How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by U2
What Is It?
With the latest installation of a true dynasty of music. Bono and Co. continue their reign as rock superstars with this vehicle to get them back to the top of the charts and forefront of peoples minds. U2 is the band accredited authoring the now trite phraseology "were not a Christian band, we are just Christians in a band." Three of the four members claim a relationship with Jesus. Still in the mainstream they are much better known for there political activism. Bono was nominated to be the head of the World Bank. He declined the Bank but accepted the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.
How Was It?
The album itself is a solid rock project with a decent range of sound, style and emotion, starting off with Vertigo (used in the I-Pod television spots) and bringing us through to the Praise song Yahweh. (a song that puts most of the "modern praise movement" to shame.) The opener is a song acknowledging the struggle between knowing what God wants of you and still wanting something else "though your soul / It can’t be bought /Your mind can wander" but looks to God's love to bring him back. "Sometimes you can't make it on your own" is an emotional final love letter to his dying father, offering dad what ever strength he has, and even thanking his father for inspiring faith. Then we get to a bluesy rocker with some techno overtones "Love And Peace Or Else" letting us know what the options are when it comes to following God's will. "One Step Closer" explains that what ever you think about God, when you are dying you are "One Step Closer to Knowing". These with the Praise songs Yahweh" and "All Because of You" have very encouraging messages and great music. "Crumbs From Your Table" is about the only place where the bands activism comes up. It encourages the church to reach out to needy third world with the plea "You speak of signs and wonders / I need something other / I would believe if I was able / But I’m waiting on the crumbs from your table"
Though most of this albums lyrics come off like modern psalms, there a couple of love songs that are just kind of dopey lyrical and musically. "A Man and A Woman" moves from the profound "I could never take a chance / Of losing love to find romance" to the trite "You can run from love / And if its really love it will find you" Still this song has allot of illusions to the greatest love song - Song of Songs.
Is It Good For Kids ?
At times this may be a bit complex for younger children to get into. "Original Of The Species" includes lines that may be construed sexually about his wife. "Baby slow down / The end is not as fun as the start" For older kids and teens, I would just offer the warning that Bono, thought the very often spiritual, is not always the best example in the way he acts or his language. Though this album is great, teens should be very careful of idolizing any imperfect human.
What is Your Recommendation?
At first I didn't like this album. Then when I got over thinking "Aren’t they supposed to be the best rock band ever... this isn't the best rock album ever.." I found it was really enjoyable. Then I was able to get into the lyrics that further expand the emotions in the music. The strength of this album is that they don't just hand you all the answers. The music takes some time to figure out. The lyrics have to be thought about. If you enjoy this genre of music, and are willing to put the work into it, you will be rewarded greatly.
This is also a great album to understand, as many people who are not Christian are big fans of U2. If you found a fellow listener to "How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" you would have plenty of spiritual subjects to cover.
If you like this album you might also want to check out the Newsboys' "Thrive" or any album by Delirious. (Then again, if you like Newsboys and Delirious already, you might just want to check out U2.)
You can read all there lyrics and listen to music samples at www.U2.com.
ps
Thank you Amy Wallis for turning me on to this album.
