'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' a review by a descriptive fan...
I've taken hints from a book called 'The U2 Reader' and I decided to describe the new album in a new way, rather than just 'this album rocks'
It's been 4 years since a full studio album was released by U2, that is, if you don't count the release of The Best Of 1990-2000 (released in 2003.) So what has U2 been doing lately? Hearing the new songs, "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands That Built America" off the Best of 90-00, seemed to hint at a more mellow U2, that perhaps their flag waving, fist pumping days of rock were over, moving onto more ballad, slower tempo songs.
However, that is not true.
For almost 2 years, U2 went back to the studio to write another album, but after listening to 2000's 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' what was next for U2? 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' seemed to be U2 at their barest, and best -- stripped down songs, heartful lyrics of love and life, without the use of bells and whistles (a la Pop, Achtung Baby.) So what was the direction next for U2?
With "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" (a weird name for an album, but do recall 'Achtung Baby') U2 seems to have taken everything they have done in the past, but have made it better. Some people will try to classify this album, 'Oh it's another Achtung Baby' or 'It's another Joshua Tree' -- however, 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' does not fit in one specific category. So what is it then?
After listening to the album, I can say confidently, that it feels like the missing link between WAR [1983] and The Unforgettable Fire [1984.] One may also say that it's the missing link between The Joshua Tree [1987] and Achtung Baby [1991.] Because with these albums, U2 went from rock, into experimental rock -- which did leave a few people scratching their heads.
'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' goes back to the raw rock and roll, combined with experimental bits, with the help of Brian Eno [Atmospheric guru] but when you first listen to 'Bomb' you won't think that any of the songs sound like anything, they're really all new songs that have elements of past songs in them, but are not copies of. The first single, 'Vertigo' is an energetic, fast paced, raw song. The Edge goes back to pushing out the powerful, melodic riffs that he once used to. It's a good feel to hear the ringing of his guitar, and distortion, that welcomes to the album. Bono's vocals, after all these years, are still bittersweet. Crisp clean, soaring vocals accompany the song. It's as if you have heard the song before, but it's a brand new song -- Bono's vocals bring you back to the days of rock and roll.
Adam Clayton gets more exposure on this album, since the days of Pop and Achtung Baby. Heavy, thick, well timed beats make the songs feel more energized, and your heart racing. Clayton's bass playing was more toned down on the last album, and it left some to wonder if they'd ever hear the raw sounds back in the BOY [1980] and WAR era. Larry Mullens drumming accompanies each song perfectly well, as you can feel Mullen keeping the songs together, with his smooth, powerful and almost [at times] tribal drum beats.
As for the band together, they come together as one on the album. There is no song that splits them into two, or one -- each song, has been worked on with each member, to their full potential. You can hear it on songs like "City Of Blinding Lights" which has an atmospheric, fast paced, brilliant imagery to it. The song could be dubbed as, "The Unforgettable Fire" part 2. The song starts out like 'Wire' and then builds to a climax with a great chorus accompanies the song, "Oh you look so beautiful tonight! In the city of blinding lights." Clayton's bass is absolutely wonderful it keeps you up with the song, as if counting your pulse. Edge's guitar playing and piano bits are melodic, raw and ringing.
Another song, "All Because Of You" is a raw, jump up and down song, filled with a catchy beat, and great lyrics. The song begins with a distorted guitar ring, like a chime, from the Edge and then builds into a search, as if you were looking into the jungle, which way the noise is coming from. It goes into a hip, raw rock song. Bono sings, "I was born, a child of grace, everything was ugly but your beautiful face." As to who he's writting about, is unknown. Mullen's drumming is bouncing, filled with quick strong beats, and Edge's guitar work is quick, raw, melodic ringing and an acoustic guitar accompanies the song. Bono opens his vocals and lets them soar, and with a shout in the middle, the band goes in for a full jam session. The song itself, seems like a nod to Coldplay, that if Coldplay wants to become U2, U2 won't have any problem becoming Coldplay.
A very personal song, "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" was written as an ode, and eulogy to Bob Hewson, Bono's father, who passed away in the summer of 2001. The song was performed as a snippet at the August 25th home concert at Slane Castle. The song can feel like a combination of 'Kite' and 'One' as the song begins, Edge strums and Mullen lightly drums along, Bono sings "And it's you when I look in the mirror, and it's you when I pick up the phone." That Bono still misses his father, and it's heavily hinted at in this song. The song then turns into a full out rock song, and Bono's vocals soar with emotion and he sings the chorus again, then the song comes back down to earth, and ends with The Edge playing a chimming, ringing string.
I could go into more detail of each song, but I can say that every song is well crafted, with full potential of each band member, Bono's soaring vocals, poetic lyrics -- Edge's chimming, ringing melodic sweeping guitar, Adam Clayton's heavy heart beat, loud and strong bass lines -- Larry Mullen's simple, yet powerful drumming keeps the songs moving from start to finish. This album is indeed a bomb, a bomb full of thoughtful, melodic and passionate music, fans will feel at home, with this album.
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it sucks. i can only imagine it was leaked on the net so they had an excuse for the poor sales figures it will get. I have no doubt it will hit number one, thanks to U2 completists who will insist on buying it.
