2008 Woodie Awards
U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Benny Levy
Issue date: 3/8/05 Section: Arts & Culture
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The biggest problem with great bands is that they eventually lose it. Take anyone "legendary" from recent decades, compare a classic to something contemporary, and you are bound to be disappointed. It's a strict rule to which U2 are no exception.
Ever since they first earned the limelight over two decades ago, U2 have released a fat streak of unforgettable albums. Along the way, they reached their peak and hit Achtung Baby, an absolute rock n' roll diamond. "Warning, baby" we were cautioned, and rightfully so; Bono's divine voice and poetry caught listeners off guard and pierced through their souls. The band's talents had never sounded so tightly intertwined. It was a collection of anthems and nothing less.
Downhill approximately fifteen years from then, past a handful of international hits from Zooropa, Pop, and All that You Can't Leave Behind, and U2's sound has reached a mature yet slightly tired point. It might be the years of charity work and glitz that's worn them out, but whatever it is, their energy glows a bit dimly throughout most of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The passion's there, but some of it is staggering.
First, many fans have accused U2 of selling out with this new release; the famous iPod deal and TV commercials were all unimpressive, flashy eye catchers. On the other hand, aren't drastic promotional measures a sign of the artist's uncompromising thirst for our attention? It is their new masterpiece and they want us to try it out. It seems fair enough to me.
The album starts off with Vertigo, a fast paced, bone-crunching song. It's the perfect beginning point and for a moment we're convinced that the Edge might have taken a few steps back into his prime. The amplifiers roar along with Bono's sweet singing about black nights and euphoria.
What a drop it makes from there with Miracle Drug. Symbolism, optimism, and peace are all excellent but at some point it just gets too thick for you to chew. At some point it sounds programmed. There's something spiritual yet urban about this one, but in a Coca-Cola-commercial kind of way.
Ever since they first earned the limelight over two decades ago, U2 have released a fat streak of unforgettable albums. Along the way, they reached their peak and hit Achtung Baby, an absolute rock n' roll diamond. "Warning, baby" we were cautioned, and rightfully so; Bono's divine voice and poetry caught listeners off guard and pierced through their souls. The band's talents had never sounded so tightly intertwined. It was a collection of anthems and nothing less.
Downhill approximately fifteen years from then, past a handful of international hits from Zooropa, Pop, and All that You Can't Leave Behind, and U2's sound has reached a mature yet slightly tired point. It might be the years of charity work and glitz that's worn them out, but whatever it is, their energy glows a bit dimly throughout most of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The passion's there, but some of it is staggering.
First, many fans have accused U2 of selling out with this new release; the famous iPod deal and TV commercials were all unimpressive, flashy eye catchers. On the other hand, aren't drastic promotional measures a sign of the artist's uncompromising thirst for our attention? It is their new masterpiece and they want us to try it out. It seems fair enough to me.
The album starts off with Vertigo, a fast paced, bone-crunching song. It's the perfect beginning point and for a moment we're convinced that the Edge might have taken a few steps back into his prime. The amplifiers roar along with Bono's sweet singing about black nights and euphoria.
What a drop it makes from there with Miracle Drug. Symbolism, optimism, and peace are all excellent but at some point it just gets too thick for you to chew. At some point it sounds programmed. There's something spiritual yet urban about this one, but in a Coca-Cola-commercial kind of way.