Once in a while...

I really get into an new album of music. To be honest, when I first bought this album shortly before Thanksgiving 2004, I was a bit dissapointed. On the first listen or so I felt that it was good, but not as good as I thought it'd be. I put it on the shelf for a few weeks to give it a rest. On my drive down to NJ from MA for Christmas I decided to pop the CD in the car and give in another whirl. It really grew on me on that trip. Over the past month I swear I've probably listened to so;me of the songs over 40 times. Its a CD that gets better each time you listen to it. IT is U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". Though I'm not a huge fan of the first single of the album "Vertigo", it is a great attempt by them to reach a new audience. The high energy upbeat tune takes some chances, but fits right in with the beat of the times yet remains unmistakably U2. The second and third tracks ("Miracle Drug" and "Sometimes You Can't make it Your Own") are true gems, showing off masterful composition, wonderful lyrics and also showcases the talents of the edge, adam clayton and adam mullen beautifully. The latter in my opinion may be one of the great rock ballads of its time. Also, as usual Bono delivers vocals as sincerely and with as much emotion as anyone in the business. On top of it all the lyrics make you want to find out what the song is about and a careful reading of the lyrics will give one clues and insight but as always U2 has left it beautifully vague and up for interpretation. City of Blinding Lights is another highlight on the album chronicling the U2 experience of being the first Band to peform in Madison Square Garden after 911. "Origin of the Species" is another can't miss track and in my opinion really rounds out the album as it is a modern masterpiece of rock music. Make no mistake. Don't miss this album and don't judge it by its first single. It will rank up there with other classics like "War", "Joshua Tree", "Achtung Baby", and of course the previous album, "All that you Can't Leave Behind". Don't cheat yourself. Buy this album, you won't regret it.