Since I was on @U2 staff at the time of SoI, it was easy to find my review.
"Some albums hit you instantly. Some are "growers" that require work on the part of the listener. I didn't have very high expectations for the new U2 album. At first glance, I thought that Songs Of Innocence was over-produced, perhaps too slick. I was underwhelmed, yet grateful just to have new music from U2. This album was either going to be a "grower" or another disappointment, like No Line On The Horizon or How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
That night, I listened to Songs Of Innocence while lying in bed with the lights out, using a pair of quality headphones. It finally clicked. Four things sealed the deal for me:
1. Adam and Larry really shine throughout the album.
2. The brilliance of "Every Breaking Wave" and "Song For Someone." Classic U2 songs. Perfect future singles.
3. Edge's guitar at 3:52 of "Sleep Like A Baby Tonight" mixed with the chimes. I only wish this could have played out longer.
4. "The Troubles" -- in my opinion, the best album closer U2 have done since "Wake Up Dead Man" on Pop.
It's not a perfect album, but it's definitely better than I expected. Rating: 8.5 out of 10"
----- 3 years later
I rarely listen to it at all. Point 1 is still valid. Point 2 I'm still ok with. Point 4 - "The Troubles" isn't as enjoyable as it used to seem.
I too think that I overdosed on the album for the first 1 to 3 months.
I have a hard time just STARTING the album because I hate the opening to Miracle. It makes me cringe. Most of the other tracks don't interest me to revisit, although I now love California. For most of the album, Bono yelps and is too far up in the mix. It makes me cringe.
The album has dropped from my initial rating of 8.5 to probably a 6.5 - just like I'd give Bomb and NLOTH, I don't have a desire to listen to them.