U2

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (HTDAAB)

U2 Makes Music Again

Review Score:

(10/10)
I have read that people think "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is "safe" or "background music" or "going through the motions." This album is NONE of these things. As a U2 fan starting in the "War" era, I have heard all the different styles this band has toyed with. The early stuff was great for me, most of the newer stuff hasn't thrilled me. When U2 released "All That You Can't Leave Behind" to all the "return-to-form" hoopla, I was excited. I was then let down by much of that album. However, I see now that it was the start of the metamorphosis. U2 was starting to change from rock stars to musicians again. That is what "HTDAAB" is about. It is about a group of friends and musicians who have played the "rock star" thing long enough returning to what they really, truly do. They play music. This is BY FAR the most musical album U2 has put out since "The Joshua Tree." But what you hear is a culmination of all the things they have done since they started. In "All Because of You" you can hear vocals that remind you of the very earliest stuff the band recorded. In "Love and Peace" you can hear the "Rattle and Hum" bluesy/R&B influence (done much better this time). And throughout the album you can hear Bono's voice soaring like it did throughout the 80's with The Edge's jangly guitars sharing the spotlight.

This is a deep, personal album and the lyrics reflect that. At a time when deep and personal is almost unheard of, it is refreshing and decidedly not "safe." The lyrics are tremendous and Bono's voice is the best I have ever heard it--plain and simple. The Edge has rediscovered his signature guitar riffs and they are everywhere in this album. Adam Clayton, always the guy in the background, gets to step front and center and his contribution to this album is stunning. Larry does what Larry does. He keeps everything moving and does so with ease. This album is deep, reflective, moody, and BEAUTIFUL. U2 are musicians again. Not rock gods. Not pop stars. Musicians. The music does the talking, and what it has to say is very worth listening to.

More Reviews: