Irish rock band U2 have sold numerous records in the United States as well as the rest of the world, won countless awards and have expanded the musical horizon. When their new album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb came out in November 2004, many fans of theirs were a bit disappointed.

U2 started in the late 70’s and released the song “Out of Control” in 1979. It became number one on the Irish charts. Their next hit, “Another Day”, would come out in 1980. Their most popular album, Joshua Tree, would become the fastest selling album in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Their new album can be described in one simple statement: absolutely annoying! Their radio-friendly single “Vertigo” drives all listeners insane. The song is just not catchy. It is also nothing anyone else wants to listen to. The lead singer has a great voice but honestly cannot write lyrics that sound original. All of the music sounds like every one of the other songs they have ever written. Plus, guitar and vocal sounds have been blown to pieces in the studio. This kind of music will only leave a bad aftertaste when exposed to for too long. U2 is a totally different band from what they used to be, not that anyone liked them in the first place.

“ I never really liked U2 that much. And this album reminds me why,” junior Mackenzie Miller said. Although they are rock icons, U2 have never really shown any musical talent. They may be Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall-of-Famers, but to everyone else who has a taste in real music, U2 probably should have never existed and everyone probably wishes they would go back to Ireland and vanish into oblivion. According to the rating of Hastings High School students, this album should be cast out just like them.



Rating: 2/10