MERGED-->All Discussion of NME Track by Track Review of HTDAAB

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ManOnTheMoon

Babyface
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Jan 16, 2004
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NME track by track

'It's one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year, is set to be
one of the biggest-selling and NME has heard it first: it's U2's new album 'How
to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb'. There are only two copies in the country but we
got our hands on one of them.

The album, the band's 11th studio collection, is the follow-up to 2000's 'All
That You Can't Leave Behind' and is an all-guns-blazing-guitar album produced by Steve Lillywhite (sp?). Because of a security lapse in the summer when a
CD containing the record was lost or stolen from a photo session in France,
security around the album is tight. However, NME managed to pull some strings to
get a sneak preiew of an unmastered copy.

Out on November 22, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' is direct, loud and
often heavier than their previous album, with a couple of songs big enough to
shake stadiums. The first taste will come in the form of a single, 'Vertigo',
released on November 8, but until then here's NME's exclusive track-by-track
guide to the record.

'Vertigo' (3:07)
The first single, and as you'd expect, it's a corker. 'Vertigo' features a
riff from The Edge as big as 'Beautiful Day', perfectly complementing Bono's
cries of "Feeeel!" throughout the chorus. "Hello, hello, we're in a place called
vertigo", he sings. It's an anthem, probable Number One single and an
electrifying opening to the album.

'Miracle Drug' (3:54)
After the punky 'Vertigo', 'Miracle Drug' is much slower but still heavy.
"Want to trip inside your head/Spend the day there", Bono croons. It's a love
song with tribal drums and a massive guitar-led chorus. Could be a single.

'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' (5:02)
After two all-out rock numbers, 'Sometimes....' is the first ballad. Backed
by simple chiming guitar and drums reminiscent of 'Where The Streets Have No
Name', Bono sings "You don't have to put up a fight/You don't always have to be
right....let me take some of the punches for you tonight". The feel is a lot
like REM's 'Everybody Hurts'.

'Love and Peace or Else' (4:47)
An industrial growl and host of Nine Inch Nails-style noises hide Bono's
whispering intro, before the song evolves into a clapalong, glammy chorus "Give me
love and peace", Bono sings. It's the first hint of his political side, with
references in to "troops on the ground". A thumping bassline makes it all
sound a bit like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

'City of Blinding Lights' (5:44)
The second Big Stadium moment. Pretty piano opens the song, which sounds like
an updated 'With or Without You', Bono's in reflective mood, singing, "The
more you see, the less you know".

'All Because of You' (3:37)
'Achtung Baby'-era guitars back one of Bono's most confessional songs ever.
"I'm not broke but you can see the cracks", he sings. The lyrics suggest that
he may walk the corridors of the UN, meet with Presidents and be able to call
the Pope on his mobile, but sometimes he'd just like to be simple old Paul
Hewson.

'A Man and a Woman' (4:25)
If the first half of the record is direct, simple rock, from here on in it
gets more chilled. 'A Man and a Woman' is the last of the straight-ahead rock
numbers dealing with similar themes of lost love.

'Crumbs From Your Table' (4:57)
Compared to 'Vertigo' and 'All Because of You', 'Crumbs...' is one of the
more understated songs on the album. Could probably have been a B-side.

'One Step Closer' (3:50)
An ambient-sounding track their old producer Brian Eno would have been proud
of is the stand-out song on the second half of 'How to Dismantle...'. Bono's
dejected, or in his words has "crossed the road from hope", but is resigned to
his fate. "A heart that hurts is a heart that beats", he sings. It'll be the
lighters-in-the-air moment on next year's stadium tour.

'Original of the Species' (4:33)
In keeping with the calmer mood of the second half of the album,
'Original...' has subtle, cinematic strings backing a pretty piano. It builds into an epic
ballad which is classic U2.

'Yahweh' (4:20)
The title is the transliteration of the Hebrew word for the name of God, so
it's appropriate what the closing song is a plea for peace. "Take these hands,
don't make a fist", Bono sings, "take this mouth, give it a kiss".

'Fast Cars' (bonus track)
Unlikely to appear on the UK version of the album, this track is currently
slated for inclusion on the Japanese pressing only. That's a tragedy for UK U2
fans as it's by far the most exciting song here. With a distinct Middle Eastern
influence in the music, it's also where the line 'How to Dismantle an Atomic
Bomb' comes from. NME says: put this track on the UK album!

NME verdict:
For fans looks for that classic U2 sound, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb'
is well worth the wait. Some strong tracks - particularly on the early part of
the album - guarantee this will be a massive-selling record and will set them
up for some monster live shows next year.'
 
Great description - I wonder if I'll agree. Many people didn't like "When I Look at the World" from ATYCLB, but I adore that song. Analogously, people were declaring "Staring at the Sun" to be U2's next #1 song - but I just found it enjoyable, but not great. So while descriptions are nice, I have a feeling I'll disagree.

It is interesting to see more ballads than I originally thought. And I'll definitely have to get the Japanese version of the album. :yes: Apparently it's not quite an instrumental after all!
 
Wow, Man on the moon, thanks so much for posting this. :up:

I haven't even read it yet, I was so excited to post to say a big thanks! :hug:

Probably can't get this issue of NME in my part of the world till next week!!!!! (Hey there is a downside to living in Oz...) :wink:
 
Read it now!

I just know that I am going to love "City of blinding lights"... also "Sometimes you can't make it on your own"...

As soon as I saw the lyric "the more you see, the less you know" I had deja vu - I thought of Last night on earth "the more you take, the less you feel"...
 
how many damn ballads are on there? It makes it seems like theres 8. People have to read this review and remember these guys arent falling over in love for u2.
 
Thanks for posting! I'm really excited about 'One Step Closer', sounds like it will be interesting and a little dark...
 
What do you think of this :

1. Vertigo : Rocker
2. Miracle Drug : Rocker
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own : Ballad
4. Love and Peace or Else : Mid-tempo
5. City of Blinding Lights :Slow
6. All Because of You : Rocker
7. A Man and a Woman : Rocker
8. Crumbs From Your Table : Mid-tempo
9. One Step Closer : Slow
10. Original of the Species : Slow
11. Yahweh : low
12. Fast Cars : Up-tempo

So i think well have :

4 Rockers
2 ballads
2 mid-tempo
3 slow songs
1 up-tempo

I think the album's gonna rock more than atyclb but maybe not as much as some people think after hearing Vertigo.

What do you guys think?
 
I do not think of Love & Peace or Else as industrial, it is blues rock. I feel that their descriptions are off.
 
HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB nme album review

Here is NME's track by track review of the new album.

Vertigo (3:07)

First single, and as you'd expect it's a corker. 'Vertigo' features
a riff from The Edge as big as `Beautiful Day', perfectly
complimenting Bono's cries of "Feeeeel" throughout the
chorus. "Hello, hello, we're in a place called Vertigo", he sings.
It's an anthem, probably Number One single and an electrifying
opening to the album.

Miracle Drug (3:54)

After the punky `Vertigo', `Miracle Drug' is much slower but still
heavy. "Want to trip inside your head / Spend the day there", Bono
croons. It's a love song with tribal drums and a massive guitar-led
chorus. Could be a single.

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own (5:02)

After two all-out rock numbers, `Sometimes….' Is the first ballad.
Backed by simple chiming guitar and drums reminiscent of `Where The
Streets Have No Name', Bono sings "You don't have to put up a
fight/You don't have to always be right…..let me take some of the
punches for you tonight". The feel is like REM's `Everybody Hurts'.

Love And Peace Or Else (4:47)

An industrial growl and host of Nine Inch Nails-style noises hide
Bono's whispering intro, before the song evolves into a clapalong,
glammy chorus. "Give me love and peace", Bono sings. It's the first
hint of his political side, with references in to "troops on the
ground". A thumping bassline makes it sound a bit like Black Rebel
Motorcycle Club.

City of Blinding Lights (5:44)

The second Big Stadium Moment. Pretty piano opens the song, which
sounds like an updated `With or Without You'. Bono's in reflective
mood, singing, "The more you see, the less you know".

All Because of You (3:37)

`Actung Baby'-era guitars back one of Bono's most confessional songs
ever. "I'm not broke but you can see the cracks", he sings. The
lyrics suggest that he may walk the corridors of the UN, meet with
Presidents and be able to call the Pope on his mobile, but sometimes
he'd just like to be simple old Paul Hewson.

A Man And A Woman (4:25)

If the first half of the album is direct, simple rock, from here on
it gets more chilled. `A Man And A Woman' is the last of the
straight-ahead rock numbers dealing with similar themes of lost love.

Crumbs From Your Table (4:57)

Compared to `Vertigo' and `All Because of You', `Crumbs…' is one of
the more understanding songs on the album. Could probably have been
a B-side.

One Step Closer (3:50)

An ambient-sounding track their old producer Brian Eno would be
proud of is the stand-out song on the second half of `HTDAAB'.
Bono's dejected, ot in his words has "crossed the road from hope",
but is resigned to his fate. "A heart that hurts is a heart that
beats", he sings. It'll be the lighters-in-the-air moment on next
year's stadium tour.

Original Of The Species (4:33)

In keeping with the calmer mood of the second half of the
album, `Original…' has subtle, cinematic strings backing a pretty
piano. It builds into an epic ballad which is classic U2.

Yahweh (4:20)

The title is the translation of the Hebrew word for the name of God,
so it's appropriate what the closing song is a plea for peace. "Take
these hands, don't make a fist", Bono sings, "take this mouth, give
it a kiss".

Fast Cars (Bonus Track)

Unlikely to appear on the UK version of the album, this track is
currently slated for inclusion on the Japanese pressing only.
That's a tragedy for UK U2 fans as it's by far the most exciting
song here. With a distinct Middle Eastern influence in the music,
it's also where the line, `How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' comes
from. NME says : put this track on the UK album!!!


NME's verdict:

For fans looking for that classic U2 sound, `HTDAAB' is well worth
the wait. Some strong tracks – particularly on the early part of the
album – guarantee this will be a massive-selling record and will set
them up for some monster live shows next year.
 
thanks babyface. It seems that all in all, NME gave it a decent review, which means other media outlets will fall in love with it. The only song they really stated they didnt like is "crumbs from your table."
 
RademR said:
How did SYCMIOYI become a ballad when they said it was a "skyscraping rocker?"

Yes, this part is confusing. :scratch: I can only imagine that U2 completely changed their minds with the song, or the NME review (or Man on the Moon's post) is incorrect.
 
So many of these songs already sound like something I'll absolutely love. One Step Closer sounds so cool... so do City of Blinding Lights, A Man and a Woman and Original of the Species. I'm also glad to hear about the piano in a few songs. Everything sounds so awesome!!! YES YES YES YES!!! My only complaints are that Vertigo is SHORTER than the single version, and Miracle Drug and ABOY look to be kinda short too. Also, I want Fast Cars!!! It sounds so great!!.

Man I can't wait guys!!!
 
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maxpouliot said:
What do you think of this :

1. Vertigo : Rocker
2. Miracle Drug : Rocker
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own : Ballad
4. <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=Love&v=56">Love</a> and Peace or Else : Mid-tempo
5. City of Blinding Lights :Slow
6. All Because of You : Rocker
7. A Man and a Woman : Rocker
8. Crumbs From Your Table : Mid-tempo
9. One Step Closer : Slow
10. Original of the Species : Slow
11. Yahweh : low
12. Fast <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=Cars&v=56">Cars</a> : Up-tempo

So i think well have :

4 Rockers
2 ballads
2 mid-tempo
3 slow songs
1 up-tempo

I think the album's gonna rock more than atyclb but maybe not as much as some <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=people&v=56">people</a> think after hearing Vertigo.

What do you guys think?

I don't think you'll be far off with that, it seems like a mixed bag as all U2 records are, and I'm glad of that. I think the tempo of ths songs will vary greatly from what was on ATYCLB, too many mid-tempo and slow songs for my liking.

I don't think NME were saying that Love and Peace Or Else was industrial, I think they were saying the start has industrial influences. From the windy beach recording we have you don't hear the very start of that song. So I'd go with what NME are saying about it.
 
edgeu22 said:
'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own':
"The feel is a lot like REM's 'Everybody Hurts'."



Oh please no.

Hey, they did call L&P or else a "nine inch nails" sounding tune, industrial. How AWFUL is that comparison? Its blues rock!!!
 
shart1780 said:
So what songs are you guys most excitied to hear?

mmm, i'm gonna have to say, in order :

1. Miracle Drug
2. Fast Cars
3. One Step Closer
4. Original of the Species
5. City of Blinding Lights
6. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
7. Love and Peace or Else
8. A Man and a Woman
9. All Because of You
10. Crumbs From Your Table
11. Yahweh
12. Vertigo (i love it!)
 
I posted something like this in another thread, but it fits here:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I think there was too much being put on U2 to make this album all rockers at first. I mean it's great that it looks like it'll have it's fair share but it's not too critical. I'm actually glad it looks to be pretty diverse. Besides, U2 is better when they create songs that are hard to stick into specific categories. Take Streets. Some would tell you that once it gets going its a rock song, while others would argue it's not, and that it's more spiritual than that.

Remember, ABaby had:

rockers:
Fly
until the end of the world
zoostation (i think it goes here, once again, hard to figure)
acrobat

uptempo:
m. ways
even better
ultraviolet

ballad:
...wild horses
(you might put tryin... here)
so cruel

slow:
Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World
one
love is blindness

So we have:
4 rockers
3 uptempo
2 ballad
3 slow songs

that is the best album they ever made, and it's pretty much 7 up and 5 down, and the new one looks to be 6 up and 5 down, so take it for what it's worth.
 
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