Yawn.
Today marks the official release of U2’s much-hyped new album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Between the media saturation and copies making the rounds on file-sharing networks, I’d be surprised if anyone hasn’t already heard it in its entirety. It seems more appropriate now than ever that U2 was originally called The Hype)#Formation — perhaps its time to switch back.
I’ve listened to the new album a few times, and I’d have to say it sounds like U2 is on autopilot (no pun intended.) It certainly has the quintessential U2 sound, and Bono’s voice is still as distinctive as ever, but there’s nothing particularly inspired about this effort. There are a few familiar riffs (e.g. “Crumbs From Your Table”), and seemingly track after track of fuzz guitar.
I’m sure hardcore U2 fans are overjoyed that U2’s first new album in 4 years is finally here, and comforted that it has the familiar U2 sound (I know plenty of U2 fans were none too happy with Zooropa.) For me though, who has only payed casual attention to U2 over the past several years, I just can’t get excited about it and I won’t be rushing out to buy a copy anytime soon.