Disappointed by the widespread critical contempt for 2005’s subdued Around the Sun, R.E.M. spoke of a return to their jangle-punk roots before heading into the studio to record a comeback. Blazing by in under 35 minutes, the up-tempo rock of Accelerate is R.E.M.’s best release since original drummer Bill Berry’s departure in 1997.
Opener “Living Well is the Best Revenge” reveals the band’s renewed focus. Propelled by a furious drum rhythm and Peter Buck’s guitar stabs, it’s got new producer Jackknife Lee’s (Bloc Party) fingerprints all over it. The next track, “Man-Sized Wreath,” is arguably their best song since “E-Bow the Letter.” Its chorus is an absolute monster, interweaving Michael Stipe’s lead vocals with Mike Mills’ backing harmonies and an energetic bass line.
Accelerate’s first single, “Supernatural Supersterious,” follows a similar blueprint, but the band branches out elsewhere. “Houston” relies on an overdriven organ and distorted drums before falling back on the classic R.E.M. mandolin for its chorus. “Sing for the Submarine,” with its dark focus and background harmonies, is as epic as anything they’ve done. But for the most part, they stay firmly within the rock and roll realm. This time around, R.E.M. smartly avoids the genre experiments and muddied electronics that have marred the post-Berry era.
The album’s only obvious failure is “Until the Day is Done,” an acoustic ballad written around the time of Around the Sun. Retaining that album’s plodding pace and lackluster arrangements, it also showcases vocalist Michael Stipe’s sometimes cringe-worthy lyricism. Closer “I’m Gonna DJ” isn’t much better: “Death is pretty final / I’m collecting vinyl / I’m gonna DJ at the end of the world!” Stipe sings goofily, but the song works because he seems to be enjoying himself so much.
Even with an enormous catalogue that established them as the world’s biggest band until U2 came along, Around the Sun was so terrible that most critics and fans wrote off R.E.M. as has-beens. Accelerate proves they shouldn’t be ignored just yet. While it’s far from the glory days of their ‘80s releases, R.E.M. hasn’t sounded this vital in years.
Voice’s Choices: “Man-Sized Wreath,” “Houston,” “Mr. Richards”
