"How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" was the last album I'd have thought to favor over most releases from 2004. I'd agree with the people that think older U2 was best and newer wasn’t so hot. "Vertigo" did an amazing job of supporting the 'new U2 sucks' theory and I obviously wasn’t the only one to hold these thoughts. The main local radio station in Tulsa, Oklahoma stopped playing the song completely when people called in and said they’d boycott the station if that song were played any longer. And that’s when it happened; the DJ of the station played a new song from "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" earlier than they planned. Then finally, after hearing "Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own", my theory of new U2 sucks was hampered.
Now, if you were disgusted with "Vertigo", don't pre-judge this entire album because it's pretty much Alternative-Pop-Rock perfection. "Vertigo" starts the album off, which actually isn't bad because it gets it out of the way so the rest of this record is really enjoyable and not disrupted. Those who actually do like the song and aren't too familiar with U2 may as well not try the album out because everything is pretty mellow, and "Vertigo" is the opposite. The first thing the song shows is that Bono can’t count to four in Spanish without making a mistake (it is intentional though; he says 1, 2,, 3, 14 in Spanish because "How To Drop An Atomic Bomb is U2's fourteenth album). The vocals are cool at times and flow well, but the problem is that U2 just doesn't write hard rock songs that are enjoyable. U2 is best at dishing out relaxing ballads.
Of course, it's not always the best thing when a band records an album mainly filled with ballads that all sound alike, but it is pleasant when those ballads are exceptionally different from each other: that is what U2 has done. Many songs, like "City of Blinding Lights" and "Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own", are easy to listen to and don’t need repeated listens to become worthwhile. Both of these songs are two of the more ‘emotional roller coaster’ songs on "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb". In the middle of "City of Blinding Lights" Bono solemnly states, "Don't look before you laugh, look ugly in a photograph". Bono's ability with words can be corny, but for some reason his touch makes certain things seem beautiful. The Edge helps him incredulously with his playing, which after all this time is still innovative. That's not in doubt at all on "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own". Even though he doesn't shred on his guitar he always manages to add an ambient feeling to every song.
"How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" seems very tame on the surface, but the structure of most songs is beautifully written and actually quite ambitious. The bass work is just one example of that. So many times, and with so many bands, the bass will drown in a sea of guitars, drums, and vocals, but this is a main area that causes "How To Drop An Atomic Bomb" to be such a nice listen. On "A Man And A Women" the bass line is fairly repetitive, but immediately relaxing. It could be compared to Radiohead's "Everything In It's Right Place". Another thing that exemplifies the wonderful structure of songs is "All Because Of You". This song is the hardest one, besides "Vertigo", on the album. However, this is quite an impressive song. The chorus comes in at the perfect moments and the wailing guitar adds such a great, overall feeling.
This review has tried to be very straightforward in the manor of an essay, but in the following paragraph there are two songs that are so wrenching, and in one simple little word, amazing, they deserve their own spotlight. That is "Love And Peace Or Else". Bono loves his protest songs doesn't he? Well, here he exemplifies in making a statement, and he does it so well. Feedback is a main part of the song and heard almost the whole time. This is how the begginging is with Bono in the background. This puts quite a bit of excited tension into the song, but then Bono bursts out with, "Lay down, lay down". Essays, movies, and songs all have their point that immediately grabs the attention of people and U2 has this moment here. The way Bono portrays his disdain for how some choose to live their life, affecting others in that way, and him asking them to stop in such a passive aggressive way it's beautiful. Another song that is nearly as moving is "Original Of The Species". However, it is not for what Bono has to say, it's the music. The drums and piano kick the song off shortly before the bass comes in with a nice relaxing line that Bono equally matches in his smooth voice. The use of acoustic guitar does wonders for the song aesthetically and the buildup before the chorus is wonderful. This is quite a unique song, but sometimes it's hard to not imagine this being a cover of a band such as The Rolling Stones, or Aerosmith. It doesn't matter either way because U2 is currently in a spot that they can make almost anything sound great.
Is "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" the best U2 record? No, that honor goes to "The Joshua Tree". However, U2 has definitely made a surprising comeback with this album. It's nice to see that U2 is still capable of making an album with barely any filler. Want to get into U2? Pick up this album first, and then be amazed by "The Joshua Tree". This review has hopefully touched upon the important aspects of the album and that is: it flows well and is very relaxing, the bass nearly plays a bigger role than any other instrument, only to be bested by the guitar, "Vertigo" is the only bad song, and the structure of multiple songs makes for a unique experience. This writer is extremely happy to say that their old theory of, 'new U2 sucks', has been proven wrong.
It still does not make me check out U2 beyond their singles though, I still just have one song I really like by them (and that being "Where the streets have no name"). 
