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How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (by U2, Rock)

common sense media says

U2 gets back on track.


parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: Love and optimism rule, though not blindly.
Violence: 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.
Sex: Nothing overt.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: U2 partnered with Apple.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: There's a song called "Miracle Drug," that has nothing to do with real drugs.

More on How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: November 23, 2004
Label: Interscope Records
Genre: Rock

This review was written by Tony Hicks
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

simpsonsfan81
kid, 11 years old
 
10000 out of 10
U2 is one of the best bands ever

William Karambelas
teen, 14 years old
 
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.

 
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+

itisme
adult
 
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!

I am Running ...
teen, 15 years old
 
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!

floridagators02
teen, 15 years old
 
I love U2 and this album rocks!!!!! U2 is awesome and appropriate for everyone.

the fly
adult
 
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.

purplefloyd2
teen, 18 years old
 
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!

star
teen, 17 years old
 
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.

beau99
adult
 
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.

The-Edge
teen, 18 years old
 
U2 ROCK
I've been a fan of U2 ever since I bought this album and with good reason. U2 were good old fashion rock in the 80's but kinda went techno in the 90's then where sorta in the middle with "all you can't leave behind" and this is just a carry on from that but with the music having a bit more meaning. On my 12th birthday "sometimes you can't make it on your own" was my favourite U2 song at the time and at the time it was at the top of the charts on top of the pops and when I was watching it, U2 played it live! It was like a birthday present they didn't know they were giving. anyway onto the music itself. "Vertigo" was more rocky compared to the others except for "all ecause of you" which was getting into the scene a little later on. "Love and Peace or Else" was obvisly about war but didn't really express it in the lyrics."City of blinding lights" didn't really have a meaning but it was a good song and a couple of months after the album was relised, it was next in line for the spotlight."Sometimes you can't make it on your own" was basicly about Bono singing about his father's death."Origional of the species" was played live at chicago on the Vertigo tour and was the at one time or another, a really famous live song. Most of the album is a slow sort of music but 3 or 4 of the songs menchioned are a little more heavy. long story short, its a great album which kick- strated my love for U2 and could do te same for you.

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