Customer Ratings & Reviews

With Accelerate, R.E.M. had a return to past glories. Bold and inventive R.E.M. sounds fresh and full of youthful energy. "Supernatural Superserious" is one of the songs and this song's title aptly describes the music that is contained within this CD.

I used to like R.E.M. years ago quite a lot and have some of their earlier work. I've heard that their last couple albums have been pretty disappointing. After reading a review praising their latest release, I thought I'd go ahead and get it and I was glad I did. I've listened to it several times so far and it just keeps growing on me. If you liked R.E.M. years ago, you should definitely get their latest endeavor!

Perhaps a calculated effort to win back their dwindling fan base, REM return to what they do best - rock. While some of the aggressive tunes might bring to mind 80s classics such as "Life's Rich Pageant" and "Document," this really isn't a return to the 80s glory days as many reviews have noted. This is the "three-legged dog" back on track in the new millenium. If their last 3 offerings left you indifferent, you might just give this a try.

They always say, "Leave 'em wanting more." REM's last studio disc "Around The Sun" did that, but for all the wrong reasons. Fans, like myself, were wondering where the Athens boys had gone. This dreary mid-range goop seemed out of character for them and it was totally unfocussed. I figured they were just drifting off into the sunset. I want more from them, because their past glories showed they could do so much more. Anyway, "Accelerate" is mission accomplished. The disc is fast, furious, fierce, and a kick. They haven't sounded as loose in years. The songs really pack a punch, especially the ones that take aim a certain leader who will used to own a Texas baseball team. They are obviously enjoying themselves and they are playing as a band. Peter's guitar riffs rock; Mike Mills' background vocals provide the perfect compliment to Stipe's passioned singing. Crank this one up and less than 40 minutes later, you will find yourself re-energized. Now, what's next?

I've been listening to this album for a while now trying really hard to connect with it, which is strange because normally it's easy for me to instantly fall in love with the majority of REM's songs after listening to them once. What's going on? Since the past few albums, I've really gotten use to REM experimenting with their sound that I was expecting something new and different with this album too. However, it seems as if the group decided to return back to some of the rock/alternative sound from the past. That's good an all, but then when the lyrics aren't as strong as their previous works, it's not a good thing. Don't get me wrong, there are some decent songs on here-- I had an instant connection with "Man-Sized Wreath", "Accelerate" is a nice upbeat tune that's listenable, and "Sing for the Submarine" lyrically acknowledges some of the bands older songs which was neat to hear. But then you have songs like"I'm Gonna DJ" which feels like one of those untalented bands that MTV promotes would come up with. Also, I really have a problem spending so much for an album that's not even 35 minutes long! I have no clue who their target audience is suppose to be for this album, but if they have a short attention span then listening to a bunch of two or three minute mainstream-type songs won't be a problem.