U2 just released a surprise new album for free on iTunes

by Tyler Munro

September 9, 2014

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If we’re being honest, we haven’t been thinking much about U2 lately.

“This new Death From Above 1979 album is dope and all, but where’s the follow-up to No Line on the Horizon” isn’t something we’ve wondered.

Regardless, Apple has the answer: It’s on iTunes. For free.

Today’s Apple keynote conference was riddled with issues, but as the tech-behemoths introduced its two new iPhones, the 6 and 6-plus, its wearable Apple Watch and Tim Cook’s new dad-jeans, maybe the biggest, if not only surprise, came from the heart of Ireland.

Because why not, U2 showed up to perform a new song and to announce that their new album, Songs of Innocence, would be released immediately, for free, on Apple’s iTunes store. Here’s what it looks like:

It’s an interesting proposition, if not an entirely manufactured way of charting success. Pundits and publicists alike are calling it “the biggest album release in music history,” which is kind of true—last summer, Apple CEO Tim Cook estimated that iTunes now boasts nearly 600 million users.

But like Madonna’s MDNA, which bundled the album with concert tickets, and Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, which dropped exclusively as a free Samsung app, the release is ultimately a gimmick to doctor chart success.

It will work, though. If you’re curious, Songs of Innocence is available free on iTunes through October 13th.

Watch some video of them performing new song (and the album’s lead track) “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)” at this afternoon’s event below.

Annnnnd then also watch the weird, slow finger touch between Tim Cook and Bono that also happened.

Tags: Tech, News, Apple, iPhone 6, u2

Featured Image via: AP/Marcio Jose Sanchez

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