U2's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb Will Turn Some Heads And Make Some Fans

Let me start this review by saying I was never really a fan of U2. It was only a couple of months ago that I experienced a musical epiphany and began to grow to really love this band. So, when you read this review, please understand I'm not the biggest U2 fan who ever lived or anything; I'm one of those guys who is a U2 newcomer.

On to the review. U2 was formed twenty-eight years ago in Dublin, Ireland. Led by charismatic and outspoken frontman Bono (Paul Hewson), they released their first album in 1980. Among such classics as Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, U2 formed a nearly cult rock 'n roll following. Ten albums (and several live ones) later, their 2004 release, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb has come to fruition. A blend of excellent vocals and amazing backing instruments, this album is everything that U2 fans could hope for.

U2 Is:
Bono/Paul Hewson (Vocals, Guitar)
The Edge/David Evans (Guitars, Keyboard, Vocals)
Larry Mullen, Jr. (Drums)
Adam Clayton (Bass)

The lead single, "Vertigo," is a hard-rocking statement that U2 is back. Pulsing guitars and thoughtful lyricism produce a 90's masterpiece in a modern world. "Miracle Drug" has Bono singing softly, backed by a shimmering piano to start the song. Soon enough the rest of the band kicks in with bass-heavy instrument work. An almost ethereal sound consists of echoing voices throughout. I like this song personally because it offsets the power of "Vertigo" well; it also surely won't bore you to sleep.

I think that “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” is one of those tracks that will evenly split the casual fans and the diehard U2 followers. Being of the former category, I really like this soft-spoken track. It reminds me a bit of R.E.M., except it has a sexier sound. Bono’s lyrics are original, hardly clichéd, and well-executed. This track isn’t a hard rocker by any stretch, mostly comprised of echoing guitars and some keyboards. “Love And Peace Or Else” starts with a grinding, static-y intro. As soon as the song gets going, you begin to realize this is a statement (profound, maybe not) about U2’s penchant for being anti-war. A hauntingly catchy guitar rhythm makes this song rock while backing Bono’s talented singing. Being more of a fan of the straight-up rock tracks that U2 does, this song appealed to me and has quickly become one of my favorites.

“City Of Blinding Lights” is a nearly six-minute track that does take some time to get going. However, the hopeful and shimmering piano intro keeps the song from taking too long to get moving. Much of the music today suffers from clichéd and horribly-written lyrics. That is not so with the Dublin-born band. The Edge’s guitars are excellent on this track; the band may have another hit single on their hands. Wavering guitar chords begin “All Because Of You” is an alternative rock song that doesn’t skimp on the chugging guitars. Helped along by a sing-along chorus, Bono’s vocals are intelligent and metaphorical.

“A Man And A Woman” is less mainstream and more along the lines of some of their earlier work. “I could never take a chance of losing love to find romance,” one of the more thought-provoking lines in the song, shows just how much U2 has cornered the market on lyricism. Often it’s difficult to find bands willing to even connect metaphors in their lyrics because the MTV crowd probably won’t get it fully. I admire Bono and the rest of the band for desiring to do well for themselves and their fans, regardless of societal pressure. The eighth track on How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is “Crumbs From Your Table.” Another guitar intro that just doesn’t get old leads into more Bono tearing it up, quietly of course. Vocally, I can’t think of any other band that can really compare with them. This song might one of the only tracks that people could find slightly tedious, however. It's just a bit too long of a track.

“One Step Closer” is a politically motivated song that intros with pianos and guitars in a very hushed tone. I don’t know if I’d call this track lackluster, but it doesn’t exactly inspire and awe anything like the previous ones have. “Original Of The Species” is a pulsing alternative rock track that should enthuse you after the past two songs. Some great riffs show that U2 can rock ‘n roll in addition to make ideological proclamations in their music. Closing the album is “Yahweh,” an interesting bit of music. Everything kicks in here, with Bono’s crooning standing out yet again. It is a tale of hope, filled with extended metaphors and great backing instruments.

As I said earlier, this review is written from the point of view of a late-blooming U2 fan. I can’t say I’ve loved their past work, in fact, it is probably only in the last couple of months that I’ve grown to really enjoy this group. While I have not heard every album they have released, I’ve tried to sample a little bit of everything until I can purchase a good portion of their discography. How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is an excellent album for every conceivable demographic interested in the band. 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 (Green Day included), 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.

This gets my highest recommendation, 5 stars.