Review 9 of 22

Felicitas writes:

4of 5 Stars

I've been listening to these guys since high school and "Murmur" and I have to admit they completely lost me at "Monster." "Up" had nice moments but past that, I gave up on the idea they'd put out anything approaching the incredible run of great music they had 1983 - 1994. The main problem as I saw it is that they'd become a vehicle for Michael Stipe's ego. Whether that's true or not, it certainly seemed that way, as the band in its first ten years was so great because it was truly holistic - a listener got the sense of four very talented men putting all their efforts into finely-realized finished art. Even before the devastating departure of the underappreciated Bill Berry, that holism was giving away to a one-man show. This album finally succeeds in stripping away the barnacles of pretentiousness and bringing back the just good, artful rock that was always what the band is best at.

I agree with another commenter on Stipe's lyrics: he isn't nearly as awesome as he thinks. It's too much to hope he'll ever go back to murmuring and staying back in the mix like in the band's early work, but if you tune out what he's singing and concentrate on the warm tones of his still-beautiful voice, a nice recreation of the old days is the reward. And it sounds great.

Apr 1, 2008 16:12:07

Review 10 of 22

raven2017 writes:

4of 5 Stars

I'm not gonna lie -- I'm an R.E.M. fan, and I say that every record they've done, including the dreadful "Monster," has something worthwhile on it. That being said, R.E.M. hasn't put out a full album's worth of great songs since "Automatic for the People" in 1992 (despite what some would have us believe, R.E.M.'s fall began two albums before Bill Berry left). This may be a retrospective album on par with U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind," but, as R.E.M. has always been superior to U2, so too is their retrospective better. "Hollow Man" would've fit right in on "Document;" "Supernatural Superserious" is another masterpiece jangle-pop single; and "Mr. Richards" sounds like a perfect fusion of "New Test Leper," "Hope," and "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" Stipe's lyrics are, as usual, pretty dreadful, but anyone who listened to R.E.M. from the beginning didn't do so because they liked the words coming out of his mouth -- no one could even understand them 'til "Lifes Rich Pageant" anyway.

Apr 1, 2008 06:09:05

Review 11 of 22

jamesintexas2 writes:

Not Rated

Wow. R.E.M. sounds intensely better than they have on their last 3 albums..."Supernatural Superserious," "Houston," and "Accelerate" are all highlights for me, and I can't wait to dig into the other songs. The references to "Automatic For The People" and previous albums are apt; this collection of quick, loud, fun songs revives my interest and love for my favorite band of all-time. "Around The Sun" their last album was the first R.E.M. album I ever hated, initially, even though a few of the songs grew on me, especially after hearing live versions of them. But, the overall feeling was that album was not one I wanted in my car, on my iPod, or in my general rotation. "Accelerate" is going to be a disc I listen to all spring, summer, and well into the future. Can't wait for the live shows to hear versions of these rockers, especially "Supernatural, Superserious" and "Houston," a disturbing, poetic counterpiece to the delicate "New Orleans Instrumental, #4" from "Automatic For The People." Stipe, Berry, and Buck deserve every accolade coming their way.

Mar 30, 2008 07:24:00

Review 12 of 22

TBud writes:

4of 5 Stars

Some folks seem to be taking R.E.M. to task for sounding like, well, R.E.M. Comparing this album to "Document" and "Automatic For The People" is pretty high praise in my book - especially after 20 or so years but "Accelerate" is a great CD on it's own. Sure it's reminiscent of some older R.E.M. albums but what did you expect, the Black Eyed Peas? All I can say is I can't get "Mr. Richards" out of my head and I can't remember the last time I could say that about a song.

Mar 29, 2008 18:39:55

Review 13 of 22

Luke4minds writes:

Not Rated

I listened to Accelerate today, after having read several reviews in which Document or Lifes rich pageant were taken as a comparison. Well, i think that comparing Accelerate to records 20 years old as a positive element is the worst thing, if i were Stipe and Co., i'd like to read. In the end, it's all to derivative and parodistic. Yes, there's energy, there are intelligent lyrics but considered as a whole Accelerate won't be remebered as a cornerstone record for R.E.M.. It's more of the same from a glorious band that, maybe, should eventually break up and look for different paths to climb. Creativity is a gift for Stipe, Buck and Mills and they all could experiment new ways and bring us new music.

Mar 29, 2008 10:02:44

Review 14 of 22

palais writes:

5of 5 Stars

Okay, it's not Document, Murmur, or Automatic For the People. But what Accelerate does do is bring some of the elements that made these albums great. A lot of Accelerate reminds me of " Ignoreland" off of AFTP- viciously rocking.
I admit to being a lifelong fan. I also admit to being crushed by the last three albums, although I think Up is better than most people give credit for. But this album has been playing non stop in my house all week ( I was listening via ILike- I can't wait till my pre ordered copy arrives in my mailbox). The truth is that songs like " Living Well Is The Best Revenge", Supernatural Superserious", " Houston", "Mr. Richards", and " I'm Gonna DJ" are the best this band has put out since 1992, and I, for one, am deliriously happy about that.

Mar 28, 2008 21:06:05

Review 15 of 22

ThugBugRules writes:

3of 5 Stars

Michael Stipe needs to eat more and do something with that face. The fact is, when you start 'getting political' on an album - don't look like such a retard. Know your subject. These guys look, sing and act like spoiled brats who cannot get their way. And no, you do not influence ANYBODY. You make music. You are a jester - nothing more. Get back in your box and perform - that's it....not too bad if they would smarten up and leave the "intelligent" meanings to the big boys....still looking for the man in the moon!

Mar 28, 2008 11:41:32

Review 16 of 22

bonageeman writes:

5of 5 Stars

This album is one that pleases me immensely. From the first two songs "Living Well's The Best Revenge" and "man-Sized Wreath" you can see what the trio are angling at and that is to recreate that vibe and verve of their early albums like "Murmur" and "Life's Rich Pagenant". The key is that they have succeeded and admirably got back a buzz about their music. I see "Supernatural Superserious" as having a twang of modern of pop about it but neverthe less is a reat record for a band so roundly criticised after "Around The Sun". "I'm Gonna DJ" is also a cause for happiness with the rustiness in Stipe's voice so prominent and exciting

Mar 28, 2008 10:21:36