U2 // photo by David Brendan Hall

Photo by David Brendan Hall

After an extended wait, U2 are finally set to release their new album, Songs of Experience. A fresh preview comes today in the form of “The Blackout”, a sweeping anthem steep in political undertones. “Statues fall, democracy is flat on its back/ We had it all and what we had is not coming back,” Bono sings at one point, no doubt in reference to recent events in the US and UK. He goes on: “The big mouth says the people, they don’t wanna be free for free/ The Blackout, is visiting such an event we see.”

The song premiered in the form of a live performance video streamed on Facebook. Check it out below.

Songs of Experience is U2’s 14th album and serves as the sequel to 2014’s Songs of Innocence. The band previously previewed the release with “The Little Things That Give You Away”, which they debuted during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in May. The album’s first proper single, “You’re the Best Thing About Me”, is set for release on September 6th. In the meantime, U2 have several more dates on their 30th anniversary Joshua Tree Tour, including a string of shows with Beck.

U2 2017 Tour Dates:

09/03 – Detroit, MI @ Ford Field *

09/05 – Buffalo, NY @ New Era Field *

09/08 – Minneapolis, MN @ US Bank Stadium *

09/10 – Indianapolis, IN @ Lucas Oil Stadium *

09/12 – Kansas City, MO @ Arrowhead Stadium *

09/14 – New Orleans, LA @ Mercedes Benz Superdome *

09/16 – St. Louis, MO @ The Dome at America’s Center *

09/19 – Phoenix, AZ @ University of Phoenix Stadium *

09/22 – San Diego, CA @ Qualcomm Stadium *

10/03 – Mexico City, MX @ Foro Sol

10/04 – Mexico City, MX @ Foro Sol

10/07 – Bogota, CO @ Estadio El Campin

10/10 – Buenos Aires, AR @ La Plata

10/11 – Buenos Aires, AR @ La Plata

10/14 – Santiago, CL @ Estadio Nacional

10/19 – Sao Paulo, BR @ Morumbi Stadium

10/21 – Sao Paulo, BR @ Morumbi Stadium

10/22 – Sao Paulo, BR @ Morumbi Stadium

10/25 – Sao Paulo, BR @ Morumbi Stadium

* = w/ Beck