Last week, Apple released U2’s new album, “Songs of Innocence” as a free download to over 500 million iTunes users. While fans of the band rejoiced, critics looked at the release as an act of desperation for an aging band trying to stay relevant. The grand release appears to have put a target on the band’s back, as the album has received mixed reviews. While “Songs of Innocence” is certainly nowhere near the stature of many of U2’s classics, such as “The Joshua Tree” or “Achtung Baby,” many of the sour reviews that it has received from the international press are simply off the mark. The album is a quality addition to the band’s already extensive collection.

Overall, the album certainly is deserving of respect. Bono clearly hasn’t lost a beat vocally, and the album’s production, while overpowering at times, is of high quality. Unlike the stadium rockers or defiant songs of the U2’s past, “Songs Of Innocence” is much more personal. Much like The Beatles did while creating their “Magical Mystery Tour” album, U2 looked to their childhoods for inspiration. “Cedarwood Road,” for example, describes a street Bono remembered as a boy. This approach is interesting, and makes the songs lyrically appealing.

After a few listens, it becomes apparent that the album is clearly top heavy. Structured by garage band gristle and a poppy energy, opening track “The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)” cements itself as the anthem of the album. Smooth rockers, “Every Breaking Wave,” “Song For Someone” and “Iris (Hold Me Close)” bring back the energy and sound of the U2’s classic hits. Not to be forgotten is “California (There is no End to Love),” a song as sunny and cheerful as its name implies. The album’s first half gives off an optimistic vibe that builds a connection with the listener.

While the album begins with a bang, it leaves with a whimper. While none of the concluding songs are terrible, they leave something to be desired. “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight” and “The Trouble” are lifeless and seem to float endlessly. “This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now” is far too bland and repetitive. The melancholic “Cedarwood Road” doesn’t make a lasting impression either. The occasional uninspired lyric, such as “tomorrow dawns like someone else’s suicide” and “Northside, just across the river to the Southside” leave listeners scratching their heads. Bono’s awkward falsetto in “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight” isn’t impressive. The unconscious, dreamy effect that that band was trying to produce with their final songs simply falls flat.

“Songs of Innocence” is certainly a mixed bag, with the first and second halves sharply contrasting one another. But considering that this marks the band’s 13th studio album, the outcome is actually quite impressive. Even though the critics have been quick to label this album irrelevant, that is not the case at all. U2, while not as consistent as they once were, prove that they are still very much alive and capable of producing quality music.