CD Review: R.E.M. - "Accelerate"

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Posted: 4/9/08

R.E.M. released "Accelerate" to mostly raving, fanatical reviews in awesome support of the band's might and clout. Having been a fan of R.E.M. for quite some time, a wave of confusion washed over me as I wondered if some of these critics heard the same album I did.

For several years, many fans and critics argued that the band was having a hard time finding its niche - struggling to pump out a decent album worth purchasing. After not producing a studio release in four years, R.E.M. kicked it into high gear with the 35-minute CD that hit shelves last week.

After listening to it, one might find it hard to say much of anything about it as a whole. There certainly are some very good songs and others that are just fun to listen to - one of which would be "I'm Gonna DJ." Another not so fun yet good song is "Houston," where singer Michael Stipe begins his political lament with, "If the storm doesn't kill me, the government will." This hopefully might arouse even the most vegetative listener.

This album doesn't leave much of an impression like much of R.E.M.'s older work has. The band is definitely iconic and has certainly had its fair share of hits. The group also has a distinct sound, one that many could probably recognize, especially with Stipe's voice. However, after listening to this fast-paced jamboree, little impact lingers.

"Accelerate" is good enough to where R.E.M. fans should probably pick up a copy. Either the DVD special edition pack or the iTunes album is recommended because both contain extra songs not on the regular CD. Even those not acquainted with the band will probably enjoy this addition to the rock genre.

As stated before, the new release isn't bad at all. There seems to be just very little to say. "Accelerate" feels like it just zooms by so fast one might be left hanging, waiting for more. Either that, or time is needed for the album to grow on you.

The outstanding reviews don't appear to judge this collection without bias. R.E.M. is, without a doubt, a fantastic band. The group's musical history casts a long shadow and creates a repertoire that may be difficult to live up to. Perhaps those eccentric reviews were written in a frenzied state, hoping for something more earth-shattering than what "Accelerate" delivered.

Otherwise, the album in its totality deserves a mere shrug of the shoulders with a slight leaning toward the "like it" side - nothing more.

- Scott Waldyn
edge staff