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. Dani
    Jan 1, 2005
    10
    Instant classic without really weak songs. City of Blinding Lights, Original of The Species, Miracle Drug...amazing songs.
  2. zainr
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    great
  3. 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.
  4. cj
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    U2's best album ever. This is an absolute masterpiece.
  5. AdamE
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    Listen to more music folks. Jeezus.
  6. FredericoO
    Aug 27, 2005
    10
    very good U2 album! city of blinding lights is the best song of the all record
  7. 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.
  8. ElevanI
    Jul 18, 2008
    10
    U2 always record good albums. Atomic Bomb is a great rock´n roll album. BEST OF 2004.
  9. 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.
  10. Matt
    Dec 1, 2004
    10
    This album should be loved by all U2 fans. It is the essence of U2.
  11. 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
  12. tramwaj
    Jan 9, 2005
    10
    brilliant album containing all the best from u2
  13. matthewr
    Feb 18, 2005
    10
    i loved it thought it was one of their best. they are really in their prime
  14. 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
  15. luvVermont
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    Love this cd, love U2. Very catchy and I never get bored of it.
  16. 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 !
  17. 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 !
  18. TaylorB
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    Just listen to the cd and you'll understand.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. MACHUSK
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    essential!
  22. Alisabeth
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    grabs the soul...
  23. thewanderer
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    without any doubt their best album!
  24. 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 !
  25. 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.
  26. BrianM
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    Seriously great record.
  27. 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
  28. RobertB.
    Sep 3, 2005
    10
    What an album, what a band.
  29. JacobL
    Jan 24, 2006
    10
    Best of 2004
  30. MaxG
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    Awesome album. A must buy for any U2 fan.
  31. AndreeF
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    Parts of this album make me feel like melted butter inside.
  32. MichaelS
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    As Magnificent as any of their previous genius!
  33. AshM
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Pure Class!
  34. ElvisdPB
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    The best U2 since Achtung Baby!
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  38. timh
    Jan 28, 2005
    10
    U2 ROCKS!!!!!!
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. RoyM
    Apr 24, 2005
    10
    Great Pop music. One of thier most consistent albums.
  42. 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
  43. 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!
  44. zainr
    Jun 21, 2005
    10
    great
  45. DaneR
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    Is the best album of 2004
  46. masamitsua
    Feb 4, 2006
    10
    Songs like miracle drug and City of Blinding Lights rocks!
  47. CarlosM.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    One of the latest hight prices of U2....
  48. 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
  49. 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!
  50. DavidM
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Great album!!
  51. paolon
    Nov 22, 2004
    10
    Brilliant! If you don't love what you're hearing go to a doctor. I'm floored!
  52. 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.
  53. Daniel
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    What this planet needs....
  54. MikeD
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Brilliant, justifies the tag "best band in the world" - by a long way
  55. EstebanC
    Nov 25, 2004
    10
    Great Lyrics, Maybe not really appreciated with one listen, but it grows and grows and grows.
  56. 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.
  57. GuenterO
    Nov 27, 2004
    10
    Edge better than ever. Great produced. Better than ATYCLB.
  58. EdwardM
    Dec 1, 2004
    10
    This album is probably one of the most consistent and listenable U2 albums, or rock albums, for that matter, ever. At first I wasn't enthralled, but it is their most human and lyrically hopeful ever. Sonically, it's right there under Achtung. It is eminently coherent and is an album that few artists can put out there - mind-blowing!
  59. mudmanj
    Dec 2, 2004
    10
    Classic!
  60. JohnL
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    All Because of You, Vertigo, and Love and Peace or Else are wonderful kicks in the pants softened by the touching One Step Closer and Miracle Drug.
  61. MarguarithaK
    Dec 6, 2004
    10
    The sincerity is in the voice. This world needs more of that.
  62. DavidB
    Jan 12, 2005
    10
    as good or better than Joshua Tree
  63. BrennanY
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    I listened to this album for the first time in the car. I got as a present for my birthday and had been waiting to hear "Vertigo" again for about the 10,000th time. The first time through the CD, I was skeptical, and it was a toss up as to wheather the CD was worth the wait. So, I listened to it again... and again... and again... and again... and again. after the 3rd or 4th time listening I listened to this album for the first time in the car. I got as a present for my birthday and had been waiting to hear "Vertigo" again for about the 10,000th time. The first time through the CD, I was skeptical, and it was a toss up as to wheather the CD was worth the wait. So, I listened to it again... and again... and again... and again... and again. after the 3rd or 4th time listening to the songs, they grew on me. Now I realize the uniqueness (if that's a word) of their songs, and I must say, it is borderline, if not all out, genius.... and "Vertigo" is no longer my favorite song. Strike up the band!!! U2 is back in full force. They've done it again.… Expand
  64. DanielP
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    I was never a huge man of U2, in fact it was All That You Can't Leave Behind that actaully got me into the band. Beautiful Day has to be one of my all time favourite songs, while Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of, Elevation and Walk On were also terrific. When How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb was finally released and I heard Vertigo for the first time, I knew I wanted it. On I was never a huge man of U2, in fact it was All That You Can't Leave Behind that actaully got me into the band. Beautiful Day has to be one of my all time favourite songs, while Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of, Elevation and Walk On were also terrific. When How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb was finally released and I heard Vertigo for the first time, I knew I wanted it. On purchase, I noticed that it was a 2CD set - it included a DVD on the making of the album and five four film clips. Well worth the $20 I paid! Vertigo is a terrific song, and it was acknowleged by winning rock song of the year. It was this albums' Elevation. Miracle Drug is a lyrical masterpiece, and very likeable. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own is also very good, but I wouldn't have thought it was going to be released as a single. Love And Peace Or Else I hated at first, but I now enjoy it throughly, its a great song and fun to sing along to. I didn't think that any song from this album would pass Beautiful Day as my favourote U2 song, but City Of Blinding Lights is truly a classic song. I hope this gets released as a single, as it is the best song on the album and doesn't have any faults. All Because Of You is a great song, something you would play at parties. Really enjoyable and great to listen too. A Man And A Woman is more stripped-down than the others, and a tad darker, but still a good song. The verses are great. Crumbs From Your Table is another single-worthy song from the album. Easy and fun to listen to, and a very likeable track. One Step Closer was the only song that I didn't really like. I found it quite boring, with no real 'fizz' to it. But it blends in well, and I still wouldn't skip the track. Original Of The Species was a bit weird to me at first, it isn't your traditional type of song what with its three or so chorus' but it grew on me and now I enjoy it. Yahweh is a great way to end the album. A soothing track, easy on the ears, and a song everybody can like. In conlusion, I must say that this CD is one of the very best in my collection (and I have roughly 55 CDs).… Expand
  65. leons
    May 17, 2005
    10
    Excellent album, great songs, is U2 !
  66. LiamF
    Jun 29, 2005
    10
    brilliant come back to greates
  67. Garry
    Jun 29, 2005
    10
    people listen to COBL, Crumbs, ABOY brilliant thing deserve to be on of their best albums
  68. EstuardoB
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    If BOY had been released in 2005, it is hard to think it would have had any impact, same if HTDAAB had been released in 1983. This is the sound of a band who beyond making excellent albums, is intense on being relevant, on sending their material to the radiowaves and battling out with the fads, being them Heavy Metal, Alternative, Hip Hop, Pop. U2 has surfed thru all of these epochs, and If BOY had been released in 2005, it is hard to think it would have had any impact, same if HTDAAB had been released in 1983. This is the sound of a band who beyond making excellent albums, is intense on being relevant, on sending their material to the radiowaves and battling out with the fads, being them Heavy Metal, Alternative, Hip Hop, Pop. U2 has surfed thru all of these epochs, and this album is yet another amazing vehicle to soar above the rest of the general music out there.… Expand
  69. Matt
    Aug 27, 2005
    10
    Fantastic album from beginning to end. U2 just can't seem to go wrong... (if you pass a blind eye over "Pop") A fantastic live band such as them combined with these huge arena rocking anthems is just an amazing experience.
  70. ZackA
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    This is one of those albums that, after repeated listening, reveals its intrecacies to the listener slowly. One realizes the complexly interwoven themes that tie the songs together and the overarching reach towards the answer to the question posed in the title: Love.
  71. MartinS
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    This album changed everything.
  72. MozzaR
    Jan 23, 2007
    10
    What can I say, they r the greatest band in the world, and the album lives up 2 it, at first the songs don't sound catchy, but once u listen to them one or more times, they sound better and better everytime. That's magic!
  73. TheDude
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Amazing album. Great songs and melodies right throughout.
  74. 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.
  75. RowdyH
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    They've done it again.
  76. IanB
    Nov 21, 2004
    10
    Great and a different sound.
  77. KevinR
    Nov 23, 2004
    10
    Now THIS is what I call Christian rock...not the "jingles for Jesus" crap that the religious un--right uses to lure young people back into subservience. This is a record about how staying faithful is tough, scary even. How no matter what you believe, life will manage to throw you curves that hit you in the knees. How somehow life and faith and love and hope are all tied in a confusing Now THIS is what I call Christian rock...not the "jingles for Jesus" crap that the religious un--right uses to lure young people back into subservience. This is a record about how staying faithful is tough, scary even. How no matter what you believe, life will manage to throw you curves that hit you in the knees. How somehow life and faith and love and hope are all tied in a confusing intoxicating knot. Thanks U2!… Expand
  78. ThomasB
    Nov 23, 2004
    10
    A Classic - Best Since Achtung Baby! City of Blinding Lights an Epic Live U2 song in the tradition of Where the Streets Have No Name. The hair will be standing on the neck. Again. Love, Peace or Else - Sinester in a Doors kind of way. Yaewah -Best since one.
  79. MikeR
    Nov 24, 2004
    10
    The few negitive reviews that I have seen all mention the fact that this album is "U2 sounding to much like...U2" Interesting......that is exactly what I was hoping!!! This album ROCKS!
  80. SantosR
    Nov 26, 2004
    10
    Album of the year, no question. Uplifting and inspirational, gets better the more you listen to it.
  81. EricC
    Nov 29, 2004
    10
    Strong album from song 1 to 12. Can't think of a song I didn't like!
  82. DarleneZ
    Nov 29, 2004
    10
    This is all I've been listening to since I bought it a week ago...Fave songs are Vertigo, Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own and Crumbs from Your Table...It rocks!
  83. AbishekJ
    Nov 16, 2005
    10
    how the combined user rating is 6.8 defies belief. This is one of the best records you will ever hear in your life. Bono is a genius, this is what we expect of geniuses, albums that rock and have powerful meaning from start to finish.
  84. RichardTheLionheart
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    This album is easily one of the best albums ever recorded. Ever. The naysayers will be running back up the hill when they figure this out as well. Lyrically HTDAAB is sharp, clear, and concise. Some of Bono's most direct lyrics reside on this album. Emotionally stirring. Haunting. I get so tired of hearing people moan about how U2 have "sold out". Never will there be a rock group This album is easily one of the best albums ever recorded. Ever. The naysayers will be running back up the hill when they figure this out as well. Lyrically HTDAAB is sharp, clear, and concise. Some of Bono's most direct lyrics reside on this album. Emotionally stirring. Haunting. I get so tired of hearing people moan about how U2 have "sold out". Never will there be a rock group such as U2. Again. Ever.… Expand
  85. Mr.Hades
    Nov 27, 2005
    10
    As a minion of the Devil, working within the bounds of the 13th laire of Hell, I must confess I have become somewhat of a heretic amongst my more satanic peers. You see, I find myself utterly enamored by the soft electric nuances permeating the refined textures of sonic purety found on this human-crafted album... and I am drawn, appallingly and hypnotically so, toward vocalist Bono's As a minion of the Devil, working within the bounds of the 13th laire of Hell, I must confess I have become somewhat of a heretic amongst my more satanic peers. You see, I find myself utterly enamored by the soft electric nuances permeating the refined textures of sonic purety found on this human-crafted album... and I am drawn, appallingly and hypnotically so, toward vocalist Bono's emotive and powerfully honest lyrical diatrabes into Theism and nearly Christian confessionalist movements. I find myself more and more feeling the unsippled passion of religion, of love, of charity, of service toward my fellow demon... and I feel less and less the torments of pride, regressive self-glorification, hatred and cynicism. Beauty of emotional and sonic depth unparalleled in my wildest imaginations pass before my vision when wreathed within the flame of "Atomic Bomb"... and I am never more fully edified than when that flame consumes me whole. I expect to be destroyed rather soon, but I belive it is worth the torments I shall soon face. After all, "You give me something I can feeeeeeel!!!"… Expand
  86. LoRevisor
    Dec 23, 2014
    10
    Excelente Album!
    A 4 Obra Prima Do U2,Os Outros São The Joshua Tree,Achtung Baby E All That You Can't Leave Behind.
    Todas São Excelentes Mas Essas São As Top.
    Top How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
    1-City Of Blinding Lights
    2-Miracle Drug
    3-Yahweh
    4-Sometimes You Can't Make It Our Own
    5-Original Of The Species
    6-Crumbs From Your Table
    7-All Because Of You
  87. Avaliante
    May 30, 2013
    10
    Excelente Album!
    A 4 Obra Prima Do U2,Os Outros São The Joshua Tree,Achtung Baby E All That You Can't Leave Behind.
    Todas São Excelentes Mas Essas São As Top.
    Top How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb.
    1-City Of Blinding Lights
    2-Miracle Drug
    3-Yahweh
    4-Crumbs From Your Table
    5-All Because Of You
  88. Zanessa250QI
    Jul 6, 2015
    10
    81 imbecis que não sabem o significado de U2,poderiam morrer e anula seus votos inúteis e imaturos. HTDAAB é U2 em melhor forma sem mentira tinham que anular no mínimo esses 81 votos para não precisa mata-los;
  89. raciocinio
    Oct 21, 2015
    10
    More than half of negative reviews should be erased 81 negative reviews from this album???? Really???

    Even Songs Of Innocence 2014 that isn't great album don't deserve a negative review i gave 6 for Songs Of Innocence 2014 that i considered a so-so weak record of U2 without doubt HTDAAB is a hard punch compared to SOI in this album U2 won all 9 nominations of grammy and not won for nothing...
  90. sicrano
    Jul 19, 2015
    10
    Para os 81 imbecis foda-se............................................................................................................ o Metacritic devia anular esses votos
  91. Thenewone
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    ............................................................................................................ Metacritic please delete any review with 0,1 and 2 points
  92. Zaynhewsonjavad
    Apr 2, 2016
    10
    This Album don't deserve 79% for Critics...

    Deserves at Least 87% percents Is a Masterpiece.... And also have Retarded and Idiots in the public, that give less than 4 points, A NEGATIVE REVIEW, Please Metacritic Erase at least 45 negative reviews.
  93. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    10
    ............................................................................................................................................................U2 At his Best
  94. gigizayn
    Dec 22, 2016
    10
    The 4Fourth Masterpiece of U2, Follow By The Joshua Tree (1987), Achtung Baby (1991) & All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000).

    Even with 9 winning grammy for this album i think that the fans and the own U2 underrated this Brilliant album
  95. 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.
  96. FabianoS.
    Sep 14, 2008
    9
    Good album.
  97. 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.
  98. 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
  99. JohnW
    Jan 12, 2005
    9
    one of their top three albums..... filled with emotion and magic
  100. tasostasos
    Jan 25, 2005
    9
    one of the best u2`s alboum
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Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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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