How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

You wouldn't normally expect it from a band nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Then again, Irish band U2 has always been a little extraordinary.

Going by the recently unveiled title of their next album -- How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb -- the foursome promise to evoke the sense of rebellion that epitomised their early music. Will it be a fiery, political album? It could, considering lead singer Bono's deep involvement in a number of causes, including AIDS in Africa.

Recorded in Dublin and the south of France, the album made headlines in July after recordings were allegedly stolen from a studio. There were fears the tracks would appear on the Internet before the official release, but they haven't so far. The album is set to hit UK stores on November 22.

According to U2's label Interscope, the first single, Vertigo, will air on radio on September 24. The album is also said to include a cover of German band Kraftwerk's Neon Lights, along with other tracks with titles like Crumbs From Your Table, Yahweh, City of Blinding Lights, A Man and a Woman and Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own. A track called Tough has also been recorded in homage to Bono's late father. For fans, it will be the first new material from the band since the September 11 attacks in 2001.

U2 -- singer Bono, guitarist the Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr -- have sold 120 million records since their first album 24 years ago. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb has been produced by the famous Steve Lillywhite, who also produced the band's first three albums.

Interestingly, U2's guitarist, The Edge, has also written the music for a new Batman cartoon series.