Hello there!
I'm a first time poster here, but I got so excited by this that I left my desk at work (who really needs a job anyway when there's new U2 on the way?), went out and bought a copy straight away (I think that it comes out a day early in London anyway)......
So, here it is (although I'm afraid I have no access to a scanner, but the only picture is the new colour Anton Corbijn one anyways).....
'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.'
My first post, but I doubt I'll ever make a more important one. My hands are shaking now....is that the excitement or the typing???
Forever a servant of the Blue Crack....
