U2

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (HTDAAB)

Dismantling the Bomb

Review Score:

(6/10)
Few will dispute U2's place in rock history. They are a great band, live and recorded, and they've created memorable, stirring music. That said, "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is not one of their best.

The clunky title gives one the impression that this is going to be another wake-up call for apathetic listeners, like "War." It opens promisingly; "Vertigo" harkens back to "Boy" with its sharp, crunchy guitar work (The Edge has never sounded better), Bono's soaring vocals, and energetic sound overall. Thanks to Apple, everyone knows the chorus by heart, but it's one of those U2 songs that will remain in your head for days. Out of the first five songs, the two that stand out besides "Vertigo" are "Love And Peace Or Else" and "City of Blinding Lights." "Love And Peace" combines a big, swinging beat with spiritual lyrics; it's a soulful juxtaposition of sex and salvation. "City of Blinding Lights" is just beautiful. There's no other way to describe it; listening to it will give you wings faster than Red Bull.

Unfortunately, other cuts suffer from mawkish lyrics and uninspired (for U2) music. "Miracle Drug" and "All Because Of You" are treacly. While Bono's sentiment has led to some beautiful work ("Bad" and "Two Hearts Beat As One," for example), it doesn't cut it here. "Crumbs From Your Table" and "Yahweh" are good, but after making the so-so "All That You Can't Leave Behind," U2 should be aiming for great. "Original Of The Species" is just a muddled mess; I can't tell if Bono's talking to the love of his life or a child. And even though I listened to the CD for the twentieth time this month just this morning, I can't tell you what "One Step Closer" sounds like.

U2's worst is still better than many bands' best, so "How To Dismantle . . ." shares case space alongside "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and "October." But I hope that for the next album, the boys get in the mood to make heart-ripping music again--and that they cut any title suggestion longer than three words.

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