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. AristonB
    Sep 21, 2009
    3
    The worst album of U2. They could tour without this crap. Maybe 3 songs worth listening. New low.
  2. Steve
    Nov 23, 2004
    3
    the moments of past charm are lost. a predictably inconsistant cd that has become U2's trademark. difficult to listen to from start to finish.
  3. Dave
    Feb 24, 2005
    3
    I'm not going to say bad words against U2 members, but I have to say bad words about their music. My first toughts about this album were so so. But now, the more I listen it the more I dislike it. After 4 years ( the longer time between one album and another in U2's history, since between Zooropa and Pop were 3 1/2 years ) U2 give us such a fraud album, with radio friendly I'm not going to say bad words against U2 members, but I have to say bad words about their music. My first toughts about this album were so so. But now, the more I listen it the more I dislike it. After 4 years ( the longer time between one album and another in U2's history, since between Zooropa and Pop were 3 1/2 years ) U2 give us such a fraud album, with radio friendly songs, with no attitude nor new ideas. I really don't know what to say to express how bad I feel. I've been U2 fan since 1984 !!! I have 35 years old and I was used to be surprised with every U2 album until Pop, in 1997. Then they shifted to safe and more friendly music with All That You Can't Live Behind. Now with this album songs are very commercial intended and recorded, production is nothing special, as well other instruments like strings, keyboards, piano, etc. Is very annoying to listen Bono's voice now, trying to reach higher notes with his rough voice. Edge stopped to invent new guitars forever. Larry is boring, as well Adam. Guitars are always the same ones. Sorry for these words my friend, but this album is only an excuse for money… Expand
  4. MajorTom
    Feb 24, 2005
    3
    While this record isn't terrible, it is pretty bad for U2 standards. All songs here are mid to slow tempo and quite dull; none of the other 10 tracks have the energy that Vertigo has. Slow songs are not a bad thing, just listen to 'All That You Can't...', but the ones here are just plain boring. I miss the adventurous U2 of the early to mid '90s. In my opinion, While this record isn't terrible, it is pretty bad for U2 standards. All songs here are mid to slow tempo and quite dull; none of the other 10 tracks have the energy that Vertigo has. Slow songs are not a bad thing, just listen to 'All That You Can't...', but the ones here are just plain boring. I miss the adventurous U2 of the early to mid '90s. In my opinion, this record has been grosely overhyped and thus it's kind of disappointing when you finally get to listen to it. 'All because of you' sounds like a bad rip off of Bowie's 'Hang On To Yourself', 'A Man and A Woman' will put you to sleep faster than a Tool record. Guess all those 4 star reviews from Rolling Stone and the like really are nothing more than maintainace for a business relation. I'm not just bashing U2 for the sake of it. I think they are one of the greatest bands ever; Achtung Baby and Zooropa are among my favorite records of all time, I throughly enjoy All That You Can't and Joshua Tree, but this time i was genuinely disappointed… Expand
  5. RobertH
    Nov 23, 2004
    3
    A 3 because there are only 3 good songs: Vertigo, Love and Peace, and maybe All Because of You. C'mon folks, this has none of the risk and exploration of Achtung, or even Zooropa. Bono's voice seems shot, and competes with Edge's guitar for attention. A disappointment to say the least.
  6. CalebF
    Dec 29, 2004
    3
    Crushingly, achingly, heart-breakingly dull. Vague syrupy lyrics about "big stuff" with nothing to give any song emotional or intellectual resonance. U2, who once made some of the most successfully honest music in the business, now make nothing more than audio greeting cards for suburban housewives and fraternity jocks in SUVs.
  7. alecvl08
    Dec 9, 2014
    3
    This album wants to be high-energy, but never fully gets what it wants. Once again, this U2 album opens up with its best song, Vertigo. Tracks like Love and Peace or Else are obviously trying to be edgy, but just fall flat. Once again, U2 just seems to have lost what made them legendary.
  8. Michael
    Feb 24, 2005
    2
    If the lyrics and feel of the album don't thoroughly depress you, its ploddingly slow pace and lack of any spark whatsoever will bore you to tears. Absolutely nothing here rises to its only half-arsed pseudo-melodicism and -accessability. Every little Edge guitar snippet is so obviously studied, canned and played by rote, so seemingly devoid of any feeling, it's painful. If you If the lyrics and feel of the album don't thoroughly depress you, its ploddingly slow pace and lack of any spark whatsoever will bore you to tears. Absolutely nothing here rises to its only half-arsed pseudo-melodicism and -accessability. Every little Edge guitar snippet is so obviously studied, canned and played by rote, so seemingly devoid of any feeling, it's painful. If you want to hear the sound of a once-great band growing old right before your ears, and accepting it, this is the dull disc for you. Expect the old dated jangle-pop tunesmiths of ATYCLB to return with this album. Spare, empty, trite. Like an overhyped bad action movie as Matrix, U2 2000 are all machines and no relevancy at all.… Expand
  9. InTheNameOfLove
    Feb 24, 2005
    2
    Well... what I can say after reading all these commentaries. My personal opinion, indeed. I do not want to speak of the wonderful career of U2, only about the new album. 11 nice done songs with a big commercial interest are here. The A side of the disc is far better that the B side , which is singsong and boring. There are interesting songs like City Of Blinding Lights, but there are Well... what I can say after reading all these commentaries. My personal opinion, indeed. I do not want to speak of the wonderful career of U2, only about the new album. 11 nice done songs with a big commercial interest are here. The A side of the disc is far better that the B side , which is singsong and boring. There are interesting songs like City Of Blinding Lights, but there are horrible ones like One Step Closer, Yahweh (Bono in his lowest level as a singer), Original Of Species and Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own. The Edge uses the same guitars all the time, Larry almost is unnecessary in this album, as well Adam. It is a simple, short disc, designed to sell. I don't feel the album, that's all. After 49 minutes I'm the same person, worried about the same things and trying to listen to better albums. This album won't change me at all, unlike previous U2 albums like Pop, Acthung Baby or Joshua Tree.… Expand
  10. arielb
    Feb 8, 2005
    2
    I cant believe critics and fans alike are still buying the old rehash sound of this album.....Cmon guys...apart from 'Vertigo" it really sounds like a tweek songs from old u2 albums...every songs sounds familiar...they're given to much credit for nothing. I felt bad for buying the cd.
  11. ThomasR
    May 2, 2005
    2
    a bad record
  12. ChrisC
    Feb 24, 2005
    2
    While the U2 of old broke new barriers with their landmark albums, on HTDAAB they are content to offer a second-grade rehash of their 80's works. To be honest, the first time I played this, I thought I was listening to a recording of some comedians on a sketch show doing an imitation of U2. Innovation is non-existent here. Cliche, boring and unfocused. The quality of all the songs on While the U2 of old broke new barriers with their landmark albums, on HTDAAB they are content to offer a second-grade rehash of their 80's works. To be honest, the first time I played this, I thought I was listening to a recording of some comedians on a sketch show doing an imitation of U2. Innovation is non-existent here. Cliche, boring and unfocused. The quality of all the songs on this disc would not get any other band in the world recorded by a hobby label. The attempt to update their used 'classic' sound became more important than making good music, and it resulted in songs that sound amateur and dated. Unlistenable commercial garbage. The lyrics are embarrassing and the vocals are far too poorly strained. U2 now slaves to mass media (have you seen the ridiculously stupid videos for the horrific new singles?) make Christina Aguilera seem like Aretha Franklin if you get my drift. I give this 2 stars because this isn't their worst album ever - that's ATYCLB - but it ranks below U2 80's and 90's standards. But don't forget U2 now show just another level of selling out.… Expand
  13. ChriscoM
    Aug 26, 2005
    2
    Vertigo is a very misleading track that doesn't at all foreshadow the rest of the album. I'd rather listen to "pop" or "the passengers" anytime than force my way through this one. The drums and percussion are lost in the mix somewhere.
  14. Chris
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    This crap is the final stage of their gradual metamorphosis from one of the greatest and most original living bands on earth to sellout men with a deep, gargled, throaty croon that makes them sound like one of those old pros on the Vegas circuit who refuse to quit, merely altering tehir act to accommodate their gradual disintegration. So, another frustratingly inconsistent effort from one This crap is the final stage of their gradual metamorphosis from one of the greatest and most original living bands on earth to sellout men with a deep, gargled, throaty croon that makes them sound like one of those old pros on the Vegas circuit who refuse to quit, merely altering tehir act to accommodate their gradual disintegration. So, another frustratingly inconsistent effort from one of pop's most frustratingly inconsistent artists - former great 80's and 90's band. No change there, then.… Expand
  15. ErikA
    May 2, 2005
    1
    Bad album. Don´t belive the hype. Buy The Jooshua three instead.
  16. Don´tLookNow
    Jul 21, 2005
    1
    Here is what happens when a good band writes a bad record. Marketing takes over music. It happens to the best of them. Let's hope that this is a blip in the system and not the new trend. The Rolling Stones have done marketing over music for years. People sadly think they are the greatest rock band in the world. In reality the Stones are just one band from a long gone era doing Here is what happens when a good band writes a bad record. Marketing takes over music. It happens to the best of them. Let's hope that this is a blip in the system and not the new trend. The Rolling Stones have done marketing over music for years. People sadly think they are the greatest rock band in the world. In reality the Stones are just one band from a long gone era doing greatest hits shows and tricking record labels into giving them large sums of money for the new turds they call albums. U2 can very eaisly fall into that trap. Look no further than the IPOD commercial that turned Bono into iBONO... Better luck next time guys.… Expand
  17. Pignoah
    Jan 9, 2008
    1
    Mundane, repetitive, pretentious and phony musical trash.
  18. GeorgeN
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    U2 should just retire. How can I possibly like this album when here we have 11 songs and there's really only one truly good one: 'City Of Blinding Lights'?. This soup is pathetic. The only amazing thing about this trash is that Bono can stand or sit up there with his Yamaha synth and his annoying rough strained voice and entertain all with this totally sweet mess boring U2 should just retire. How can I possibly like this album when here we have 11 songs and there's really only one truly good one: 'City Of Blinding Lights'?. This soup is pathetic. The only amazing thing about this trash is that Bono can stand or sit up there with his Yamaha synth and his annoying rough strained voice and entertain all with this totally sweet mess boring sedative. The songs are evidence of a rich men whom are over-the-hill, sitting on their cash, spending their empty lives aloof behind dark glasses, cover magazines (As Rolling Stone and Time), fast cars, posh reunions and drinks. Any REAL U2 fan should not accept this awful mediocrity. Enough said. There is no hungry passion anymore. Ironic because U2's newer songs certainly have provided passion for some people, like ones such as Celine Dion fans would "die" for but PLEASE... No deliberate attempt at making music to think about anymore. Their egos are just too damn big… Expand
  19. ChrisR
    Feb 19, 2005
    1
    They've lost it. No imagination, no new ideas, just recycling older material. Same lyrical treatment, same production skills. Some of their '90s albums even sound more modern. This proves two things: 1) They've run out of creativity, 2) They're just in it for the money now. Sad.
  20. RyanC
    Feb 22, 2005
    1
    Its about time we remembered that U2 are not actually any good. Really, it was over long ago. End it before they do an REM and make us foreget why people liked them in the first place. Remember them for pre-91 material I guess
  21. Lisa
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    After Pop ( rediscovered recenty by thousands of dissapointed fans ) the band became increasingly conventional. This album just displays something to feed those hysterical, swooning teens who love anything named as "U2". It's an unwritten rule that any new product seem to be "the best", even for "critics" like Rolling Stone. But U2 forgot 99% of their fans aren't those children After Pop ( rediscovered recenty by thousands of dissapointed fans ) the band became increasingly conventional. This album just displays something to feed those hysterical, swooning teens who love anything named as "U2". It's an unwritten rule that any new product seem to be "the best", even for "critics" like Rolling Stone. But U2 forgot 99% of their fans aren't those children who listen to Jessica Simpson or Beyonce, so we can't swallow the hype alone. We were promised a "REAL PUNK ROCK ALBUM" ( Bono, 2004 ) and that's what seems to be if you take a look at the sleeve. With the cover front alone U2 make fool of fans. That's something censureable. Far from the former "three chords and the truth" band we discovered by 80's. What we found was just something we've heard since 2000. AN UNDENIABLE FRAUD. Everything was calculated, neverthless they made a big mistake: to take us for granted. Everything they did was wrong. And now they have to carry on with that. Fans don't want to be treated as stupid children anymore. We don't care if they're going to tour, it will be a vocal disaster, and surely it will be a mix between 90's and Elevation Tour. U2 have become a predictable commercial company. Pathetic… Expand
  22. WebTheEndOfTheWorld
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    The U2 mystery has gone. Apart from being a quartet of forty-something blokes with the same trademark guitars and an immense back catalogue, their purpose seems unclear. Unfortunately, this dull album shows this lack of purpose to have reached crippling levels. At times it's as if as the band, lost as to their true identity, start playing what they think U2 should be playing. It The U2 mystery has gone. Apart from being a quartet of forty-something blokes with the same trademark guitars and an immense back catalogue, their purpose seems unclear. Unfortunately, this dull album shows this lack of purpose to have reached crippling levels. At times it's as if as the band, lost as to their true identity, start playing what they think U2 should be playing. It sounds so familiar. No substance at all. It's just marketing, fashion, Grammy Awards, etc. The album quickly descends into an uninspiring mid-tempo plod. The overall impression is that they've forgotten about the songs and preoccupied themselves worrying about the textures. Stuck between second-guessing their audience's expectations and where they actual want to travel, they end up in a cul-de-sac of their own making. Stuck In A Moment They Don't Want To Get Out Of.… Expand
  23. SteveH
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    Everything you know is wrong. Or so U2 claimed on the multi-media overload intro sequence of the Zoo TV tour back in 1992. To put it more accurately and adapt that post-modern adage for U2's ninth album, everything you've read is wrong. Because, despite the almost universal hyperbole that has greeted HTDAAB - courtesy of Rolling Stone, New Musical Express, Billboard, etc -this Everything you know is wrong. Or so U2 claimed on the multi-media overload intro sequence of the Zoo TV tour back in 1992. To put it more accurately and adapt that post-modern adage for U2's ninth album, everything you've read is wrong. Because, despite the almost universal hyperbole that has greeted HTDAAB - courtesy of Rolling Stone, New Musical Express, Billboard, etc -this far from being even a decent album. Certainly their worst album, by U2's stratospheric 80s and 90s standards. HTDAAB: rolls past like a spanking red carpet, limped on by leaden-footed royalty. An early affair, a hazy infatuation, that has since bloated into comfortable taking-for-granted. As with all ubiquitous products, the familiarity of logos, slogans, and icons eventually supplants whatever original feelings we may have had. This U2 sellouts are, indeed, a universal product, much like the Catholic Church Bono humbly admires. The swoosh on The Edge's skully cap, and the golden arches of Bono's glasses spring to mind. The emtpyness of 'Vertigo' opens with bombast after Larry's sticks counting, and peaks with Bono's annoying cracking voice in the shouted coda. With 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' Bono seems dead set on ruining U2's return with clichés. The vulnerability of Bono's rough voice become even more evident on 'A Man And A Woman', 'Original Of The Species', 'All Because Of You' and 'Yahweh'. I really don't know how the hell he likes the sound of his own voice. Maybe he feel numb, comfortably numb. This mainstream album is so predictable, safe, radio-friendly, and uninspiring and uninspired. Still, this dull record is disliked even for the traditionalist fans that U2 lost by making daring and admirably masterpieces like 'Pop' and 'Zooropa'. PS: R.Johnson. Stop putting your childish reviews twice, that's pathetic. Thank You… Expand
  24. ThomasJ
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    This album should be against the law for this to be packaged as U2. Bono's strained vocals ruin the album, and the songs are missing the whole talent they had back in the 80's and 90's. It's clear U2 have nothing else to prove, and they don't even want to. This album just shows their 2000 musical ignorance. U2 should be ashamed of even taking credit to these This album should be against the law for this to be packaged as U2. Bono's strained vocals ruin the album, and the songs are missing the whole talent they had back in the 80's and 90's. It's clear U2 have nothing else to prove, and they don't even want to. This album just shows their 2000 musical ignorance. U2 should be ashamed of even taking credit to these 'songs'. Consider this record to be the ultimate undoing of this once legendary band. Too bad their time have come and gone. And yet every time U2 appear, their adoring fanatics react to it like it came from the Holy Scriptures... dream it all up again instead… Expand
  25. Phillipe
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    I simply don't understand this hype concept, you know, Bono's words repeated again and again with any new album. This album is simply awful, showing a big shyness to make whole new music. Rather, this album is safe, weak and boring. Isn't something interesting and worth listen. By far the more interesting thing here is something new after 4 years, but sadly is not 100% at I simply don't understand this hype concept, you know, Bono's words repeated again and again with any new album. This album is simply awful, showing a big shyness to make whole new music. Rather, this album is safe, weak and boring. Isn't something interesting and worth listen. By far the more interesting thing here is something new after 4 years, but sadly is not 100% at all. This hits factory intended bother me, really. Where is exploration here ? where is excellence here ? where is innovation here ? rather, here I found exasperating evasive music exit for hits and money. U2 have park their car on the safe world of commercial singles, forgetting to communicate what happen in the present world, living in a cloud of fame and pleasure. This album overall is nothing but a terrible mistake fed by desire on more fame and more money. How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is so boring, predictable, disposable and accessible.… Expand
  26. EliM
    Jun 17, 2005
    1
    More of the same ATYCLB crap
  27. Randall
    Feb 24, 2005
    1
    'Pop' as it seems is the last good U2 album there really ever was. 1 Star Is Being Generous. This crap just leaves you feeling angry over the money that you wasted. It's abominable. Literally hundreds of the same boring guitars, horrible singing and screaming all over the place, stupid lyrics, miserable 'music', and filler production. Long-time fans already hate 'Pop' as it seems is the last good U2 album there really ever was. 1 Star Is Being Generous. This crap just leaves you feeling angry over the money that you wasted. It's abominable. Literally hundreds of the same boring guitars, horrible singing and screaming all over the place, stupid lyrics, miserable 'music', and filler production. Long-time fans already hate it, the casual listener will dismiss it as a cheap gimmick for sales. Please, don't be dumbest person in the world for even thinking about about buying this piece of overhyped crap. I gladly abandoned this band in the same fashion in which they abandoned me. Please U2 retire for gods sake...you are an embarrasment.… Expand
  28. JohnJ
    Nov 25, 2004
    1
    Junky pop music that pales in comparison to pre-Pop albums. Although even Pop was better than this. Regretfully, they appear to be on the slippery slope to loud mediocrity.
  29. FHay
    Feb 24, 2005
    0
    This mistake is extremely boring and meaningless. Bono is extremely annoying here, unlistenable. This album is the perfect example of how... can save a music lover fromwasting money on over-rated trash. This sellout U2 doesn't deserve the colossal amount of hype it has been getting. Anyone who would call "Sometimes You Can't Make It" a 'deep song' has absolutely no This mistake is extremely boring and meaningless. Bono is extremely annoying here, unlistenable. This album is the perfect example of how... can save a music lover fromwasting money on over-rated trash. This sellout U2 doesn't deserve the colossal amount of hype it has been getting. Anyone who would call "Sometimes You Can't Make It" a 'deep song' has absolutely no credibility to judge music... it's probably the most cliché U2 song ever, possibly tied with "One Step Closer" and "Crumbs For Your Table". What horrible pick for a band's second single!. If you want to listen to a brilliant song related to a father's death, listen to Pink Floyd "When The Tigers Broke Free" instead. Video Clip is even worse and more cliché, with all those silly shots at the Opera theatre. They've somehow menaced their way onto the charts and remained, selling their faceless wan. They music sounds so plastic, unimpressive, worthless and commercial that gives me urge to go to the first restroom out there, really. Incredibly unoriginal and predictable, this is the worst U2 album, and the most overhyped as well. All songs sound too similar ( by the way, the whole same ATYCLB sound ). Not even decent songwriting, this soup is just low quality pap for the bucks. U2 have become no more than a mainstream music corporation. I can't believe these are the same men whom used to take white flags to their early concerts. Yet some stupid fans say this half-worked Ipod product is a 'return to their roots'. I bet you young Bono would hate this sellout faceless Ipod man.… Expand
  30. SidK
    Feb 24, 2005
    0
    A senseless attempt to 'Return to their roots' or some other nonsense. No creativity, no soul, there´s absolutely nothing original here.
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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.
    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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