People around the world turned toward Apple today to hear the news of iPhone 6 and the upcoming Watch. What they didn’t expect was U2 to announce at the event that their new album Songs of Innocence is available on iTunes right now. And it’s free.

Songs of Innocence will show up in your iTunes automatically as a “previously purchased” album… you just need to download the tracks from the Cloud. If you’re having trouble finding it, go to your iTunes preferences and make sure the “show Cloud purchases” box is checked. Then go to your U2 section of your library and you should see it ready to download.

If you had any doubts about U2’s relevance as of late, Songs of Innocence should squash those thoughts. The newest offering by the Dublin quartet is their strongest in years. Bono’s voice is in top form as it soars over Edge’s distinctive tones. Adam Clayton’s bass lines are prominent and inventive, and Larry Mullen’s drums are thicker and more dramatic than they have been in a long time. The songs are focused, and it sounds like U2 have a new energy to them… many of the parts reminiscent of their 80’s selves. It is their most captivating set of songs since 1997’s Pop.

After 5 years of waiting, the band certainly didn’t disappoint. Go have a listen for yourself.

Rating: 9/10

Songs to check out: “Volcano”, “Cedarwood Road”, “This is Where You Can Reach Me Now”