How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb - U2
  • Band Name: U2
  • Record Label: Interscope
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2004
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 341 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: The band's first new album since 2000, a more stripped-down, "classic U2" disc than previous efforts, was recorded chiefly with producer Steve Lillywhite, with Chris Thomas and Nellee Hooper also helming some tracks.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Los Angeles Times
    100
    [Bono] explores epic themes, from faith to family, with such indelible grace that the CD stands with "The Joshua Tree" and "Achtung Baby" as one of the Irish quartet's essential works. [21 Nov 2004]
  2. Uncut
    80
    Even at their most glibly bombastic, there's a melancholy undertow that they can't shake. [Album of the Month, Dec 2004, p.136]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Mojo
    80
    This is a very traditional U2 album, the sort of album people want U2 to make. [Dec 2004, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Stylus Magazine
    60
    A one-paced affair, enamoured with drawn-out ambient intros, crystalline guitars layered with reverb, four-note rumbles for basslines, choruses that go on forever and occasional, half-hearted stabs at “groove”. Meaning that it sounds EXACTLY as you would expect U2 to sound.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 161 out of 239
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 239
  3. Negative: 66 out of 239
  1. MaxG
    10
    Awesome album. A must buy for any U2 fan.
  2. Ricko
    8
    Top record from U2 - it's got it all. Hit singles, rock anthems, lighters in the air moments and some great production as well. Bono and co should the world how you make a stadium sized rock album. Although there isn't much experimentation on it and its pretty standard guitar rock, its got some of the bands finest moments on it. There are only a couple of non outstanding tracks on here.… Expand
  3. DermottF
    7
    What U2 have against them these days is if the album isn't better than Achtung Baby, then its crap. That's the standard they have set for themselves. This really isn't a bad album. But it isn't a great one either, U2 can do better. It opens with the fantastic Vertigo and even better Miracle Drug where Edge's guitar work is a touch of genius. There are other great songs such as 'Sometimes You Cant Make It On Your Own' and 'Original of the Species'. But it hasn't got that magic and deep feel that the Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby had. Its definitely one to have in your collection though.… Expand
  4. tylerk
    4
    Marginal. U2 used to have a distinct sound. This blends nicely with the proliferation of mediocrity on the radio. Possibly the weakest lyrics on any U2 record, "I'll give you everything that you want..except the thing that you want" Everything after zooropa has been marginal at best.… Expand

See all 239 User Reviews

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Rumours [35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] - Fleetwood Mac
    Metascore: 99
  2. Sunbather - Deafheaven
    Metascore: 97
  3. Live in Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 2 - Miles Davis Quintet
    Metascore: 92
  4. Jama Ko - Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
    Metascore: 90
  5. Like a Rose - Ashley Monroe
    Metascore: 89
  6. Southeastern - Jason Isbell
    Metascore: 89
  7. Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves
    Metascore: 88
  8. Your Turn - Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
    Metascore: 88
  9. The Graceless Age - John Murry
    Metascore: 88
  10. Minute by Minute - The James Hunter Six
    Metascore: 88
  11. M B V - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 87
  12. Acid Rap - Chance the Rapper
    Metascore: 87
  13. Beautiful Africa - Rokia Traoré
    Metascore: 87
  14. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
    Metascore: 87
  15. LSXX [Last Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition] - The Breeders
    Metascore: 87
  16. Yeezus - Kanye West
    Metascore: 87
  17. Annie Up - Pistol Annies
    Metascore: 87
  18. Without a Net - Wayne Shorter
    Metascore: 86
  19. Once I Was an Eagle - Laura Marling
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »