| U2�s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sounds a siren of transition, or at worst the start of decline. And unlike such stylistic misfires as Pop, there�s no commercially suspect artistic ambition to blame here � just the sad prospect of a band currently with no alarms and no surprises. Don�t let the Apple commercial fool you (though that song, �Vertigo,� ends up as the album�s only candidate to match the highs of |
| U2 |
| How to Dismantle ... |
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| 2000�s beloved All That You Can�t Leave Behind). Most of Bomb fizzles with a mid-tempo mishmash of tired Bono vocals and intermittent waves of driving Edge guitar licks.
For U2, that�s a discouraging prospect, especially considering its brand of big songs for people who sometimes feel so small. Going through the motions means no distraction during songs like �City of Blinding Lights� or �Origin of the Species� when Bono-fied pop psychology like �I�ll give you everything you want/Except the thing that you want� makes Meatloaf wince. Besides hawking iPods, this album also will help viewers deal with the heavy drama of �The OC� and it�s a perfect fit � enough for everyone in marketing to take notice but not enough to distract from the storyline (or company line) at hand. The one song that probably wouldn�t work in those contexts stands as the album�s best moment � �One Step Closer� recalls the quiet country/gospel leanings of Rattle and Hum. Such are the perils of a sterling reputation. This band doesn�t need a title of The Greatest Band in the World. Any U2 fan knows they�re capable of more than that. |
| Originally published in the December 2004 edition of Take ONE, as written by Hank Brockett |
| "Stick 'em up... Give us all your love." |