U2's The Edge -- Before You Bash Our New Album ... JUST LISTEN TO IT!

The Edge has a message for everyone trashing U2's new album ... before you give the band crap over forcing their tunes onto your phone -- GIVE THE SONGS A FREAKIN' CHANCE!!

The guitar player was leaving a Ralphs in Malibu when he told our photog the MASSIVE negative reaction to their new album had nothing to do with the music.

What's most surprising ... he says "Songs of Innocence" is just as good as their most iconic album.