U2
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
By Evan Ritman

                Sure they are an Irish import, but U2 has their finger on the pulse of America better than any homegrown rockers. Bono and company seem to know just what to sing about to give hope to others. But that has always been a special part of U2, the feeling that you can find the answers to the universe’s questions in a four-minute song.

                How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb continues on the themes first established on 2000’s All That You Can’t Leave Behind. The band that rocked stadiums with 90-foot TV screens behind them was gone. In their place a reborn U2 appeared, reminiscent of the band from the 1980s when they preached peace and understanding between people in energetic songs. U2 has their work cut out for them, considering the state of affairs in the world today.

              “Vertigo,” the lead single off the album puts into words what every single person living in a post 9/11 world feels: “Hello, hello, I’m at a place called Vertigo. It’s everything I wish I didn’t know, but you give me something I can feel,” expresses the feelings of someone waking up into this “New World.” You aren’t quite sure how you got there, but as long as you have the love of someone, you can get through being here. “Vertigo” also finds The Edge returning to his early 90s guitar style. This out of this world bombardment of the senses solidifies Mr. Evans as one of the most innovative guitarists of the past 20 years. Only The Edge can go from making a guitar sound like bullets ripping across the sky, to having it sing heavenly bliss.

 
                If Atomic Bomb represents the Bible, then “Love and Peace or Else,” would be Bono’s speech after receiving the 10 Commandments. U2 has seen the destruction since they have been gone (“Lay your love on the track / We’re gonna break the monster’s back”), and are here to fight the good fight.

                “All Because of You” seems to be U2’s search for the same inspiration they have given millions of others; someone to say it will be alright. The combined sounds of The Edge’s Zooropa era guitar heroics with Adam and Larry’s Joshua Tree carefree rhythm, “All Because of You” perfectly combines the elements of U2’s past to create a beautiful future.

                How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb proves that U2 still have much to say about the world and what goes on in it. Twenty-five years into their careers, it’s nice to see they haven’t lost the determination or drive…or their potency.