From Father To Son

I'm not sure how many readers consider themselves U2 fanatics but you can count me as one. The problem is, when one surrenders absolute loyalty to a band, impartiality tends to get thrown out the door. U2 can cull together scraps of songs, leftover melodies, and live tracks, roll it together, and call it an album, and I would still lap it up. Come to think of it, they once did that--it was called Rattle and Hum and I still love it (mainly because it encapsulates their American phase). But now comes the Irish quartet's newest album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Herewith a brief review, doing my best to remain evenhanded:

In some ways, the album is a continuation of All That You Can't Leave Behind--the band's descent from outer space (think Zooropa and Pop) to more traditional and melodic ballads. But How to Dismantle... offers a richer sound than its predecessor, copious amounts of keyboard, and the return of the Edge's trademark chiming riff. You'll even hear echoes of the Boy album and older post-punk elements throughout.

Lyrically, the tracks are laced with Bono's love of his father, who died during the last tour (when the lead singer would finish each concert and fly back to Ireland to tend to his deathbed). It can be felt in songs like "One Step Closer to Knowing" and "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" (which the son sang at his father's funeral). It is also interesting to note the bands flirtation, once again, with Christian rock. The last song on the album, simply titled "Yahweh," is the most religious U2 has gotten since the October album. Yes, there is a peace-and-love song (called "Love and Peace or Else") but you're not getting hit over the head with it.

Despite their tune "Beautiful Day" serving as the anthem for the Kerry campaign, the band, and Bono in particular, did not go endorsing a candidate. Nor did they play with Bruce Springsteen and "rock against Bush." In fact, just a few months ago, Bono was seen at the trendy DC restaurant Galileo dining intimately with future Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He's even listened to Gospel hymns with John Ashcroft--all of which makes for interesting tours (such as the time Jesse Helms watched from offstage--with his hearing aid off).

In all, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is solidly constructed and ranks about midfield, probably alongside The Unforgettable Fire but still below the band's three greatest achievements, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, and All That You Can't Leave Behind. On a scale of 1-10, this earns a 7.