How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

 Review

Common Sense Media says

U2 gets back on track.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that unless Bono gets really angry about something, there's nothing much to worry about on a U2 record. The singer-lyricist still has much to say, but he does so in a way that turns the idea of protest music on its ear. Anger becomes hope, and he shows instead of telling people how to live. The lyrics on this CD deal with positive emotion, wrapped in music that's typically upbeat. Love and relationships are a repeating theme.

  • Love and optimism rule, though not blindly.
  • On "Vertigo" there is a reference to bullets ripping up the sky. "Sometimes You can't Make it On Your Own," references a couple fighting, and the protagonist taking punches for his partner, but it's not the literal variety.
  • Nothing overt.

What's the story?

U2 seems to be back from its 1990s diversion into whimsy and irony (let's ignore the big partnership with Apple on their iPods, which may or may not have already make a connection with your kids). While there are some straight guitar riffs that can relate more to today's garage-rock fans, the band manages to do it while getting back to the airy, moody echo of the Edge's best guitar work of the 1980s. While upbeat lyrically, HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB has some stark points here and there -- especially on "Love and Peace or Else," an obvious anti-war, anti-imperialism song, with references to troops digging in. Bono the poet wants listeners to draw their own conclusions on songs like "Crumbs From Your Table," which could reference a bigger point or simply someone worn-out from a relationship. The listener has to think about it.


Is it any good?

 

Parents who appreciate good music, and want to pass that idea to kids without pushing some old guys on them, could feel comfortable encouraging their kids to listen to this. While some of the '90s stuff wasn't as resonant, U2 is back to a healthy formula of fresh music that can both relate to modern audiences and introduce them to U2's brand sound. It's a very good CD that pushes positive messages. And somehow, 25 years into their career, U2 still comes off as cool.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how Bono is able to view the world, such as it is, with hope. How does hope help you cope with problems?


This review was written by Tony Hicks
Teen, 14 years old
August 21, 2009
 
U2 get back on track
I think that this album by U2 really put them on the map from the nineties agreement with apple. I rated this album on for five and up because I think that anyone under five would not enjoy listening to it.

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Kid, 11 years old
August 21, 2009
 
10000 out of 10
U2 is one of the best bands ever

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Adult
February 28, 2009
 
album w/ guitar riffs and Bono's signature voice
"Yahweh" is inspirational and "Vertigo's" a favorite song w/ not-much-make-sense lyrics. Nice album appropitate for ages 10+

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
U2 makes an amazing album.
The newest edition to the U2 collection is great! Some of the songs could possibly be classics such as Vertigo there main and biggest song in the album. I bought this album it was so good. Right after I heard a Vertigo for the first time on the radio I asked if it was U2 and sure enought it was so I boguht the album.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Like Moaning?
I haven't head the whole album but I don't think that I could stand listening to thses guys for most than a couple minutes. Bono is a supreme moaner and nothing more than that, and if you like that, go ahead and buy this album!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
U2's best album
Some people may be worried about them joining up with Apple, but don't worry, they're not making anything off of it. That said, apart from the awful "A Man And a Woman", which has sex written all over it, this an outstanding addition to anyone's music collection.

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Teen, 15 years old
July 6, 2010
 
I love U2 and this album rocks!!!!! U2 is awesome and appropriate for everyone.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Must-have album for everyone
U2's "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" quickly became my favourite album of all-time for many reasons. First, there is no contraversial content whatsoever, plus, each song can mean something different to everyone, and last but no least, the music is just fantastic. I have always loved U2 and this is by far their best work to date.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
this album is a great!
This blinding rock album by one of the greatest, most versatile rock bands ever, also has a deep, soft feel to it on the inside. Although it headlines with the chart- topping hit "Vertigo", there are many great songs hidden inside, just waiting to lift you up and make you happy. Songs like "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own", "Miracle Drugs", "City of Blinding Lights" and "All Because of You" are great lyrics with amazing music backing them. Bono never stops showing his amazing voice and ability to write an amazing song with this album. This one really shows that U2 is a great enough rock band to bounce back from all the other great albums they've put out, such as "The Joshua Tree", "All That You Can't Leave Behind", and many others, as well as their not so great albums, such as "Zooroopa". Also, congrats to U2 on their induction into the rock hall of fame. They deserve it!

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Teen, 16 years old
July 11, 2010
 
the besstttttt
How could you give this four stars? and Sometimes You Cant Make it On Your Own isn't about a couple fighting!!!!!!!!!!! its about Bono and his relationship with his father!

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This review was written by Tony Hicks
Artist:U2
Release date:November 23, 2004
Label:Interscope Records
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Tony Hicks
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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