first impressions
This is good. It took a second listen, with headphones in the dark for it to really click, but this is one powerful mother.…
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
U2 - How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - Comments Page 2
first impressions
This is good. It took a second listen, with headphones in the dark for it to really click, but this is one powerful mother.…
Article comments
26 - waseem
Quietly content with the latest U2 release, I couldnt help but share my happiness with others. And then Caryn Rose has to go and spoil it all by accusing us fans of being so desperate that we "will grasp onto anything they do or say". I take on board what you say, Caryn, about the band nearing the end of their product life cycle although I can scarcely believe it myself. For the first time ever I am really beginning to feel old. After all, it only seems like yesterday when the Joshua Tree ruled the airwaves and yet now I am beginning to contemplate a music scene and life without them. Ho Hum. Such is life.
But then I clicked on your tag and followed the links through to your semi-autographical "book" about 'love and sex and hope and fear and loss and dreams and choices' and some other tired shite like that. Oh, I laughed, I cried and then when I was finished I realised you really seem to have confused ambition for creativity. Now, THAT must be hard. Please, Caryn, spare the world from further torture. Keep your stories about your shagfests across America to yourself. It's a crazy enough place as it is.
27 - dave the rave
as someone who has seen U2 a few times and heard their albums I have to say that it is a good album on the whole, vertigo beingthe odd track out = but hte best one IMHO
govea it two or three listens..... you`ll get used to it.
I have some commentary on my blog
28 - Bundang Dave
Like some others, I was underwhelmed upon first listen. Subsequent listens have improved my liking for some songs, but on the whole it's not as inspiring as it could be. They seem to want to try some new musical things (mixed with roots), but hold themselves back too much.
As always, everyone seems to have different opinions on which tracks are good or bad; here's my take:
The songs I like are Vertigo, Love and Peace or Else, All Because of You, Sometimes You Can't Make It, Original of the Species and One Step Closer. I don't think Edge's guitar gets as much work as some are suggesting--he does well on the first three I listed above, but the rest of the tracks have rather dull guitar work. Even these tracks that I like could use some more focus/direction. Love and Peace or Else could really be excellent if they pumped some more energy into it--I'm sure that it'll rip live, but they held back too much in the studio--the vocals in particular are too clean for a song with such grinding rhthym and guitars.
The other tracks seemed kinda stale to me, like ATYCLB leftovers (City of Blinding Lights, Man and a Woman, Yahweh, Crumbs From Your Table, Miracle Drug). Bono does too much talking and not enough singing, the melodies don't fit the lyrics and vocals; there just wasn't tight enough direction (some strong ideas, but poorly put together). At times I felt like a song should have a smokier Leonard Cohen-like sound, but the melody and vocals were too light and airy with a kickless chorus.
I liked a couple of tracks that didn't make it on to all the albums: Fast Cars and Are You Gonna Wait Forever. Both are catchy and OK. Fast Cars could have been something special if taken another step. The version I've heard really sounds unfinished and I hope that's the case. It's a fast-paced tune driven by accoustic rather than electric guitars with a slight middle-eastern flavour. The problem is it's too repetitive lyrically for the length of the song--there are no verses nor a bridge, only a chorus repeated about 30 times (?) in quick succession. They shouldn't have held back on the middle-eastern flavour and made the song itself shorter if they don't want to vary its content with verses or a bridge.
In the end, there are a few good songs to tide us over until the next album. I'll have to live with that and look forward to the B-sides on the single releases.
29 - Eric Olsen
many are the Daves visiting here: very interesting input, thaks!
30 - Damon Muma
Bundang... that versino of Fast Cars is just 30 seconds of the song repeated over and over. a decoy put on filesharing networks by the record company. The full version is much better.
31 - Bundang Dave
"Bundang... that versino of Fast Cars is just 30 seconds of the song repeated over and over. a decoy put on filesharing networks by the record company. The full version is much better."
Thanks DM. I kinda suspected/hoped that was the case. I'm looking forward to the full version then!
32 - Joe Smith
An album is a work of art, especially when created by true musical artists. Though I have not listened to the album repeatedly, as many of you have (I'm waiting to buy it), the album hits its mark as the strongest U2 album since Acthung Baby. Talking about it as a serious of songs is degrading the art and true musical appreciators wouldn't lower themselves to that level. P.S. No one ever says "I liked the nose, the hair, and the ears on the Mona Lisa, but her chin could deffinetly been more defined."
33 - Paul
This group doesn't know how to take a step back. This is a stunning mixture of in yer face rock anthems with a subtle mix of U2 classical ballads added. If you don't like it I suggest you try something else coz this super-group doesn't need you anymore! They have kept up eith the times and entranced a new generation of listeners! If they hadn't changed there style they would have ended up in the same place as Simple minds! If you can't appreciate a work of art then I suggest you go and buy some Lego!!
34 - tim
I think this is the best u2 album since war.It is already one of my favorites.The edge is great as always, but this effort even exceeds his usual playing.It is in one word beautiful guitar.Bono is fantastic,he sounds better and better. And Larry and Adam, are as smooth as ever.When I read reviews diferent people like different tracks.This will not be everone's cup of tea,but I think it is a classic album.It will easily sale 10 to 12 million records...
35 - paul
I noticed that they may be pandering a bit more toward the younger crowd in an effort to expand their audience, and I can say (at least speaking for myself) that I think it’s working. They have not sacrificed any of their talent nor have they sold out in an attempt to promote or sell this album. To really get my point across, let me say this. If you only purchase a handful of albums this year, make sure you include U2’s How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb on that list. We all heard many critics rave about Green Day’s new disc, and now I believe we’ll hear those same people lauding this album. It is well-deserved praise for a band that has shown they have not yet reached the apex of their career.
36 - Bundang Dave
"Talking about it as a serious of songs is degrading the art and true musical appreciators wouldn't lower themselves to that level. P.S. No one ever says "I liked the nose, the hair, and the ears on the Mona Lisa, but her chin could deffinetly been more defined."
Joe Smith, I think your analogy here is wrong on a few levels. First, let me point out that DaVinci never released the nose of Mona Lisa one month and then her hair a few months later in order to entice fans to buy his piece of art as U2 and other pop bands do. When the artists themselves talk about and treat their albums as a series of songs, who am I to argue? Second, I disagree that 'true' music appreciators simply listen to an album and then say yes it's good or no it's bad. 'True' music (or any type of art) appreciators want to know what makes a piece of art great, whether it's the rhythm, melody, production on a rock album or composition, shading, colouring on a painting. A tourist, on the other hand, simply walks into the Louvre, sees the Mona Lisa and says "that's pretty" without examining why. If you want to enjoy U2's new album as a tourist (and a sanctimonious one at that), be my guest--there's no right or wrong way to enjoy music IMO.
37 - Gio
Ladies and gentlemen...it's U2!!!! Just great music and songs, as only they can do. Of course it's not The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby, but...who cares? It's all because of you!!!
38 - Christopher Griffiths
Well done lads! Great Album. Wonderful variety. I simply don't understand why people expect U2 to re-invent the wheel every time they go into the studio. They're only human, but pretty exceptional in that they still sound so inspired this far into their career (they know where the talent comes from and sing/play accordingly). It's the faith, I'm sure (Adam's says he's atheist, but he feeds off the others, oh so much). Lyrically very good also....don't read them on their own in the album sleve. It's not Shakespearian dialogue, it's Canto...it's U2 plain-chant and should be listened to (not read) in that context. But to be honest, the music is so brilliant, the words can wait!
U2 have used tried and tested musical genres (and why not!) as well as coming up with some genuine innovations on this record. The songs speak for themselves..they're from the heart...and for the first time on a U2 record all sound well crafted and complete from the moment you hear them. Bono is sounding more and more Catholic, which can't be a bad thing; he's one step closer to the truth (the Pope's rosary was clearly hanging close to his heart when they made this one). Edge is clearly being true to his vocation by giving plenty of glory to the Almighty via his guitar (wey to go, the Zen Presbyterian!), and Adam and Larry are fantasticly consistent in the rhythm section. Sometimes you hardly notice them....which is the way it should be. A musical masterpiece, Epic U2 (crumbs from your table)....JUST WHAT I WANTED!
God is very big on this record (All because of you, I am - how right you are my son)....the best inspiration produces the best art, and that's what this album is. Definitely fantastic, and definitely well worth examining in detail....more like Leonardo's Last Supper than the Mona Lisa! Nice one boys, worth waiting for, every second. I prayed before I heard it today and my prayers were answered.
39 - Temple Stark
Mediawhore been busy with election season. (In answer to Eric's question up thread.)
Got this review now up at Advance.net.
Click here.
Let the artist / record company know, perhaps?
- Temple
40 - Eric Olsen
playing devil's advocate: being busy with election season would not preclude one from visiting and participating here, where we have been quite busy with same
41 - Joe Geniusa
The new album is absolutely rotten. This stuff is so bad, I am embarrassed for the band. What happened to these guys? Not one great song. By the way, I have not heard the new album yet...this is just a feeling I have.
42 - Eric Olsen
the above comment is either one of the most brilliant or retarded I have ever read
43 - Victor Plenty
True, Eric, so true. I'm not sure which comment you mean, but I have a very strong feeling that you are correct.
44 - Clarkey
Poor. Very very poor (apart from vertigo and Sometimes you acn't make it on your own)
45 - Brodirt
Pretty simple...the best rock band in the world went back and figured out why we all feel that way and care enough to spend our time listening to them and sharing our thoughts in places like this. Having done so they produced something unique and yet immediatley gratifying, familiar and honest. To me it sounds a lot like Unforgetable Fire without the politics.
46 - Damon Muma
"the above comment is either one of the most brilliant or retarded I have ever read"
LOL! and for real, too. That was very amusing. Thank you.
47 - John Gosper
This CD has all the ingredients that make U2 unique and the greatest band that has ever been.
Who cares whether it doesnt sound Monster enough or heavy enough go and listen to heavy metal crap then. This is U2 they are a rock, soul , pop group, they have lasted 25 years becuase they produce unique generally un mainstreem music that addresses issues feelings the soul and heart.
They sing epic anthems ballads and rock tunes.
Just because Vertigo rocked a bit harder trhe metal gooses come out and say oh why isnt the whole album a rocker, well it is it just rocks in a u2 way simple.
Every song is a great tune with powerful lyrics, beautiful classical edge orchestra guitars suberb rythem section and soulful unique singing from Bono, A real gem, something for everyone, the rockers, the soulers, the blues, the sentimintal everyone one of the all time best rock albums could even be the best album of all time.
48 - Robin Somerville
Looking at the comments submitted so far on this site, it's quite easy to identify the true U2 fan from hard-core rock enthusisasts that were hoping that U2 are going to do a White Stripes and break new ground. Maybe they got all excited about Vertigo and thought the rest of the album would feature similar material. Thank God they didn't -remember Pop and their techno foray? Instead, they have played to their strengths, the passion, the melody and the riffs are all there once again, you either love it or don't get it, it's as simple as that. They can't be all things to all men, so please no more rubbish about the album sounding too U2- ish. Of course it's U2-ish, and it's another classic.
49 - snowflake
ive listened about 8 times with the headphones..and i find myself skipping vertigo because i cant wait to get to the other songs. this album is huge, bigger than a one or two hit album. its meaningful and so well done. it was worth the wait and its does have new elements to it, not at all a repeat of anything they have ever done...and all without a low point...every song is good. you know how u buy an cd and u forward thru some songs to get to others? not needed with this cd, expect to see u2 at the grammys and not because they are has-beens but because theyre still so freakin good they deserve it.
50 - OM
"How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is one of my favorites. Some of the songs have really grown on me after a few listens like "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" and "City of Blinding Lights". The ones I liked right off were "Vertigo","Original of the Species" ( I like the Motown feel) and "All Because Of You"( which made my jaw drop)
I think this is a great album.
"Zooropa" was always one of my favorites because it was so experimental and daring to do whatever regardless of the consquences.
51 - kakvox
I love the new album. It took a few listens, but I know that it is for real. I can feel it when I listen to every song. I don't skip any songs and can't believe there is so much going on beneath the polished surface. A lot of people are afraid to admit that this is a great album because U2 is so big. Ironically, the title is a red herring. People expect a political, full blown statement about the world from U2, and it would easy for them to be the white-flag raising band. However, I think HTDAAB deals with the struggle with the ticking bomb within ourselves. I like that it took me by surprise and I like the way the album makes me feel. Still searching amidst the trash, but hopeful. And yes, love is out there to dismantle the chaos that exists.
52 - Benji
It's a great album. For those who think U2 isn't as good as they were in the 80's you are wrong. HTDAAB is melodical, the lyrics are fantastic. Maybe the political and social critics are not as in other albums, but realize that they as musicians have needs, and the need of this album, especially Bono's need, was to touch feelings.
53 - Zootopia
HTDAAB is a masterpiece, on a scale 1 to 10 (best) I give it a 9. This CD is vibrant, alive, fresh. The lyrics are great as well as the guitar work. My only complaint is that mix on the drums is poor, Larry's playing is great as always but the big drum sound is missing. This CD is so much better than ATYCLB. I rate ATYCLB a 3 out of 10. This CD is a must for any collection. I am so hard core into U2 right now I am downloading the "Complete U2" from itunes for $149.00. Before you think that is a bad deal consider that you get 459 songs!
54 - canadian_patriot
What can I say. I like it when U2 rocks. I hate their slow stuff - always have, always will. This album had too much slow stuff. It's better than ATYCLB, but pales in comparison to Auctung (which is the CD that got me into U2 in the first place). My favorite songs in order of most favorite to least are:
1. Crumbs from your table
2. All because of you
3. Yahweh
...what common thred do these songs have? A LOT OF EDGE ECHO AMP! And let's face it - Edge's echo amp is what makes U2 unique sounding. Take that away and they're sh*t!
55 - jimmy
at first listen i was uninspired just like unforgetable fire, joshua tree, actung baby. turns out that this meant depth not seen in over a decade. about 10 listens later I too am hooked. I hate to compare there albums but I personaly put this album at a 3 way tie for there second best album. Definately the best album of 04. Also the first album I spent my money on since the invention of the cd burner.
They could triple the price of this album and I would still buy it even though I already had a pirated copy.
PROPS to u2.
56 - Paul Anderson
In return to Canadian Patriot:
U2 is not an individual.....I agee that the Edge is a fantastic Guitar player...........but this group has won countless awards on an individual basis(Adam Clayton on The Wanderer!!!)But couldn't do it without the other 3!! If you think that the Edge can go on stage in front of thousands of people and woo them on his own then you truly are an idiot......go and listen to Santana.....it's more your bag baby....this is U2's 2nd best album(Achtung being No1)and you know nothing!!
57 - mexican idol
U2 es la neta.
Nadie es mejor que ellos.
La música en español es basura.
Este disco está chidísimo.
¡VIVA U2 POR SIEMPRE!
58 - Desimontrealler
I just have to say that I am a U2 fan. Admittedly I have yet to listen to their early albums(pre joshua tree), although I loved I will follow and Pride, but this is a great album. I dont want to compare this album to their previous works. Each time they make an album it is independent of their previous works(at least I would like to think so) and irregardless of their previous work, this album stands alone. IF you want the big rock like in vertigo, go somewhere else, U2 produce their own style of music. One of my favorites so far(although I pretty much like the whole album) is love and peace or else.
59 - Clarkey
Last week I said:
"Poor. Very very poor (apart from vertigo and Sometimes you acn't make it on your own)"
I take it all back. After 4 or 5 listens, this album is fantastic. Particularly City of Blinding Lights"
Buy it!!!
60 - Eric Olsen
at least you're honest - two of the coolest things about the Internet are that you can express yourself in real time and change your mind
61 - BRICKLAYER
This album may be good. It may be great. But the new Cattle Decapitation is better.
62 - Montrose
Canadian Patriot
Digital Delay, actually.
63 - Pearce
This record has the definitive quality of greatness: it gets better the more you listen.
Some have said "Vertigo" set expectations that weren't fulfilled. Since it is a matter of taste, I will not argue with anyone who wants 12 tracks of Vertigo - other than to suggest perhaps Green Day. But I much prefer the tremendous range of textures and colors, moods and emotions the boys have put on this record. These are great songs, and I think when the dust settles this will be clearly regarded along with Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree as their best work.
Am I a U2 fan? Yes. So maybe, as some suggest, I have a vested interest in liking this album. Perhaps. But time reveals all, and as much as I may have wanted to like POP I haven't listened to it in years. The superior versions songs like "Discotech" and "...Send His Angels" that showed up on B sides or the Best Of record just further prove that POP was rushed and inferior. I cannot imagine not listening to "...Bomb" ten years from now with the same enthusiasm as today.
I had to laugh at a criticism of the album that suggested the music is strong but the lyrics are weak. "One Step Closer To Knowing" was cited specifically. I am no Bono sycophant, but he has rarely been better than on this album. The passing of his father has given him his best, most personal fodder for lyrics since.... the passing of his mother.
I did not hear "One Step Closer to Knowing" and immediately annoint it a smash. But when I learned it was about his father's crisis of faith - with his father's declining health bringing him close to knowing the "answer" - lyrics that could have been written off as trite became rather powerful in their simplicity.
Buy this record. You will listern to it until it wears out.
64 - campking
Really enjoying the album. Took about 5 times but am constantly humming the songs. Favourite: City of Bliding Lights followed by Origins of the Species and A Man and a Woman. I am excited about where U2 are going. They have never remained constant- always trying new things out (ie: Pop). Quite satisfied indeed, this album is up there with Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, and Unforgettable Fire.
65 - skchannon
I listened to the CD first in the car and was disappointed - but today I listened with headphones and decided to give another chance - espec. the songs after Vertigo. I would love to have a sincere chat with Bono to learn the inspiration behind the lyrics. I do not idolize him - but from watching him through the years - he has depth - a heart and soul - and that is the making of art.
66 - EMann
OK - This could be a long one! Sit back, relax and grab a coffee - maybe something stronger!
I have been listening to U2 since 1980. That's when I bought my first U2 album and have never looked back. So many of you have said the same thing I have felt about almost every U2 album I own (which is all of them) - I wasn't turned on by the first play through. This album is the same.
But give it a second, third and tenth listen and everything begins to shine. If you want to be spiritually and emotionally inspired by music - then keep this disc in your CD player.
Even through the driving riffs of Vertigo, Bono specifies that he is learning "how to kneel". Not to mention that the title itself replicates itself to more than just a fear of heights - it talks of the state of being unbalanced. Could there be more to this track than just a great guitar sound that sells music?
There is great inspiration and haunting melody to tracks like "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" and "One Step Closer To Knowing". You can't argue the great musical writing of "City of Blinding Lights" which is vintage U2 in it's own right. Is anyone else taken back to The Unforgettable Fire with this track?
This album is a continuation of a journey. One that fans like myself have been on for 2 decades. U2 continues to challenge us not only with their musical tones, but through their searching lyrics that epitomize a group of men that are continuing to evolve as musicians and men. They "Still Haven't Found What They're Looking For" but the process of trying to find it has kept me and many others entertained and challenged for many years.
Hats off to the greatest rock band of our time - maybe even all time!
67 - Kolbe
This album is dripping with passion! Yes, Bono is a little tired in his singing abilities, but oh my God...his heart shines even through broken and cracked vocals! I hate all of the candy coated shit out there today. I would rather hear Bono straining with every bit of passion and fire he can muster up to move his people than all these cash cow whores using vocal tracks at live shows because they cannot sing with an ounce of passion or feeling!! Moving album, got me through a hellish dark month and gave me some hope. Thank you old friends!
68 - Nick
what an album