Twenty years after U2 released How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, the band will be unveiling what it calls a “shadow album” from those sessions. How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb, to be released November 29, will include outtakes from the sessions from the 2004 release.

The 10-track album compiles never-heard songs from the making of the original album, including “Treason,” “Happiness,” and “Evidence of Life” as well as “Luckiest Man in the World,” which some fans heard years ago when the song, then known as “Mercy,” leaked online.

The new package, available to preorder now, will also include the “Vertigo” B-side “Are We Gonna Wait Forever?” and “Picture of You (X + W)” and will be released on vinyl for Record Store Day as well as on streaming platforms. In addition, How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb will be combined with a remastered version of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in vinyl and CD editions. The remastered How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb will also include “Fast Cars,” another outtake from those sessions. 

As the Edge said in a statement, “For this anniversary edition I went into my personal archive to see if there were any unreleased gems and I hit the jackpot. We chose ten that really spoke to us. Although at the time we left these songs to one side, with the benefit of hindsight we recognize that our initial instincts about them being contenders for the album were right, we were onto something.”

U2's Creative Process During the 'Atomic Bomb' Sessions

The band's creative process during the Atomic Bomb sessions was a time of exploration and introspection. The Edge notes that U2 revisited early musical influences and that Bono was processing the death of his father. The band's creative period was a time of deep personal introspection for Bono, who was grappling with the death of his father. The Edge adds, “For this anniversary edition I went into my personal archive to see if there were any unreleased gems and I hit the jackpot. We chose ten that really spoke to us. Although at the time we left these songs to one side, with the benefit of hindsight we recognize that our initial instincts about them being contenders for the album were right, we were onto something.”

The 'Shadow Album'

The “shadow album” is a way for fans to experience the raw energy and creativity of the band during the Atomic Bomb sessions. The Edge explains, “What you’re getting on this shadow album is that raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, a sonic narrative, a moment in time, the exploration and interaction of four musicians playing together in a room… this is the pure U2 drop.”

U2's Legacy

U2's legacy is one of musical innovation and social activism. The band has been a global force in rock music for decades, selling millions of records and winning numerous awards. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is a testament to the band's enduring power and creativity. The band has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of rock music, and How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb is a reminder that the band's creative journey is far from over.

The release of How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb is a significant event for U2 fans, as it offers a rare glimpse into the band's creative process. The album is a must-listen for any fan of U2, and it is sure to delight those who have been following the band's career for years.

More Than Just a 'Shadow Album'

The release of How to Re-Assemble an Atomic Bomb is more than just a release of unreleased tracks. It's a celebration of the 20th anniversary of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and a reminder that the band's creative journey is far from over. With a remastered version of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and a companion album of unreleased tracks, this new release is a gift to fans who have been following the band's career for years.

The release of the album is a significant event for fans who have been following the band's career for years. The band's creative process is on full display and this is a reminder that the band's creative journey is far from over. With a remastered version of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and a companion album of unreleased tracks, this new release is a gift to fans who have been following the band's career for years.