How to dismantle an atomic bomb
new U2 album out on Nov 22nd
Here is NME's track by track review of the new album.
Vertigo (3:07)
First single, and as you'd expect it's a corker. 'Vertigo' features
a riff from The Edge as big as `Beautiful Day', perfectly
complimenting Bono's cries of "Feeeeel" throughout the
chorus. "Hello, hello, we're in a place called Vertigo", he sings.
It's an anthem, probably Number One single and an electrifying
opening to the album.
Miracle Drug (3:54)
After the punky `Vertigo', `Miracle Drug' is much slower but still
heavy. "Want to trip inside your head / Spend the day there", Bono
croons. It's a love song with tribal drums and a massive guitar-led
chorus. Could be a single.
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own (5:02)
After two all-out rock numbers, `Sometimes….' Is the first ballad.
Backed by simple chiming guitar and drums reminiscent of `Where The
Streets Have No Name', Bono sings "You don't have to put up a
fight/You don't have to always be right…..let me take some of the
punches for you tonight". The feel is like REM's `Everybody Hurts'.
Love And Peace Or Else (4:47)
An industrial growl and host of Nine Inch Nails-style noises hide
Bono's whispering intro, before the song evolves into a clapalong,
glammy chorus. "Give me love and peace", Bono sings. It's the first
hint of his political side, with references in to "troops on the
ground". A thumping bassline makes it sound a bit like Black Rebel
Motorcycle Club.
City of Blinding Lights (5:44)
The second Big Stadium Moment. Pretty piano opens the song, which
sounds like an updated `With or Without You'. Bono's in reflective
mood, singing, "The more you see, the less you know".
All Because of You (3:37)
`Actung Baby'-era guitars back one of Bono's most confessional songs
ever. "I'm not broke but you can see the cracks", he sings. The
lyrics suggest that he may walk the corridors of the UN, meet with
Presidents and be able to call the Pope on his mobile, but sometimes
he'd just like to be simple old Paul Hewson.
A Man And A Woman (4:25)
If the first half of the album is direct, simple rock, from here on
it gets more chilled. `A Man And A Woman' is the last of the
straight-ahead rock numbers dealing with similar themes of lost love.
Crumbs From Your Table (4:57)
Compared to `Vertigo' and `All Because of You', `Crumbs…' is one of
the more understanding songs on the album. Could probably have been
a B-side.
One Step Closer (3:50)
An ambient-sounding track their old producer Brian Eno would be
proud of is the stand-out song on the second half of `HTDAAB'.
Bono's dejected, ot in his words has "crossed the road from hope",
but is resigned to his fate. "A heart that hurts is a heart that
beats", he sings. It'll be the lighters-in-the-air moment on next
year's stadium tour.
Original Of The Species (4:33)
In keeping with the calmer mood of the second half of the
album, `Original…' has subtle, cinematic strings backing a pretty
piano. It builds into an epic ballad which is classic U2.
Yahweh (4:20)
The title is the translation of the Hebrew word for the name of God,
so it's appropriate what the closing song is a plea for peace. "Take
these hands, don't make a fist", Bono sings, "take this mouth, give
it a kiss".
Fast Cars (Bonus Track)
Unlikely to appear on the UK version of the album, this track is
currently slated for inclusion on the Japanese pressing only.
That's a tragedy for UK U2 fans as it's by far the most exciting
song here. With a distinct Middle Eastern influence in the music,
it's also where the line, `How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' comes
from. NME says : put this track on the UK album!!!
NME's verdict:
For fans looking for that classic U2 sound, `HTDAAB' is well worth
the wait. Some strong tracks – particularly on the early part of the
album – guarantee this will be a massive-selling record and will set
them up for some monster live shows next year.