doctorwho said:
While there's truth in what you wrote, I always find that Edge's music often goes with Bono's lyrics (or perhaps the other way around). Regardless, the two flow. "Elevation" is indeed a light-hearted rocking song musically, but lyrically its simplicity is deceiving. Talk about a "mole digging in a hole" makes the song sound like superficial pop, but really, it's about spiritual enlightenment. Musically, I find this true as well. The "wah wah" pedal is used to great effect, emphasizing this spiritual elevation as the song grows and builds.
A look at "Vertigo" sees a similar pattern. A light rock song or one that is really multi-layered? Again, I think lyrically and musically, the song shows a growth and a spiritual build up. They are both songs about discovery and spiritual renewal. One can hear this not just in the lyrics, but in the music itself. This is why they are such fan favorites in concert - they songs are joyous!
Are there dark songs on HTDAAB? "Love and Peace" sure is, but then, isn't "New York" on ATYCLB - a song that also is musically darker? And "Peace on Earth" and "Grace" seem softer, but then, isn't "Yahweh" also the same?
It's clear these two albums are very related with similar themes both musically and lyrically. Even the stage design and overall clothing was similar with the two tours. The albums are connected. If "Bomb" seems darker, that could be due to more of one's personal perceptions of the work than what U2 intended. I actually find joy in the early part of ATYCLB, but great sadness in the second half. "Bomb" seems a far more level CD, keeping me reflective and even hopeful throughout.
I agree with a lot of what you said. There's some deeper stuff going on that probably is missed by some people. It's like Bono said, "it's there for people who are interested in it."
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Quite the opposite Jras, sorry I can't yet get in the habit of calling you by your screenname here, I feel that ATYCLB is the darker album lyrically, and as Drwho stated, the music tends to follow the lyrics. Aside from 'Beautiful Day' 'Walk On' 'Wild Honey' and 'Grace,' it's not the pop and fluff album some claim it to be.
Atomic Bomb, sounds more 'up' and lighter. Not to use cliche's but it's more uplifting. City of Blinding Lights, I've read many criticisms of it, but listen to the chorus, how Edge and Adam's instruments ascend as Bono does that "ooh ooh ooooh oooooh."
I can listen to Atomic Bomb almost start to finish except for 'Crumbs.' Still not clicking with me.
ATYCLB, I tend to skip around. For awhile, due to some personal problems, I couldn't listen to "Kite" without feeling like I was going to burst into tears. Something struck a chord with me, (pardon the pun).
Real names of people killed in a bombing, in "Peace on Earth."
"When I look at the World," is not top 40, adult contemporary material.
Adam's bass playing is different on ATYCLB compared to Atomic Bomb. Or maybe Lillywhite brings up the bass more in the mix than Eno.
Nothing like "A Man & a Woman" on ATYCLB, where the bass has a much stronger role in the song, then say, New York, where only live versions do him any justice. If I recall, you mentioned how much better "Beautiful Day" is live on Adam's part.
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Back to original topic
I'll be leaving this thread now, I'm not a member of this club, except I do agree their prior 2 albums should not be grouped the way they commonly are.
Boy:October::Achtung Baby:Zooropa (sorta)
Boy:October-//-ATYCLB:Atomic Bomb.
Now where's the "War is my fave album" club...oh right, I'm the only member.
. HTDAAB is one of the, if not the strongest side two they have. 
