U2

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (HTDAAB)

You Either Hate It or You Love It

Review Score:

(8/10)
I'm amazed at the diversity of opinion on the latest offering by U2. I grew up in the 80's and it's safe for me to say that I've been a fan for about 20 years. I am not a die hard fan, although I would definitely go to their concerts and put their CD's in heavy rotation in my CD player at work or home.

I am intrigued by this album. Steve Lillywhite's influence on U2's sound can be heard dramatically. And that probably why some reviewers seem to feel it's a throw-back to some old U2 stuff. Yet, I believe there is more refined edge to the "new old" sound they've produced in this CD. No, it's not as edgey and rough as say "Boy" or "October" or "War"; it has been filtered, smoothed out and polished. IMHO, that's OK. It's their sound. Yes they make music for their fans. But, in the end, they probably produced what they felt was right for them. For these reasons, I can't fault them.

As for the songs, I like them ... quite a bit. I consider myself a spiritual person and a devout Christian. I hear a lot of the band's early Christian influence in this CD (long term fans of the band will note that three of the members were pretty deeply steeped in Christian doctrine in their early band years through a bible study class ... Paul "Bono" Hewson was particularly devout and used that influence in his lyrics). I am especially intrigued by "Yahweh", which is the another Jewish name for Jehova. It's interesting that this particular name, when translated to english, quite literally means Christ or Savior. Looking at this song in this context gives it, I feel, a more significant meaning."Take this shirt and make it clean" may be referencing the many scriptural references of the Blood of Christ cleansing one's garments from sin ... You can read a lot, or a little, into what Bono has written for this album. That's the beauty of music: you CAN interpret it how you wish ... it doesn't have to be one thing to all people. I personally interpret the work on this CD as the mature look on life, love, war, peace, and redemption.

No, there's nothing earth shattering on this album, but I think it's a solid effort from a veteran band. In fact, I'm going to listen to it again right now ...

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