HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB
Album by U2. Universal Music Group’s Interscope Records.
U2’s latest has to be taken in perspective. The band hasn’t made a great record since 1991’s “Achtung Baby.” Since then has been a series of good records, this one included. There are moments of brillance: the commanding opener “Vertigo,” the ruckus “All Because of You” and, perhaps best of all, “Love and Peace or Else,” a bluesy romp that recalls 1970s John Lennon or Patti Smith. The record’s shortcoming lies in a struggle between its stronger showpieces and lead singer Bono’s proclivity toward sappy balladry. “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” is an ode to Bono’s dead father, which, however sincere, can’t overcome its bland homogeneity. “A Man and a Woman” and “Original of the Species” are marginally better but still could send listeners fumbling for the “skip” button on the remote. There is some middle ground. “Miracle Drug,” “Crumbs From Your Table” and “City of Blinding Lights” recall earlier work with reverberating guitar and lofty choruses. For its faults, “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard, is better than much of the bubble gum pop, caricature rap and red state country it sits alongside on the charts.
RATING: Three Briefcases (out of four)
,Michael Lyster
