how to dismantle the foundation of my house!

In the grand scheme of U2 fans, I am a relative newbie only really noticing the band with their Achtung Baby album back in high school. It's not my fault that I was too young to appreciate their early albums at the time. Anyway, this is my 1st music review so please be gentle!

How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb?????
What the heck does that title mean? Is it connected to Bono's political activism?

Actually, it isn't. It refers to his father who died back in 2001. Bono had a rocky relationship with him and his death churned up many feelings including grief, rage, pity, etc. The title of the album reflects Bono's attempt to exorcise the demons of his father's death.

Song Listing
1. Vertigo
2. Miracle Drug
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Love And Peace Or Else
5. City Of Blinding Lights
6. All Because Of You
7. A Man And A Woman
8. Crumbs From Your Table
9. One Step Closer
10. Original Of The Species
11. Yahweh

My First Impression
I received this CD for Christmas 2004. I listened to it and was somewhat disappointed. None of the songs, other than Vertigo, seemed to really "rock out" and be worthy of such a phenomenal band. There were a few that sounded nice but I was ready to write off the CD.

and then I put it into my CD player and listened to it several more times.

What Songs Rock?
Vertigo, obviously, is a very powerful and put-together song. It may be overplayed, especially after the IPod commercial, but it can't be discounted because of that. As Bono said at the Grammys, "it makes you want to burn your house down."

Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own is an emotional plea to Bob Hewson, Bono's father. He sang it for the first time at his funeral and the listener can still feel his rage and sorrow when listen to it. Undoubtedly, the best song on the CD.

If you feel like kicking a little, um, butt--Love And Peace Or Else will satisfy that urge. I don't usually enjoy Bono's political statements but this song ROCKS! We hear more from Adam and Larry on this song than in any other. I love to turn up the volume on the stereo and just blast this one!

City Of Blinding Lights is a strong song that U2 chose to open with on the Vertigo tour. The backup vocals during the chorus will get stuck in your head! It is another "rock" song on the album and it doesn't disappoint.

Finally, Original Of The Species is just a beautiful song. It's a love song to the daughters of U2 but it touches every listener who hears it. Gorgeous! Bono has said it is probably the best song on the album.

What Isn't So Hot?
Miracle Drug is a limp political song, in my opinion. I didn't like it the first time I heard it, and several dozen times later, I still don't like it.

All Because Of You was left off of theAll That You Can't Leave Behind album and, personally, I think it should have been left off of this one too. Bono sounds like he's whining and blaming someone for something.

A Man And A Woman, Crumbs From Your Table, One Step Closer, and Yahweh all fall into the "forgettable" category. I don't notice them when they are playing, I don't hear a message in them, they could fall off of the CD and I would never even notice. They are slow and boring to my mind.

This Album Compared To Others?
It is not as consistent as All That You Can't Leave Behind or Achtung Baby in terms of the same style throughout. It is a very strong album, however, with many very good songs. It has been in my CD player for over a year now--ever since I put it in the carousel on Dec. 25, 2004. I still enjoy it even after all of this time.

My Last Word
I blast this CD every single day. I'm sure my neighbors are completely tired of it. Adam's bass line has been rattling my pictures for quite awhile and I don't see an end in sight!