It would be an understatement to say that I have been looking forward to this album's release for a long time. It's a tradition that I am accustomed to: every four or five years, the new U2 album comes out. Sometimes it's amazing (Achtung Baby), sometimes it's terrible (Pop) and sometimes it's so so (All You Can't Leave Behind).
Despite all the temptation to skip over the album's first track, 'Vertigo', after having heard it so many times, I refused to jump around on my first time through the record. It's a solid, powerful, punk-ish opener that grabs your attention easily. It lets you know that this is going to be a guitar-heavy album, however, it doesn't necessarily tell much else about a record that has a drastically different feel from its opening number.
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, in essence, is a combination of U2's roots with their previous and quite likable album All That You Can't Leave Behind. Showing their continuing maturity and wisdom, the album picks up thematically where Leave Behind left off. The blind anger and unbridled power of their early work has been honed and whittled down into capable, controlled and contemplative vignettes.
Distinct U2 traits, like The Edge's trademark delayed guitar riffs echoing above melodies; rich, warm, and sometimes even grating pads rising up underneath and around a few of the tracks; powerful ballads that rise and fall gracefully along with Bono's falsetto and forceful chest voice; a rough, blues-style track to wake the listener from the calm of the previous ballad--they're all here on the groups latest effort. It's quite logical that this effort would sound like classic U2, considering it was produced by Steve Lillywhite, who Produced a bunch of the group's earlier work.
Article comments
1 - news
This album's pretty sweet. U2 still has some creativity left in them.
2 - gavin
These songs are going to be absolutely incredible live -- especially "Love and Peace or Else".
3 - Lono
ok, everyone in the world apparently has heard this album but me... and it is killing me. Where can I find downloads. I went through Kazaa lite (my normal channel) but everything I found were spoofs.
4 - joel
I guess I'm in the minority cause I was very disappointed with the album. Bono's lyrics have always been an important part of U2's appeal and I think, to be honest, he's the weak link on this album. The lyrics are non-poetic and cliche and his melodies are tired and sometimes recycled (a couple of understated melody lines are even borrowed.)
The free flowing and climatic structure of songs that have been their trademark over the years is non-existent. The U2 tradmark elements that are on the album sound forced.
There are 3 tracks that I think are good, one of which is the single Vertigo, and about 2 of others that are decent. The rest of the album should have never made the cut. I know that I'm being harsh but this is U2 and the expectations are always high.
5 - musiclover
I was confused and almost unimpressed the first time I heard it. Then, the second time it got better...after a week, I can say this is one of the most amazing albumns I have ever heard. Each song is truly incredible. You have to hear it to believe.
6 - m moonan
Like all U2 albums,...the more I listen the more I like. That is still the case here.While I agree with the previous opinionon @ a few questionable lines from Bono , I feel overall he has captured one of their more philosophical and pensive albums to date. I am biased, but no group in history has made an album this strong 25 yrs into existance. I am rarely dissapointed by a new u2 album, (except POP), and this one is no exception.
7 - carl
When U2 came up with Actung all those years ago, they were taking a chance. They strayed from their familiar sound to come up with something strong, rhythmic and inventive. They continued in this inventive manner until Pop, (which I thought was overlooked in may areas), after which it appears they got scared of public opinion. Hence ATYCLB. Safe. Nice, but safe. What can I say? My childhood idols are getting old and precautious. This new album has some spinetingling moments (they are still U2) however, for the most part they seem to have forgotten to get to the core of their music. Stripped back is not always a good thing. And Bono, wheres the sarcastic witty one-liners? And why have they been replaced with middle of the road cliches? Maybe I'm being too harsh and expecting too much, but it seems to me that U2 have got lazy. And my heart is broken.
8 - Matt
I just picked up U2s new album and I must say I am very pleased. Is this their best album...no but nothing short of great. U2 continues to stay fresh with there music and not depend on past achievements that made them popular. "Vertigo" is an awesome tune but I think the best song on the album is "City of Blinding Lights"- cant wait to hear that live. Not to mention "Miracle Drug" "Sometimes you cant make it on your own" "Yahweh" and "One step closer" are all winners.
After all these years U2 reminds me a lot of Led Zeppelin because they continue to move forward with there music and not backwards. They are always changing and they can play various styles and still be on top of the world. -Another victory for U2... my hats off to Bono and the Boys!
9 - bla
well, 1. achtung, 2. joshua....3-5. how to dismantle, together with the unforgettable fire and all that you can't live without. that's how i felt when i heard it and heard it and heard it this past few days. i never really loved boy, war and october...too angry for my ideas of U2
10 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
i was pretty unimpressed with Verigo, but after hearing the stunning Yahweh on the radio, i figure im gonna give this a listen.
11 - dutchie
i don't think that this album is the finest one ever to be released by u2, but i think it's a good effort. "city of blinding lights" was my first favorite. this album reminds me a lot of the last one, but i miss the days of the joshua tree & even achtung baby. i love david
12 - fze
i love this band....and then i listened to their new album and especially the third song ie 'sometimes you cant make it on your own....'
and then i realized WHY i love this band so much.
an amazing album. money well spent. totally.
13 - mop
Wat an album 9 out of 10 Love and Peace or Else unbelivable. The best album in the last 15 years.
14 - Chris M
Another super U2 CD. Absolutely love 'Crumbs from your Table'- and all the other songs. If one criticism, I think it is just a touch 'preachy'. I understand they are very spiritual and Bono was going through a tough time, but I just prefer a little less of the 'bibleisms'. Still love it to death.
15 - Maxbrad
if you download something called winmx you can have any song or fiml in the world even if its not out in the cinema in the uk yet!!!!!
16 - divya
I completely agree with JOel.
one has tremendous expectations from a band like u2. they've been demi-gods for me for years, but of late i can see their clay feet ever so much! i mean after gems like joshua tree and achtung baby, they came out with ATYCLB which kind of showed forth a different sound, slightly pop based rather than rock (and that too only in some places),but nevertheless, is still one of my treasured albums. But vertigo takes the cake for completely losing their sound, their originality and uniqueness, the sheer poetry of the lyrics. whereas their earlier albums would send me into rapturous ecstasy, this one refuses to move a single cell of emotion in me, except for irritation and frustration and even loathing. they are sounding like any other silly band with cliched lyrics and a phoney sound and spirit.the songs seem forced and not spontaneous. I think this poppish avatar is there to attract as many listeners as possible, because the market belongs to easy listening, banal lyrics, and easily understood and remembered tunes. there are also many sounds which seem like straight lift offs from their previous albums. its as if the band has lost out on any such thing as 'inspiration' and are borrowing from their old albums because they have simply run out of ideas, creativity and originality. the depth of their music is lost in order to make as much money and as possible and sell as many albums, so even those for whom music=britney spears can now graduate to u2. easy step now.
i dont intend to disparage the band. i'm one of their most ardant fans, and this is written in anguish, believe you me!