U2 Album: “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb”

I only heard a short clip of Vertigo prior to buying this. When I came here to make the buy, thought I would see what some of the other citizens thought of it. As I read the reviews, a few idle thoughts came to mind, not listed in any order of importance:

Several people expressed dismay that the sound of U2 has changed. There was disappointment that the Edge may not still have that "edge" that separated him from so many other second fiddles that stood directly behind many group's headliners. There was an abundance of lamenting concerning Bono not possessing that "Bono Vox" he has given the world for the almost thirty plus years.

After reading the reviews and listening to this, I found that it is a work that is exactly where it should be. It sounds like U2 should sound today. It is reflective of an incredible musical career that is beginning to span two generations. And it is the sound and contains the energy and drive that makes U2 what it was....what it is today, and what it will be remembered as.

I did not buy this hoping it would sound like "The Unforgettable Fire". I already own "The Unforgettable Fire" and am very content and satisfied with the way it sounds. I bought this with a reasonable expectation that I would hear a musical group in the autumn of their career still putting out some of the best, most original and undoubtedly most creative musical work on the planet. And I was not disappointed....I don't think you will be either.

This is a top notch CD. Unfortunately, there are many sad people here posting under fake accounts just to wail on this CD. Especially Roberto Diaz who is really GDB posting under another alias. He will be nailed shortly for account abuse. I've been watching this group for a while and there's one loser continuously posting under new accounts. IP tracking will be requested shortly.

All Because of You -- a great rocker which has gotten a lot of airplay.

Vertigo -- A FUN rocking song that most people will like if they lighten up a bit. :)

Yahweh -- A simple, catchy, straightforward hymn to Bono's God. I always appreciated his open spirituality, even if I don't believe the same things he does.

Crumbs from Your Table -- That funky chord they use and the rolling, rocking hooks. Wonderful tune.

Miracle Drug -- Sounds like something from Boy and I can't get enough of it.

Yes, this CD isn't perfect, however, it is NOT even close to being a 1 star effort like the lamers here are trying to say.

After losing my mother this fall, this album has become the outlet to release all of my emotions. When I first bought it, I turned down all the lights in my bedroom and played the whole thing straight through. I cried to most of the songs, especially the beautiful "Sometimes You Can't Make It on your Own." As Bono lost his father and wrote most of these songs about him or the issues of death and survival, they all struck me in the heart. These songs cradled all of my emotions I was feeling.

"Miracle Drug" made me appreciate the love my mother had given me.

"Sometimes" made me realize how much I missed her and our past experiences together.

"City of Blinding Lights" reminded me of her outer and inner beauty.

"All Because of You" is like a dedication to her while letting out my anger about her death.

"One Step Closer" covers the broader topic of death.

"Yahweh" is a prayer that closes everything.

THANK YOU SO MUCH U2 FOR GIVING ME THIS! IT HAS AND WILL GET ME THROUGH THE TOUGH MONTHS AHEAD!

I had great hopes for this album, which had been hailed by advance reviewers as U2's big comeback, their finest album in a long, long time.

Needless to say, I was underwhelmed. There are a lot of songs on the album that show promise, most notably "City of Blinding Lights", which builds up a great head of steam but fizzles when it gets down to the chorus. Many of the other songs are simply dull, taking their time and going nowhere.

The only real standout tracks are "All Because of You" and "Vertigo". Even those two seem to fall short of expectations. The worst part of this is that U2 is trying so hard on this album to recreate their "classic" sound. The glory days of "The Joshua Tree" are long gone, and it's time to give up the ghost.

"How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" is innocuous, but is also just plain boring. U2 can't count on its fans to shell out every time they release an album, especially not one as tired as this. 3 stars, and I'm sorely tempted to give lower.

After what seemed like an endless wait for a new U2 album, it is finally here, and while it could have been better, it certainly could have been much worse. After the first listen through, my reaction was "where are the rock-n-roll songs?" I was under the impression that this was going to be U2 going back to their roots, a more upbeat rock-n-roll sound to the album. Sure "Vertigo" has a great beat, but if you are expecting the album to be like that single, you are in for a shock. Instead we get a more mellow sound, as if this is a transitional album. After listening to it more, I have found that I am enjoying it much more than their last album (however, "Walk On" is one superb song). While this album doesn't come close to "The Unforgettable Fire" or "Joshua Tree", it is well worth the price, and over time will probably grow on us all.

Looking forward to the tour early next year, just hope we don't have to wait another five years for another offering by one of the greatest bands in the world. :-)