Road
11. Volcano

I'm enjoying all songs in one way or another at the moment - very hard to rank. It could flip around completely in a couple of days. Decent effort this, Sleep Like A Baby is absolutely brilliant.

For me, this sounds like U2 are wrapping up their stellar career by bringing together a lot of their sounds over the journey onto the two albums (Innocence/Experience). Innocence really does bring to mind early U2, and not just in the lyrics. Volcano and Miracle (Pete the Chop!) especially musically.


Sent from a barge floating through the docks of Dublin

 

[bazza]

The Troubles !!

 

[Gonna Run 2 U]

I've noticed a bit of a trend with Iris. Seems to mostly be on opposite spectrums on peoples lists. Pretty much number 1 and close to dead last. Is it because it's the most u2ish song on the record?


Sent from my iPhone using U2 Interference

 

[birdman]

I've noticed a bit of a trend with Iris. Seems to mostly be on opposite spectrums on peoples lists. Close to the top or dead last.


Sent from my iPhone using U2 Interference

I put it at shared 5, not sure if that's middle..
IMO, if they work on it a tiny bit more, so that it leaves the nest of an Ultraviolet sound-alike, then it would be even more competent.

 

[Mr. Happy]

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

One day on, and this where I stand now! Slightly different format:

The Best:
1. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
2. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
3. Every Breaking Wave
4. The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)

The Good That Aren't Quite The Best:
5. California (There is No End to Love)
6. Song for Someone
7. The Troubles
8. Cedarwood Road

The Tragic:
9. Volcano
10. Iris
11. Raised By Wolves

No drastic changes. Shuffled things around in the top 4, the middle four, and the last three, mostly. I realised as I was doing this that although I find the top 4 to be head and shoulders above everything else on the album, 5-8 are all really on par with each other for me. I don't really prefer California to Cedarwood...but that's how lists work. Something has to lose!

Those bottom three (coincidentally, it's a 'middle 3' situation identical to No Line, right down to the track number), though, do nothing for me and I'm not convinced that's going to change. Volcano's chorus is cringe-worthy and let's down the rest of the song, which really isn't that bad - then Iris is particularly forgettable, and Raised by Wolves just feels awkward and forced to me (and that's before taking into account the "my body is a toilet wall" line). I want to like them, but I just can't.

Overall, my opinion of the album has improved drastically, and I'm honestly a little annoyed at myself for letting my first reaction be so knee-jerkingly critical. I still don't think it's incredible, but it's definitely very, very good. I'm perfectly happy with very, very good.

That's it for me. I'll get off my soap box

 

[sfu2doc]

I think there is more disparity (dynamic range) as to favorites and least favorites on this thread than I recall in the NLOTH thread 5 years ago. Back then, most agreed around MOS, Breathe, NLOTH, and possibly Magnificent as being the strongest songs.

It's a very wide range on this new album. I like that...

 

[birdman]

One day on, and this where I stand now! Slightly different format:

The Best:
1. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now

The reason why I wasn't totally crash hot on TIWYCRMN is that I can't get it out of my head (lors!), that it is going to be limited to a BTBS type live performance, which has never been top tier, for me.

 

[birdman]

MOS, Breathe, NLOTH, and possibly Magnificent as being the strongest songs.

Bono "Look at me (even more), I can rap, bro" vocals, immediately sent MOS to top of the bottom-tier, for me. This is also why RBW, is bottom-tier for me too. Good thing, he brought JayZ to Australia (still not that great *cough*).

 

[2861U2]

After the first listen on Day 2:

1) Every Breaking Wave
2) The Troubles
3) The Miracle
4) California
5) Song For Someone
6) This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
7) Raised By Wolves
8) Volcano
9) Iris
10) Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
11) Cedarwood Road

This will be the last one for a while.

After the first listen on Day 3:

All-time Great
1) Every Breaking Wave
2) The Troubles

Very Good
3) California
4) The Miracle
5) Song For Someone
6) Raised By Wolves

Good
7) Iris
8) This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
9) Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
10) Volcano

Okay
11) Cedarwood Road- but even this one is growing on me

 

[medley]

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

Very difficult because yes there are no bad or even average songs here, Volcano still is really interesting.

 

[trevgreg]

I've noticed a bit of a trend with Iris. Seems to mostly be on opposite spectrums on peoples lists. Pretty much number 1 and close to dead last. Is it because it's the most u2ish song on the record?

Not really. I had it last on mine, but I shuffled those last six around a few times and I'm sure it will again in the future. I think it's okay, but obviously I'm not responding to it in (yet) in ways that a lot of people are on here. Which is fine.

I am wondering why we're not getting a few of the "autopilot" or "by the numbers" comments for Edge's guitar on there, but I'll give it a year.

I think there is more disparity (dynamic range) as to favorites and least favorites on this thread than I recall in the NLOTH thread 5 years ago. Back then, most agreed around MOS, Breathe, NLOTH, and possibly Magnificent as being the strongest songs.

It's a very wide range on this new album. I like that...

Agreed.

 

[Yahweh_OMG]

One day on, and this where I stand now! Slightly different format:

The Best:
1. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
2. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
3. Every Breaking Wave
4. The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)

The Good That Aren't Quite The Best:
5. California (There is No End to Love)
6. Song for Someone
7. The Troubles
8. Cedarwood Road

The Tragic:
9. Volcano
10. Iris
11. Raised By Wolves

Your bottom 3 are my top 3..... strange how U2 fans will never agree on their favourite band

 

[purpleoscar]

Fuck this is so hard for me. The lyrics and their meaning have a huge impact:

First impressions:

1. Raised by wolves
2. This is where you can reach me
3. Every breaking wave
4. The Troubles
5. Sleep like a baby tonight
6. Iris (Hold Me Close)
7. Volcano
8. California (There is no end to love)
9. Song for someone
10. Cedarwood road
11. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)

But I have to remember I've listened to Achtung Baby 1000's of times and what mood you are in will tell what song is a favorite at that time.

1. Raised by wolves
2. This is where you can reach me
3. Every breaking wave
4. The Troubles
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. California (There is no end to love)
7. Sleep like a baby tonight
8. Cedarwood road
9. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
10. Volcano
11. Song for someone

The top 4 are the same but after that there are some changes.

 

[CosmoKramer]

After five listens...

Top tier...
1. The Troubles
2. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
3. Raised By Wolves

Really like them...
4. Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
5. California
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Every Breaking Wave
8. Volcano

Not feeling them yet...
9. Iris
10. Song For Someone
11. TIWYCRMN

TIWYCRMN was at first very questionable but I'll be damned if it isn't one if my favorites right now. He of a grove once the intro is done. Give it a few more listens, perhaps like with me it will grow on you


Sent from my iPhone using U2 Interference

 

[James U2]

After ~three dozen listens.

Tier One
Every Breaking Wave
Song For Someone
Sleep Like A Baby Tonight

Tier Two
Cedarwood Road
Raised By Wolves
The Troubles

Tier Three
The Miracle
Volcano
Iris

Tier Four
This Is Where You Can Reach Me
California

 

[Diemen]

I'll take a stab at it.

1. The Troubles (by a HUGE margin)
2. This Is Where You Can Reach Me
3. Raised By Wolves
4. Cedarwood Road
5. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
6. Every Breaking Wave
7. Volcano
8. The Miracle
9. Iris
10. Song for Someone
11. California

 

[Roland of Gilead]

Okay, 3 full listens on blue tooth hearing aids blasting to the max.

Plus, a bootle of wine.

The outright love:

1. Raised by Wolves
2. This Is Where You Can Reach Me
3. The Miracle

The good love:

4. Song For Someone
5. The Troubles
6. Iris

Liking:

7. Every Breaking Wave
8. Sleep Like A Baby

Time to grow:

9. Volcano
10. Cedarwood Road
11. California

There is nothing cringe worthy here. I'm just embarrassed to rank Cali last. I'm just not feeling it. ...yet.

Nearing the 48hr mark of owning this record, I have probably listened all the way through 10 times. Also, for short drives where maybe 2 songs could play, I have made a point of starting the album at a different song each time.

The Best
1. Raised By Wolves - Blue mink Ford, I'm gonna detonate and you're dead.
2. This is Where You Can Reach Me Now - Solider, solider!!!
3. The Miracle - I was young, not dumb/ Just wishing to be blinded
4. Song For Someone - And I'm a long long way from your Hill of Calvary

The Good
5. The Troubles
6. Iris
7. Cedarwood Road
8. Sleep Like A Baby
9. Every Breaking Wave

No Feels
10. Volcano
11. California

Of Note:
Cedarwood Road grew on me the most in this short period. Song For Someone climbed into my very best. I love the simplicity of it. The vocal delivery is top. Wolves and Reach Me are really above the pack for me. I hope we hear these two on tour. The Miracle wins because it crunches so well.
I'm sure Volcano is going to grab me in a live setting. And I'm sure Katy Perry will forever sneak into my head when I hear California.

 

[Wolfdogmandude]

1. Every breaking wave
2. California (There is no end to love)
3. Sleep like a baby tonight
4. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
5. Volcano
6. The Troubles
7. This is where you can reach me
8. Iris (Hold Me Close)
9. Song for someone
10. Raised by wolves
11. Cedarwood road

 

[God Part III]

I'll take a stab at it.

1. The Troubles (by a HUGE margin)
2. This Is Where You Can Reach Me
3. Raised By Wolves
4. Cedarwood Road
5. Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
6. Every Breaking Wave
7. Volcano
8. The Miracle
9. Iris
10. Song for Someone
11. California

Switch California and Song for Someone and those are my exact ratings.

 

[Tim Wallach]

I'm surprised at the lack of love for Song for Someone. I think it's stunning.

But I guess that's what makes U2 so good.

Here are mine:

1. The Troubles
2. Song for Someone
3. Every Breaking Wave
4. Iris
5. The Miracle (really growing)
6. This is Where...
7. Cedarwood Road
8. Volcano
9. Raised by Wolves
10. California
11. Sleep like a Baby.

 

[Catman]

This list is just temporary (obviously)...

1) Every Breaking Wave
2) Sleep Like a Baby Tonight

3) TIWYCRMN

4) Iris
5) Raised by Wolves
6) The Troubles

7) Song for Someone
8] Cedarwood Road

9) The Miracle
10) California
11) Volcano

 

[prbiker15]

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

Ranking #3, after 6 full listens:

01 - Every Breaking Wave
02 - Iris (Hold Me Close)
03 - Cedarwood Road
04 - The Troubles
05 - Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
06 - Volcano
07 - This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
08 - Raised by Wolves
09 - California (There is No End to Love)
10 - The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
11 - Song for Someone

 

[Flaming Friar Sr]

Tier A++:
- Sleep like a baby tonight
- Cedarwood Road
- Iris
- Every Breaking Wave

Tier A+:
- Raised By Wolves
- The Troubles
- Song For Someone

Tier A:
- Volcano
- This Is Where You Can Reach Me now
- California

Tier A-:
- The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)

so all in all

Timing for me has been perfect as I had to go away for two days with many hours in my car, so I've listened almost 20 times already. Ranking 1-11 this time:

1 Iris
2 Cedarwood Road
3 Sleep Like a Baby Tonight
4 Every Breaking Wave
5 The Troubles
6 Volcano
7 California
8 Raised By Wolves
9 Song For Someone
10 The Miracle
11 This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now

 

[birdman]

Third edit.

1. California
2. Volcano
3. Cedarwood Road
4. The Miracle
5. Sleep or Iris (or Song for Someone)
6. Song for Someone
7. This is Where You Can Reach Me Now.
8. The Troubles
9. Raised by Wolves
10. Every Breaking Wave.

1. California
2. Volcano
3. Cedarwood Road (or SFS, if perfect live reworking).
4. The Miracle
5. Sleep or Iris
6. Song for Someone (as is)
7. This is Where You Can Reach Me Now.
8. The Troubles
9. Raised by Wolves
10. Every Breaking Wave.

SFS needs a wacky facelift.
It's too acoustic, need more electronic ambience.

 

[bobsaget77]

1. Get On Your Boots
2. Stand Up Comedy
3. Red Light
4. All Because Of You
5. Elvis Ate America
6. The Playboy Mansion
7. Grace
8. Wild Honey
9. Big Girls Are Best
10. Elevation


Whoops....I thought this was a list for The Best Of 1980-2010.....

 

[purpleoscar]

1. Raised by wolves
2. This is where you can reach me
3. Every breaking wave
4. The Troubles
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. California (There is no end to love)
7. Sleep like a baby tonight
8. Cedarwood road
9. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
10. Volcano
11. Song for someone

The top 4 are the same but after that there are some changes.

Okay so now I'm starting to listen to individual tracks depending on moods.

Looking for something visceral:
Raised by wolves
Volcano
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)

Looking for something sentimental:
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Song for someone

Looking for pop music:
Every breaking wave
California (There is no end to love)
This is where you can reach me

Looking for something mysterious and atmospheric:
Sleep like a baby tonight
The Troubles

Looking for something thought provoking:
Cedarwood road

Of course some of these songs can fit different moods. Yet how many times can I listen to tearjerkers like Iris? Or if I want something sad I may prefer Iris and find Volcano, and The Miracle superficial. It's good to listen as an album but unless you put it away for a long time you'll end up picking different tracks depending on mood.