Review - U2’s How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

1/2 (out of 5)

I’ve posted my thoughts on half of the album already, what with my initial reaction to the “Vertigo” single, and in my report from the free concert in Brooklyn on Monday. Suffice it to say that I absolutely love this album. Here are my thoughts on some of the other tracks:

“Love and Peace or Else”
Upon first listen, this song felt out of step with the rest of the album. It’s definitely the most adventurous track musically. Now, after about 20 or so listens, I find it sonically intriguing. I’m peeling back the layers and finding new things to like about it! The fact that it rocks pretty hard doesn’t hurt either.

“All Because of You”
This one got stuck in my head for days. It’s a no-brainer then that it’s the next single here in the US. It’s a straight-forward rocker with a great refrain.

“A Man and a Woman”
A very sexy track, cut from the same cloth as “When You Wear That Velvet Dress” from “POP”. I got the image of two lovers dancing very close and whispering to one another when listening to this.

“Crumbs From Your Table”
With all of the work Bono’s been doing on behalf of debt relief and AIDS research, you knew that it would seep through into his music. It’s all here, and out on his sleeve, “Where you live should not decide whether you live or whether you die.”

“One Step Closer”
Apparently, Bono got the lyric from a conversation he had with Noel Gallagher of Oasis. The two had been discussing Bono’s father’s health when Noel asked Bono if his was religious. Bono explained that his father had never really been sure, to which Noel replied, “Well, he’s one step closer to knowing, isn’t he?”

“Yahweh”
Classic U2. Here’s a track which could have been the last song on any of the past several albums, going all the way back to Joshua Tree.

Overall, a very satisfying musical experience. One thing that’s particularly intriguing is the change in Bono’s lyrics. He is much more direct this time around, and you feel as if you’re intruding on conversations he’s having, with his deceased father, his wife, his children, even God. It’s quite moving.