U2's 2004 album, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' is widely regarded as U2's return to form. Conversely, a return to form could also be interpreted as a retreat to conservatism for many listeners. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' is that listening to the album independently and objective, it is a very good album. But in the context of what U2 have achieved, and their trend in making albums, this is at best a solid album. Nothing on 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' is what we haven't heard of before from U2. U2 have retreated to the same formula that served them so well during the 80's. Which is precisely where the problem lies- it is very much formulated. U2 have become so good at making songs, nothing is really refreshing or exciting on this album. Is this an unfair criticism? Well it probably is, however one does not expect any less of U2, if they are to hold on to the mantle of 'the biggest band in the world.'
'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb', won U2 a whopping 8 Grammy's- and deservedly so. This is no musical criticism of U2 at all. What is missing in this album is quite intangible because genuine passion and desire are quite hard to identify. The energy that was so prevalent in 'War', the passion in 'The Joshua Tree', and cheekiness in 'Zooropa', was what made each of those albums unique. 'City of Blinding Lights' and 'Original of the Species' are very good songs, but they are not enough to make this album unique. With the exception of 'Vertigo', the rest of the songs lack any real energy or purpose. Perhaps Bono and U2 are just content on making an album for the sake of it, or too busy saving the world?
With the release of a new U2 album in the not too distant future, one wonders what to expect of U2, after two rather conservative albums. Admittedly, U2 have conceded that both 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' and 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' were quite personal albums. But what next for the band from Dublin? Well, we can expect a more experimental approach in the mould of 'Achtung Baby', says Bono. Bono has also hinted at a more eclectic group of songs for the new album apparently named 'No Line on the Horizon.' 'The plan is, there is no plan', says Bono. Whatever the approach is, we hope it sounds nothing like 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.'
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