Accelerate (Special Edition) [Digipak] - R.E.M. > Reviews > REM ACCELERATE

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Return to form
Disadvantages:	this CD has no bonus tracks

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The first thing that really hits you with this album is, surprisingly, the cover, a very retro themed black and white cityscape. i felt that the cover of this album matches the feel and themes really well and has definitely been well thought out. it is clear that every building is in its place, a refreshing break from the often meaningless and juxtaposed album covers of modern artists.

My favorite track on the album are Hollow Man, which has beautiful lyrics along with a really well though tempo changes. Im sure that there is an element of their hit Stand in there but coupled with dark and dejected lyrics Hollow Man is a really unforgettable track.
If i had to pick a weak song i would probably opt for Man-Sized Wreath, not because its particularly bad but i personally dont like the drums on the track and think that it brings it down slightly

This version of the album has no bonus tracks and so you miss out on some of the live tour performance along with the tracks Readhead Walking and Airliner. However i do not think that these songs fitted in with the album feel particularly well.

I would say that the music on this album harks back to the earlier and more successful days of the band and any fan of REM would be sad to miss out on this album. I think that the band have made a conscious effort to regain their power that they once had and the moving and politically driven lyrics really reminds me of Automatic For The People, along with the more modern and chunky guitar parts reminiscent of Green give for a very interesting and brilliant comeback album that i recommend to anyone, especially REM fans