It’s been a long seven years since U2 last released an album of original material—a stretch that underscores their longest creative drought to date. While fans eagerly await a new chapter in their storied career, the band has instead delivered a deep dive into their past with How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb. This “shadow album” revisits outtakes from the How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sessions, offering a glimpse of what could have been.
Remarkably, the collection is not the throwaway assortment of leftovers one might expect. While its second half loses steam, the album includes several tracks that stand tall alongside U2’s classic work.
Highlights from the Shadow Album
“Picture of You (X+W)”: This track, an early iteration of Atomic Bomb’s bonus song “Fast Cars,” brims with the raw, playful energy that U2 had promised during the original album’s promotional phase. Its urgency and stripped-down rock vibe beg the question: why didn’t it make the final cut?
“Luckiest Man in the World”: Known to diehard fans as “Mercy,” this reworked version builds with the same dramatic intensity as later U2 anthems like “Love is Bigger Than Anything in its Way.” The quartet shines here, with Adam Clayton’s bass providing a potent undercurrent and The Edge’s guitar taking center stage.
“Treason”: Co-written with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, this track finds U2 experimenting outside their comfort zone. The loose, rhythmic percussion and Bono’s soulful delivery feel more at home in the experimental landscape of their Pop album. Still, it’s an absorbing detour that adds depth to the collection.
“I Don’t Wanna See You Smile”: A straightforward yet rousing U2 track with lyrics penned by Simon Carmody of The Golden Horde. Its earnest delivery makes it a quintessential inclusion for fans of the band’s classic sound.
“Country Mile”: Another standout, this track combines Bono’s plaintive vocals with The Edge’s harmonious backing, delivering a message of perseverance.
“Theme from ‘The Batman’”: Originally written by The Edge for the animated series, this instrumental feels like an odd addition—more of a curiosity than a cohesive part of the album.
“All Because of You 2”: A rougher, more glam-inspired take on the original album’s track. While interesting, this version highlights why the polished Atomic Bomb cut was the better choice.
A Double-Edged Sword of Nostalgia
How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb is both a fascinating look back and a bittersweet reminder of U2’s current creative struggles. While the tracks showcase the band’s dynamic range and undeniable chemistry, they also highlight the group’s tendency to lean on past successes instead of forging new ground.
Nonetheless, the album offers plenty for serious fans to celebrate, particularly its highlights like “Picture of You (X+W)” and “Luckiest Man in the World.” If this shadow collection reflects what was left on the cutting-room floor, it’s a testament to the strength of U2’s creative output during the Atomic Bomb era.
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