How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (+DVD) - U2 > Reviews > "How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb?" With Love!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	A true "rock" album with soaring guitar rifts and of course Bono's soulful lyrics
Disadvantages:	Some of the songs are  .   .    .  well  .   .   .  can you say "rubbish bin - worthy?"

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

At least, that's what Bono said when interviewed about the title of U2's latest album. And indeed, all of the songs deal, in one way or another, with love: love between man and woman; love between parent and child (both from the perspective of parent and child); love between friends; love between fellow human beings (what some folks would classify as "charity work" or "social action); love between human(s) and God' love for oneself (youthful mistakes and all).

The highlights of this album are numerous and memorable. Songs like "Vertigo," "Love and Peace (Or Else)," and the ever-enjoyable "Fast Cars" are classic rock songs that the listener can tell that The Edge had major fun coming up with the guitar bits.

It wouldn't be a U2 album, however, without the songs that speak on so many levels. "City of Blinding Lights" came out of an art exhibit when the 40-something Bono was confronted with a picture of himself at 20. "What would you tell that young man in the picture?" someone asked him. After a moment, Bono said, "You're right." "City of Blinding Lights" is what else the 40-something would say to the 20-year-old.

"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" was written for Bono's dad, who died a couple of years ago, but it has become a reminder to Bono himself that he can't make it without his fellow band-mates (It was fitting that this song, in which Edge sings the chorus, was rewarded with the best song by a duo at the Grammys). "One Step Closer to Knowing" was also written for Bono's dad, and it was born out of a conversation between Bono and Oasis' Noel Gallagher. Some people have refered to it as "trudging up the dark side of 'One Tree Hill,'." "Original of the Species" was written for Bono's eldest daughter Jordan, who is also the eldest of the children the men of U2 have produced (hence the name).

And then there's "All Because of You" and "Yahweh," which are two of the best songs the lads from Dublin have ever done, and two of their most blatantly faith-filled songs since "The Joshua Tree."

Indeed, there is a strong thematic connexion with several songs on "The Joshua Tree."

The downside: "Miracle Drug" and "A Man and a Woman" are just dire. Sorry, no other way to put it. "Crumbs from Your Table" is really good for the first 2/3rds but becomes a very weak song lyrically by the end.

The DVD is just superb. Full stop.

Overall, this is a highly enjoyable album, and probably their best one since "The Joshua Tree." And that's really saying something!