U2 released their 13th studio album, “Songs of Innocence,” on Sept. 9 through Apple. The album was released for free and automatically downloaded into people’s devices through iTunes.

It will be released outside of iTunes, iTunes Radio and Beats Music on Oct. 13. This is U2’s first album since 2009.

Some people liked this ease of access, but others protested that they did not want the songs and that receiving them was frustrating.

“It’s kind of weird because U2’s contract with Apple means we all get the free album, whether we want to or not,” Grace Park (10) said.

Apple users can sync their iTunes onto multiple devices, which allows for shared songs. For some, it is an annoyance, especially to those who do not want to clutter up their music with songs they will never listen to.

“My sister downloaded it, and now it’s on my computer and I don’t want it,” Maile Chung (10) said.

The album, named after William Blake’s poetry collection, features 11 songs. Many of these songs have a personal meaning to the band and are about the band’s younger days.

The band’s primary single “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)” promises that people’s “voices will be heard.” It is a song dedicated to the Ramones, specifically Joey Ramone, whom the band drew inspiration from.

The beats throughout the album stay with the listener and have nice lyrics that help make a connection with the band.

“The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)” is followed by “Every Breaking Wave,” which precedes “California (There Is No End To Love).”

“Every Breaking Wave” leaves a lasting impression as a song someone might listen to all the time and is quite popular, while “California (There Is No End To Love)” is repetitive and not particularly memorable.

The fourth song, “Song For Someone,” is softer and smoother. “Iris (Hold Me Close)” is a deeply personal song for Bono, who sings about his mother. “Hold me close and don’t let go,” he sings.

“Volcano” and “Raised by Wolves” are much more restless songs. The beginning of “Raised by Wolves” sounds similar to the breathing of a wolf, which is unique and memorable.

The eighth song, “Cedarwood Road” is very personal to Bono, named after a place where he once lived.

“Sleep Like a Baby Tonight” has a deeper meaning, but when Bono sings “You’re gonna sleep like a baby tonight,” it stays in the listener’s mind. The song closes quietly and transitions somewhat abruptly into “This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now.”

“This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now” opens with the sound of birds and is about rebellious soldiers.

A more instrumental tone shows in “The Troubles” the final song in the album. The voice of Lykke Li sings “somebody stepped inside your soul,” and the strains of Bono’s voice can be heard over several lines.

Overall, the album is good and highlights the pasts of the members of the band. I would give it a 4/5.