Gavin Friday, who has been named a consultant by U2, said the Irish group’s upcoming album is their "most exciting release since Achtung Baby” back in 1991.

The Herald reports that Friday was given an exclusive first listen to U2’s thirteenth album months before it is due to hit shelves.

I've heard the new album and it certainly is a development. U2 turns corners very quickly and what hits you is how fresh it sounds. With Edge involved, there is still plenty of guitar," Gavin told the Herald.

"They asked me what I thought and I told them I really liked it. It's definitely their most exciting release since Achtung Baby."

The Herald goes on to reveal that Friday, a long time friend of frontman Bono, came up with the title of early U2 single 11 O'Clock Tick Tock. However, Friday hasn’t lent much creative help to the band since.

“U2 have plenty of their own ideas for song titles," he said.

Friday added, "I'm planning on releasing two albums myself next year, one electronica, the other more guitar-orientated."