U2’s Latest Not A Bomb
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb may sound like a primer in peaceful politicking, but don’t be fooled; U2’s latest blockbuster venture is more a love story than anything else.Bomb succeeds exactly where one thinks it would fail, in its lament about world affairs. Most political albums tend to lean toward finger wagging and/or hate mongering, appealing only to the band’s narrow audience of supporters. U2’s version sounds more like a bittersweet love story between one man and the world, or perhaps a man and God.
With religious and political undertones winding throughout the album, the main focus is on the tones of remorse, longing and infatuation that the band relates. Even the politically-charged song “Love And Peace Or Else” carries simple lyrics we would find in any typical love song: “Baby don’t fight / We can talk this thing through / It’s not a big problem / It’s just me and you,” yet ends with: “And the troops on the ground / Are about to dig in / And I wonder where is the love?”
As for the sound of Bomb, it is typical U2: poppy effects, catchy hooks, unique breakdowns and appealing rhythms. Bono’s voice at times sounds more strained than we are used to, but it’s difficult to tell if this is because of his enthusiasm over the words, or age inevitably catching up with him.
Overall, Bomb is an appealing semi-political album that does not feel dated. It may not be their most innovative or “explosive” album to date, but it is still a worthy addition to U2’s repertoire.
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