U2 fans wondering when they might hear 'Songs of Experience' won't have too long to wait.

According to reports first published in The Irish Sun, the album is set for release on December 1st, which is World AIDS Day, and in partnership with Bono's AIDS charity (RED).

Dave Fanning allegedly confirmed the release, saying "“It’s definitely out this year", adding: "What’s great is new songs mean something to U2. They take their new material seriously, in a way that the Rolling Stones don’t.”

The album is set to be preceded by a single, 'You're the Best Thing About Me', set for release on September 8th. The band apparently shot a video for the song in Amsterdam earlier this year and Fanning - who has heard the album - said: "It’s a great tune and much lighter than anything on Songs of Innocence. It’s the ­perfect single.”

Solid confirmation on the release date has yet to come from the U2 camp, but it's looking like family members of U2 fans have their Christmas presents sorted.