It took 24 years, 11 albums, eight tours, and even a giant lemon, but U2 finally did it. The super group from Dublin created a lackluster album. Fans were prepared for a loud, edgy guitar-driven album. This is not what they got.
Despite Bono's assertions in 2003, this LP is not "a guitar album." The Edge pipes up on a few tracks, but is mostly an accessory, much like he was on All That You Can't Leave Behind. During the production of the album, Bono hinted toward a return to the raw, punk-rock of the early 80s. He specifically said that the "anger is unbelievable" on the new album.
How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is anything but angry. The unrefined roughness of War and Boy is neglected in favor of overly polished tracks that fail to get off the ground. All That You Can't Leave Behind was polished, but the tracks were memorable and well-crafted. Most songs on How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sound like outtakes from the group's last effort.
"Crumbs From Your Table" and "A Man and a Woman" are simply uninspiring. "Miracle Drug" is, musically speaking, a gem. Lyrically, however it stumbles and falls. On the track Bono explains that "Freedom has a scent like the top of a newborn baby's head." Now Bono, what scent would that be? Amniotic fluid?
The problem with How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is precisely this (no, nothing to do with newborn children)?U2 sounds uncharacteristically complacent.
Even during the group's various musical phases such as the sonic experimentation of the 1990s (Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Pop) or the holier-than-now late 1980s (Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum), each album had a distinct attitude and feeling. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb fails to distinguish itself.
Despite this, U2 developed some great tracks. "City of Blinding Lights," and "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own," represents U2 at its best. They both would work well on a U2 play list, but feel outnumbered on this sub-par album.
U2's first single, "Vertigo," reminds fans that these 40-somethings can keep it above mid-tempo. The Edge returns with a vengeance with a punk-rock guitar crunch primed for radio play (and I-pod commercials).
"Love and Peace or Else" is the second track, after "Vertigo" that even resembles new territory for the lads. Adam Clayton's bass rumbles in this loud and bluesy plea for harmony and peace. Bono's aged voice blends perfectly with a thundering guitar buzz courtesy of The Edge.
"All Because of You," is one of the best tracks of their career until the 58th second?when the chorus arrives. Bono unnaturally yelps the title through heavy guitar distortion and spoils an otherwise catchy and aggressive tune.
U2 had a chance to make a fantastic album. "Vertigo" and "Love and Peace or Else" offer shimmers of hope for the future. Let's just hope the lads don't wait four years to produce another album. Because they are, still, one of the best bands in the history of rock 'n' roll.