MUMBAI: On 9 September, Apple, Universal Music Group and legendary rock band U2 announced the release of the album 'Songs of Innocence’. Apple Inc is gifting the album to iTunes Store customers around the world, making it the largest album release ever with over half a billion copies distributed.

'Songs of Innocence’ features 11 new songs from the band and charts their earliest influences from 70s rock and punk rock, to early 80s electronica and soul. Customers who sign up for an iTunes Store account in the next five weeks will get the album for free.

"U2 has been an important part of Apple’s history in music and we are thrilled to make 'Songs of Innocence’ the largest album release ever," said Apple, Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services, Eddy Cue. "We get to share our love of music today by gifting this great new album to over half a billion iTunes customers around the world."

'Songs of Innocence’ gives insight into how and why the band came together and the relationships in and around them, their family and friendships. The album was recorded in New York, London, Los Angeles and Dublin and is produced by Danger Mouse (one half of Grammy Award winning 'Gnarls Barkley’), along with Academy Award winner Paul Epworth (of 'Skyfall’ fame), Ryan Tedder (of One Republic), Declan Gaffney and Flood.

However, even though the album is now available for free download across iTunes, it will hit shelves only on 14 October. And since the eligibility period for the 57th Grammy Awards closes on 30 September, 'Songs of Innocence’ misses that deadline and will have to wait until next year's Grammy Awards.

U2 was previously associated with the empirical technology firm when Apple worked with U2 on the iPod U2 Special Edition and created 'The Complete U2’ box set together.