A good secret is tough to keep yet U2 managed to surprise the world earlier this week when they released their new studio album (for free!) to the half billion subscribers of Apple’s iTunes platform. Songs Of Innocence marks U2’s first studio effort in five years and sees the group leaving all traces of pretension behind in favour of a “classic” U2 album. There is a quiet dignity to be found on “Every Breaking Wave” and “Song For Someone” while they pay homage to the late Joe Strummer on the 80’s drenched “This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now.” The energy, soul and enthusiasm heard in these songs helps reaffirm U2’s continued relevance, an amazing 34 years after their debut. That is no small feat.