How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
by U2
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 409 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 294 out of 409
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 409
  3. Negative: 81 out of 409

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  1. ZackD
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    I will offer my thoughts: If, by chance, you gave this album a 0 or a 1, I read your review. I am astonished by how so many people could miss the point. I don't know where so many of you got this crap about "selling out" and being in it for the money. If U2 wanted to sell out, they would certainly be making a lot more than they are right now. Do you realize that they didn't I will offer my thoughts: If, by chance, you gave this album a 0 or a 1, I read your review. I am astonished by how so many people could miss the point. I don't know where so many of you got this crap about "selling out" and being in it for the money. If U2 wanted to sell out, they would certainly be making a lot more than they are right now. Do you realize that they didn't accept money for the iPod spot? Performances at awards ceremonies don't mean you are a sellout. If this album was produced for the sheer goal of making more money for the members of U2, they wouldn't have spend 5 years crafting it. They could release crappy albums every year and a half if they wanted and they'd make more money. Instead they put time and effort into what I believe stands as one of their greatest achievements. No, maybe not a Joshua Tree or an Achtung Baby, but certainly third on my list. Its track listing begins by painting a scene of fear and helplessness. The singer finds himself in this dizzying place called vertigo, scared, alone. He is captivated by a cross around a girl's neck. Tracks 2, 3, and 4 show hope for the miracle science we do not have yet, meditation over dead loved ones, and pleading for peace in a world gone wrong, respectively. The album soon begins to find the positive aspects of life in love, family, contentedness, and, finally, God. While the beginning presents this problem, this "atomic bomb," representative of the worst of humanity's fears, the end of the album presents the solution: love. One must kneel before love and they will find comfort and hope. The music itself is perhaps not sonically as revolutionary a departure from the previous album as most U2 fans are used to, admittedly. But this doesn't take the album down at all. I simply think it is on the same sonic plane without repeating the same sounds. Overall, my favorite album of 2004/2005 easily.… Expand
  2. jamesc
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    some of the reviewers on this site obviously have it in for u2. granted, on first listen i was less than impressed, but a the few songs that caught my attention drew me back and after a few listens i now regard this album only behind the joshua tree and achtung baby. i think u2 are so huge that people write these bad reviews just to upset fans of the band. look at eminem, he is in the some of the reviewers on this site obviously have it in for u2. granted, on first listen i was less than impressed, but a the few songs that caught my attention drew me back and after a few listens i now regard this album only behind the joshua tree and achtung baby. i think u2 are so huge that people write these bad reviews just to upset fans of the band. look at eminem, he is in the same boat, no matter what he does, he will get slaughtered by the non fans in the same way. also, u2 spent ten years of 90s trying out a new sound which was sounding great, but they got hammered then too by the same people who now accuse them of playing it safe and saying that everything up to 98 was great, find the sense in that. the bottom line is, if ya wanna hear an hour of brilliant rock songs performed the way only u2 can, buy this album, if you are a bullshit cynic, ignore it.… Expand
  3. MaxG
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Awesome album. A must buy for any U2 fan.
  4. ElevanI
    Jul 18, 2008
    10
    U2 always record good albums. Atomic Bomb is a great rock´n roll album. BEST OF 2004.
  5. FabianoS.
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    Good album.
  6. JonnyF
    Sep 3, 2008
    9
    Brilliant album but not as gd as ATYCLB, Achtung Baby or the Joshua tree. however still a great piece of work.
  7. AlecF
    Jan 9, 2009
    10
    Just another U2 album. Of course, that mean's it's amazing. The ethereal, catchy melodies are really great in basically every song. Reviewers are judging the album not by how it sounds but as fans of U2's old stuff. Forget the band's identity and prior music and just focus on each track, and you'll see what I mean. Also, I disagree that the album ends badly. Just another U2 album. Of course, that mean's it's amazing. The ethereal, catchy melodies are really great in basically every song. Reviewers are judging the album not by how it sounds but as fans of U2's old stuff. Forget the band's identity and prior music and just focus on each track, and you'll see what I mean. Also, I disagree that the album ends badly. Original of the Species, the second to last track, is one of my favorite U2 songs. So, in all I think this is a completely brilliant album when you listen to it as music, not as U2 songs.… Expand
  8. TheDude
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Amazing album. Great songs and melodies right throughout.
  9. JalexD
    Feb 15, 2009
    10
    A stellar collection of songs, even if it doesn't gel as nicely as nearly all their other albums. Still it stands as a peak for one of the world's greatest artists ever, as well as being the best album of 2004.
  10. Sylvain
    Jan 1, 2005
    9
    Strangely, I was disappointed at first, but grew to love this album after several listens. U2 is the most astonishingly consistent group in the world, and they have done it again with a collection of beautiful and moving songs. Buy it.
  11. Dani
    Jan 1, 2005
    10
    Instant classic without really weak songs. City of Blinding Lights, Original of The Species, Miracle Drug...amazing songs.
  12. zainr
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    great
  13. CesarE
    Dec 3, 2004
    10
    At the same level than Joshua and Achtung, U2 has crafted an true classic for the ages. You NEED to have this album.
  14. LorenzO
    Dec 3, 2004
    8
    It's pretty damn good. Some truly affecting moments, a lot of good solid stuff and not a lot of filler. Works for me.
  15. Johno
    Feb 18, 2005
    8
    After getting over the initial thrill/disappointment I have returned to this album and found it as good as Achtung Baby, but not as good as Joshua Tree. That Ricardo bloke really wants to shag Bono, doesn't he?
  16. cj
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    U2's best album ever. This is an absolute masterpiece.
  17. AdamE
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    Listen to more music folks. Jeezus.
  18. FredericoO
    Aug 27, 2005
    10
    very good U2 album! city of blinding lights is the best song of the all record
  19. Carloscarlos
    Apr 1, 2006
    10
    Perfect. The best album since Achtung Baby (1991). The sound of the guitar in Miracle Drug, Sometimes You Can't Make... or in Original Of The Species is wonderful and lyrical. Not bad songs, only pure music.
  20. KellyD
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Vertigo was not a good single to represent this album... thank goodness, I could not stand 10 Vertigo style songs. Instead we got heart and soul and passion, just what I expect from them. Won't be able to say for a while whether this is one of their best... have to hear the songs live first, then I'll know.
  21. Matt
    Dec 1, 2004
    10
    This album should be loved by all U2 fans. It is the essence of U2.
  22. joeyd
    Dec 18, 2004
    10
    A true masterpiece, Bono sounds young, powerful and refreshed. This album takes a step back to classic U2 and at the same time takes a step forward. Is louder and harder than their last album. It is All that u cant leave behind done right and done much better. One of their best albums although it takes multiple listens to grow on you but any U2 fan will agree all U2 albums take time to A true masterpiece, Bono sounds young, powerful and refreshed. This album takes a step back to classic U2 and at the same time takes a step forward. Is louder and harder than their last album. It is All that u cant leave behind done right and done much better. One of their best albums although it takes multiple listens to grow on you but any U2 fan will agree all U2 albums take time to grow. an impressive album and is up there with actung baby… Expand
  23. ChrisM
    Dec 20, 2004
    9
    I was dissapointed a little the first couple listens - but this CD just grows and grows. 9.5 would be my actual rating. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own is right up there with Bad, One, Streets as one of their best.
  24. ShabarO
    Dec 7, 2004
    8
    Considering that it is the first offering since 2000, it is suffering from having to come with great expectations. The first listen leaves an impalatable taste in the mouth, but after a few listen it actually grows quite fast. No doubt that the band is more mature (hopefully), no doubt Bono is no longer criticizing capitalism but is a Director at Elevation Partners (a US$2 bln private Considering that it is the first offering since 2000, it is suffering from having to come with great expectations. The first listen leaves an impalatable taste in the mouth, but after a few listen it actually grows quite fast. No doubt that the band is more mature (hopefully), no doubt Bono is no longer criticizing capitalism but is a Director at Elevation Partners (a US$2 bln private equity fund). Growing up does teach lessons, and these lessons are in here. Still refreshing. Free Aung Sang Su Shii !… Expand
  25. TomB
    Oct 1, 2005
    9
    While not their best work, it certainly ranks up there in releases in 2004 outshining most bands half their age in a youth oriented industry
  26. JohnW
    Jan 12, 2005
    9
    one of their top three albums..... filled with emotion and magic
  27. tasostasos
    Jan 25, 2005
    9
    one of the best u2`s alboum
  28. JohnS
    Jan 2, 2005
    9
    One of the best I have ever heard some great songs on this, and the bonus track fast cars is b rillant, one of U2s best.
  29. tramwaj
    Jan 9, 2005
    10
    brilliant album containing all the best from u2
  30. matthewr
    Feb 18, 2005
    10
    i loved it thought it was one of their best. they are really in their prime
  31. asdf
    Feb 20, 2005
    8
    adfg
  32. HDeCanto
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    I haven't read any other reviews before writing this, so as not to be influenced by them one way or the other, so I'm sorry if this doesn't settle any pros or cons below. Pros- very artistic in a spare, raw sort of way, back to the roots of pop/rock and their 80's sounds, some nice images, very good interpretations of lyrics, great bass work, and lead guitar invention, I haven't read any other reviews before writing this, so as not to be influenced by them one way or the other, so I'm sorry if this doesn't settle any pros or cons below. Pros- very artistic in a spare, raw sort of way, back to the roots of pop/rock and their 80's sounds, some nice images, very good interpretations of lyrics, great bass work, and lead guitar invention, nice to hear less mixing than on most polished singles these days. It feels as though it is an experimental album from a band who has done just about everything and are finally playing around and trying the ideas they've had for years but were never able to do earlier. It's also nice to hear that bono sing sweetly tonally and emotionally as a younger artist would, but also struggle abit on some of the more vocally demanding songs. Cons- it is at first not an easy album for non musicians (not just people who call themselves such)to listen to, after the extremely poetic and commercial (although catchy and grammy winning) last album, I wasn't sure what to expect. It took a few listens for me to appreciate the stripped down sound and the knowing uses of cliches throughout. I can't say that many of the songs will become classics. However, blinding lights, all because of you and love and peace or else have serious potential. I think it's an album that doesn't try to make you like it or identify with it's emotions. You either get it or you don't.… Expand
  33. luvVermont
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    Love this cd, love U2. Very catchy and I never get bored of it.
  34. Mathprof
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    Super Album ! A very good album form u2 ... This is the best of U2 ? Not sure .... The best are The Joshua Tree .... But Dismantle an atomic Bomb receive 5 stars form me .... and i think this is what u2 deserve !!! 1000 bravo !
  35. AllanF
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    Not a bad track on this album. One of their top 3 or 4 best albums ever....need to hear some or all these songs livewhich sometimes give their music even more life, and more ever lasting and soulful. Well done !
  36. TaylorB
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    Just listen to the cd and you'll understand.
  37. HugheO
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    This is the most sentimental and symbolic album U2 I have ever heard. And trust me, I've heard many. Yahweh is much more than just a slow crap - it is deep enough to make you think. Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own is just a tear gas. These are the songs that shook the reputation of the punky-shmunky-nonsense band. Listen and ye shall understand.
  38. sergiom
    Mar 21, 2005
    8
    Good, but not the best
  39. MACHUSK
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    essential!
  40. Alisabeth
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    grabs the soul...
  41. harryv
    Mar 8, 2005
    7
    When I first heard this album my initial rating would of been around 1 or 2 - nothing stood out like some of U2's previous work. I have loved this band and hated this band throughout their 25 year plus career and with every release they have left me with at least a couple of real gems per album. From "Boy" came "Out Of Control" and "An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart" - from "October" they When I first heard this album my initial rating would of been around 1 or 2 - nothing stood out like some of U2's previous work. I have loved this band and hated this band throughout their 25 year plus career and with every release they have left me with at least a couple of real gems per album. From "Boy" came "Out Of Control" and "An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart" - from "October" they gave me "Tomorrow" " I Threw A Brick Through A Window" and "Stranger In A Strange Land". Then came "War" with more than a few gems and "Unforgettable Fire" with "Bad" "Unforgettable Fire" "Elvis Presley And America" and "Wire". Falling from the leaves of "The Josua Tree" were classics like "Bullet The Blue Sky" "Exit" and "Running To Stand Still". I'll gladly forget "Rattle And Hum" save "Heartland". 1991 brought a new U2 with "Acthung Baby" which gave us "The Fly" "Until The End Of The World""One" and one of U2's most beautiful moments "Love Is Blindness". Most people either laughed at or ignored 1997's "Pop" and still manage to forget brilliant moments such as "Gone" "Please" and "Wake Up Dead Man". In 2000 "Beautiful Day" was a perfectly constructed hook filled single that would be a permanent concert favorite until this band finally gives in and retires. Whew...enough about that sordid past now let's look at "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb"- I'm afraid I'm beginning to like this album, really I'm not kidding. Like I said when I first heard it nothing stood out with any gemlike quality as in U2's past efforts but that just may be the difficult secret to this album. Being a half-fan of these guys I kept throwing it on once a week or so and everytime I did I somehow enjoyed it more - "Vertigo" still bothers me and always will as does "All Because Of You" and "Yahweh" but the rest of the songs I catch myself humming in my head and actually not rolling my eyes and trying to forget it. This album is full of hooks - not all of them bad. I hate to admit it but I am beginning to really enjoy most of this release. Despite the lack of truly great U2 gems of the past "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" with it's hooks and all may very well surprise you if you give it half a chance. Or not.… Expand
  42. thewanderer
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    without any doubt their best album!
  43. cesarp
    May 12, 2005
    10
    In the Top three of U2 albums, better than All that you can´t leave behind. Don´t believe to U2 haters !, they feel so sad because U2 greatness !
  44. JosephR
    May 17, 2005
    10
    Maybe not bold, but beautiful. A U2 albums for middle age. A kick in the night, aiming to shake up a dirty world, full of heartbreak as we await the dawn.
  45. BrianM
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    Seriously great record.
  46. RobertB.
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    What an album, what a band.
  47. JacobL
    Jan 24, 2006
    10
    Best of 2004
  48. vaggelisp
    Feb 25, 2006
    9
    a classic u2 masterpiece!!!!
  49. DavidW
    Mar 1, 2006
    8
    Legends...of faith, hope, and love. Grace. Maybe not as "cool" as the use to be, but still have more soul in their big toes than a million other band combined. Good songs from an unforgettable fire.
  50. DermottF
    Jul 4, 2008
    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 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
  51. AndreeF
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    Parts of this album make me feel like melted butter inside.
  52. JFlynn
    Nov 21, 2004
    9
    Every track is great. What more do you want? Why can't great songs be enough? U2 is still the best band there is going.
  53. MichaelS
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    As Magnificent as any of their previous genius!
  54. AshM
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Pure Class!
  55. Ol
    Nov 22, 2004
    8
    A good solid album showcasing all their melodic strengths but never reaching the weird majesty of their ninties work. Definitely worth getting.
  56. ElvisdPB
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    The best U2 since Achtung Baby!
  57. SimonP
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    Forget the fact that this is U2 sounding like U2. This is an album of great songs with not a duff track among them. Their best album since Achtung baby.
  58. marcoc
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    Certainly their best album since their only masterpiece Achtung Baby. However it has three or four songs that are just too weak. They're playing it a bit too safe. What made Achtung Baby so great was that it was dark and sexy, it had music that you could groove to. Vertigo, Sometime You Can't Make On Your Own, Love And Peace Or Else, City Of Blinding Lights, A Man And A Woman Certainly their best album since their only masterpiece Achtung Baby. However it has three or four songs that are just too weak. They're playing it a bit too safe. What made Achtung Baby so great was that it was dark and sexy, it had music that you could groove to. Vertigo, Sometime You Can't Make On Your Own, Love And Peace Or Else, City Of Blinding Lights, A Man And A Woman and Yahweh are all fantastic songs, however the album is tarnished by tracks such as All Because of You, Miracle Drug and Origin of the Species. Still the best band in world, but just about. … Expand
  59. Santiago
    Nov 23, 2004
    10
    De nada sirve la critica especializada, cuando no tienen idea de la musica. Todos dicen que Pop, fue el pero album, y sin duda fue uno de los mejores. Este, es el otro grande junto a Joshua y Atchung.
  60. RickB
    Nov 23, 2004
    8
    Better than 2000's All That You Can't Leave Behind and possibly their best album since Actung Baby. This band does not get old, only better. I do believe that they are the greatest band since the Beatles and quite possibly in due time may have much more influence than the Fab Four from Liverpool.
  61. AbuF
    Nov 23, 2004
    9
    Solid album from guys who rarely let us down and we are the better for it.
  62. markf
    Nov 24, 2004
    8
    This is a solid album, but almost redundant. I also liked Sonic Youth's album this year, and I don't think this is any better. I do like "Vertigo" a lot [I'm one of the crazies who never heard it before yesterday (Nov. 24)], and I also like some of the quieter songs in the second half. I actually think it's an easy-to-listen-to album that all my friends and family will This is a solid album, but almost redundant. I also liked Sonic Youth's album this year, and I don't think this is any better. I do like "Vertigo" a lot [I'm one of the crazies who never heard it before yesterday (Nov. 24)], and I also like some of the quieter songs in the second half. I actually think it's an easy-to-listen-to album that all my friends and family will enjoy. There's just no way it's in the class of "War" or "Achtung, Baby." Those are my faves. You can take my comments with a grain of salt though, since I heard songs from "The Joshua Tree" on the radio ten times a day when it came out, and I don't really care if I ever hear them again, except for "In God's Country." My fave U2 song is "Desire", so now you REALLY know what a heretic I am. Still this new album is plenty decent.… Expand
  63. MikeC
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Fantastic, perfect U2 execution. Wonderful listening - had me enthralled from the first listen and it hasn't stopped spinning in my CD player since.
  64. SuperGuy
    Dec 1, 2004
    10
    I'm sure that different people will have different views on this new U2 album...but to me it's fantastic, and to me it's amazing...of course it's not 'Joshua' or another 'Baby'... but it fits quite nicely as the 'Bomb'. "Sometimes..." is truly epic, and "Man/Woman" is thrilling. This album took my depression away just long enough to I'm sure that different people will have different views on this new U2 album...but to me it's fantastic, and to me it's amazing...of course it's not 'Joshua' or another 'Baby'... but it fits quite nicely as the 'Bomb'. "Sometimes..." is truly epic, and "Man/Woman" is thrilling. This album took my depression away just long enough to realize that I truly was 'stuck in a moment' and for me that's enough. Beautiful and astonishing.… Expand
  65. JayB
    Dec 4, 2004
    9
    It's superb, has the 'feel' of the Joshua Tree which is the greatest album ever IMO. This CD rocks. "Fast Cars" is my favourite, irony & humour. Long live the boys of Lypton Village!
  66. DjSmith
    Dec 7, 2004
    9
    Great CD,right up there with Achutung Baby and The Joshua Tree.Grows with repeated listens.
  67. joe
    Dec 7, 2004
    7
    H2DAAB will affirm whatever you feel about U2, love, hate or indifferent. The album's really centered around the Edge, who uses all his guitar tricks, so that'll be comforting, even exhilarating to fans. I also think most of the songs sound similar. Except for Vertigo, they're pretty much midtempo, inoffensive rock songs with the same crescendos and guitar tricks. Love and H2DAAB will affirm whatever you feel about U2, love, hate or indifferent. The album's really centered around the Edge, who uses all his guitar tricks, so that'll be comforting, even exhilarating to fans. I also think most of the songs sound similar. Except for Vertigo, they're pretty much midtempo, inoffensive rock songs with the same crescendos and guitar tricks. Love and Peace or Else comes closest to really rocking out and Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own is heartfelt. But nothing's great. The albums pleasant. That's the most I got out of it.… Expand
  68. SamD
    Oct 11, 2005
    8
    one of the better albums of 2004 nowhere near best. top 50 spot, like maybe 29. sometimes you cant make on your own overrated, miracle drug, yahweh and love and peace or else severely underrated
  69. bobg
    Jan 1, 2005
    7
    Quality album, but lacks something you'd expect from U2. Nevertheless, well worth the purchase. You will find at least 2-3 songs that you will enjoy! Regardless, U2's weaker albums still rank high, relative to their peers.
  70. Davidofthehood
    Jan 23, 2005
    9
    this is U2 at its core -- remarkably they never lost their roots so much as they have reconfirmed them. Many years and worldly experiences later -- they have honed their craft, but they remain a deeply committed, spiritual, anthem-ready, rock band.
  71. timh
    Jan 28, 2005
    10
    U2 ROCKS!!!!!!
  72. raVen
    Jan 9, 2005
    9
    (9.5) - U2 purists (many of them among this album's detractors) have long since chosen their two -and only two- points of worship. In so doing, they have necessarily eliminated the possibility that a third masterpiece may come along. Their reviews of new U2 releases are thus ridiculously diffused by statements suggesting that the band is merely immitating its own former greatness. (9.5) - U2 purists (many of them among this album's detractors) have long since chosen their two -and only two- points of worship. In so doing, they have necessarily eliminated the possibility that a third masterpiece may come along. Their reviews of new U2 releases are thus ridiculously diffused by statements suggesting that the band is merely immitating its own former greatness. But greatness does not have such a half-life. It either continues or doesn't. And it certainly isn't immitated. This is a great album. You would be hard pressed to find a better group of rock songs than the first six on this CD. The self-defeating adoration of "early work" purists would say otherwise. And that's a shame, because I think this may be that third masterpiece they've waited for but won't accept.… Expand
  73. LarsJ
    Feb 10, 2005
    7
    Gotta agree with Andrew on this one. It´s an ok, easy-listening sort of album, but in no way compares to either Joshua tree or Achtung baby. I don´t get why the band themselves kept calling this their best work -even for fans, this is average U2. (Which is still pretty good, but not their best work by a longshot)
  74. terryb
    Feb 17, 2005
    7
    Ok, its not the best of u2, its not the worst,(remember zooropa) but to give the album a 0 is just not geniune. You still got to remember that even a bad u2 is still better than 99% of the bands out there.
  75. ErikD
    Feb 22, 2005
    9
    It grew on my significantly...first 3 tracks are simply outstanding!
  76. GaryW
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    This album is one of their harder albums. After ATYCLB the band was revived with music that was closer to their roots. This on the other hand sounds like its from the 70's. I regret that some songs ("All Because of You")are a bit predictible. But the huge sound emiting from the guitar makes up for it. Like all of thair albums its not so much the music but the lyrics that make make This album is one of their harder albums. After ATYCLB the band was revived with music that was closer to their roots. This on the other hand sounds like its from the 70's. I regret that some songs ("All Because of You")are a bit predictible. But the huge sound emiting from the guitar makes up for it. Like all of thair albums its not so much the music but the lyrics that make make the album. They talk about real subjects and are incredibly deep. If you like poetry this is it. Underneath the surface these songs is a new life with every different interpretation. It is truley amazing to listen to what they have to say. And if poetry isnt what you are into I would still recomend this album due to its powerful music and electrifying sound. For the long time fans there is still a hint of their previous work imbeded into some there tunes. Especially the lighter songs such as "All Because of You". This album may not be considered their best, and even if you thought it was their weakest album. This is solid, and highly recomend HTDAAB. It is well worth $15… Expand
  77. JamesU
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    I agree with a previous post that this one sort of grows on you. This is one of my favorite U2 albums but I wouldn't personally go quite so far as to say it's their best. Obviously most have heard a couple tracks from the album such as "Vertigo" and "Sometimes you can't make it on your Own" but the other tracks are excellent as well. This CD has an interesting affect on me I agree with a previous post that this one sort of grows on you. This is one of my favorite U2 albums but I wouldn't personally go quite so far as to say it's their best. Obviously most have heard a couple tracks from the album such as "Vertigo" and "Sometimes you can't make it on your Own" but the other tracks are excellent as well. This CD has an interesting affect on me in that some tracks remind me of the old U2 sound and others hold true to the newer music, which I think is why I like it so much. All in all I would highly recommend this album if you are a U2 fan, I even know some non-fans who have enjoyed it immensely. BTW I also agree that it's silly to knock the album on the basis of not liking commercials, ticket sales problems etc., buy the album and let the quality speak for itself… Expand
  78. RoyM
    Apr 24, 2005
    10
    Great Pop music. One of thier most consistent albums.
  79. JosephD
    May 15, 2005
    10
    U2 is cool stuff and yes I am 20 not 50. The bomb is full of good tunes containing amazing sonic guitat rifts and powerful vocals from one of the greatest rock singers of all time. U2 are still relivent as ever and they have the talent and tecnique to back their claim to be the bigest band in the world up
  80. EDBuratto
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    A brilliant record by all accounts. It's better than ATYCLB, not quite as good as Achtung Baby, but definately a classic by any measure; this is one of u2's strongest albums to date. It was the best album released in 2004, and better than anything released so far in 2005. Enjoy!
  81. zainr
    Jun 21, 2005
    10
    great
  82. DaneR
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    Is the best album of 2004
  83. masamitsua
    Feb 4, 2006
    10
    Songs like miracle drug and City of Blinding Lights rocks!
  84. GuyE
    Feb 13, 2007
    8
    Of course this doesnt live up to The Joshua Tree or The Unforgettable Fire, but then again, what does? This is actually a lot better than a lot of new music out there and while it pales in comparison to some of their older work it is still well worth a listen.
  85. CarlosM.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    One of the latest hight prices of U2....
  86. MCPotDude
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    It's brilliant. The highs and lows of the album work together to ultimately make this yet another masterpeice for this quartet that gets better like vintage wine. Bravo boys ... Bravo!
  87. georges
    Nov 21, 2004
    7
    mixing old chime like guitar sounds with rich overdrive the boys have done it again. a good effort and although they might not have the passion of youth anymore, i think they have a new issue on the horizon, middle age
  88. DavidM
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Great album!!
  89. paolon
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Brilliant! If you don't love what you're hearing go to a doctor. I'm floored!
  90. maxf
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    This CD is pretty sweet, it has some slow and dancing tunes. It is one to be heard and listened to on new years eve and day.
  91. Martin
    Nov 22, 2004
    9
    Lovin' it, don't care if it's "too melodramatic" or "unadventurous", it's genuine U2 and that's all I need.. :)
  92. DavidL
    Nov 23, 2004
    10
    U2 has set a very high standard for themselves. They have managed to reach it once again. HTDAAB is not the best they've ever done, but it's still really good-the best since Achtung Baby. The trademark chiming guitars and soaring vocals give U2 fans what they want. U2 is not only the last relevant band of their era, they're still the best band out there.
  93. ErwinK
    Nov 23, 2004
    8
    Good album...... but I kind of miss the Achtung Baby post-modern sexiness and excesses, the walls of televisions - EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG - the silhouette of a madman against a blue static TV screen as Zoo Station screeches - WATCH MORE TV - the dissonance, the interference, the spectacle and experimentation, the Fly sunglasses - WHAT DO YOU WANT - Bono's ego absorbed in a Good album...... but I kind of miss the Achtung Baby post-modern sexiness and excesses, the walls of televisions - EVERYTHING YOU KNOW IS WRONG - the silhouette of a madman against a blue static TV screen as Zoo Station screeches - WATCH MORE TV - the dissonance, the interference, the spectacle and experimentation, the Fly sunglasses - WHAT DO YOU WANT - Bono's ego absorbed in a catharthis of technology, gold llama suits, red horns and flirting with the devil........ but hey maybe that's just me.… Expand
  94. dmandwoman
    Nov 23, 2004
    9
    Great tunes! Beautiful emotion in words and music. Not certain it's an Achtung Baby or Joshua Tree though. But, even if it's close to those 2 albums, it's a major achievement.
  95. Daniel
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    What this planet needs....
  96. MikeD
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Brilliant, justifies the tag "best band in the world" - by a long way
  97. EstebanC
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Great Lyrics, Maybe not really appreciated with one listen, but it grows and grows and grows.
  98. AndrewA
    Nov 25, 2004
    9
    yep, it is disappointing. But it has got to be the best rock album out there. I dont hear any real radio pounding stuff. It does go deep mind you and I think not in a commercial way. More like a clarification of what thev'e done and they have creative control over it. I sense a serious block buster in the making. This one is like a must hear also. I like the craftwork that went into yep, it is disappointing. But it has got to be the best rock album out there. I dont hear any real radio pounding stuff. It does go deep mind you and I think not in a commercial way. More like a clarification of what thev'e done and they have creative control over it. I sense a serious block buster in the making. This one is like a must hear also. I like the craftwork that went into it. I like the emotional clarity also. Still it is a bit like even with the very best on the table the heart is only casually present. It makes it to the 9 slot but I want commitment for the next/classic level. … Expand
  99. Johan
    Nov 25, 2004
    9
    Hard to judge a classic earth moving album before the first 100 listenings...but I'm getting there...
  100. DanM
    Nov 26, 2004
    10
    Tops Joshua Tree and Achtung, Baby with its sheer passion. Great music. Ref. the "Freedom has a scent ..." line that's so controversial, it's all part of the overall theme of the album. "Atomic Bomb" is one for the ages.
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Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best Album of 2004
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2004
25
#25 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Village Voice
    50
    This time, Steve Lillywhite and the other producers assembled simply construct a U2 album in miniature, mixing in the Edge's processed-guitar trademark whenever you fear they're straying into unforgivable un-U2ness. That's just not enough.
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  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    This is grandiose music from grandiose men, sweatlessly confident in the execution of their duties.
    Read full review
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    70
    While the rest of the album fails to live up to the breadth of “City” and “Crumbs,” and while it takes serious missteps on the shockingly bad “Man and a Woman” and “Yahweh,” this is, by and large, an album to be thankful for, regardless of your demographic.
    Read full review
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