Automatic For The People - R.E.M. > Reviews > Awsome for the people

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Good mixture of songs, beautiful voice
Disadvantages:	Some songs are a bit dull .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Automatic for the people by REM has got to be, by far, their best album. I was created in the early 90s, but don't let that put you off. Their style is original and Michael Stipe's voice is amazing.

DRIVE
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This song starts with a guitar solo, which is joined by Michael after four bars. The guitar plays a big part on all of REM's music. The verses are quite mellow, and slowish. The drum beat comes in half way through the verse, but it isn't a constant beat. In the chorus, the drums, guitars and violins really make the song sound full. Also, the electric guitar comes in (the first guitar is also electric but I think it's probably an electro-accoustic.) This song is quite a good track to start the album with, because it is quite mellow, but is stronger in parts. It's quite a good guide of what REM are like but it can be a bit monotomous, especially if you listen to it over and over again.

TRY NOT TO BREATH
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I really like this song- it starts with a very simple percussion beginning, but the accoustic guitar comes in soon after. This song is much faster and jolly than Drive. The chorus is more obvious and again has a wide arrangement of instruments. His lyrics are a little strange, and don't really make sense in a normal, everyday language. It takes a while to understand the verses, and I can't be arsed explaining what every single track is about- I mean... it's better if you find it yourself (phew, close one... ;) )

THE SIDEWINDER SLEEPS TONIGHT
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This song is very similar to Shiny Happy People (On 'OUT OF TIME'). It has a beat that continues all the way through the track, and it's quite upbeat. The actual meaning of the song is quite sad, but it's sang like it's the greatest thing in life. I have absolutely no idea what the chorus is on about. It says "Only Tawaykaha" and it has to be considered to be one of the 8 great wonders of the world.

EVERYBODY HURTS
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There must be no-one in the world who has not heard this song- it's been on hundreds of films and anyone with VH1 is bound to have heard it. I really love this song. It's one of those songs where you really believe that it's being sang just for you. The instruments work perfectly with his style and really add to the atmosphere. Unlike the other songs, this track also has a piano playing. "If you feel like letting go, hold on," is just one of many great lines. This song really brings you back down to earth, although it usually makes me quite depressed, because I start thinking of everyone in the world who is worse off than me. But then I think it's a good think to be brought down.

SWEETNESS FOLLOWS
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This track is pure instrumental. I think it is intended to let you get your emotions sorted out after listening to the last track. I don't like this track, I think the music is really chopped and that really REALLY annoys me in music (think 'Music' by Madonna <--- GRRR).

MONTY GOT A RAW DEAL
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The guitar intro is really pretty to this track. It sounds a bit tinny but I guess that was the time. It's quite a mellow song, although not massively depressing. I like how in the second verse the drum comes in and lifts up the entire song. "You don't owe me anything" is one line out of this track (I don't know why I'm quoting random phases- I'm tired). This isn't my favourite song on this album, but it's still nice.

IGNORELAND
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I like the guitar intro to this song too (It's a fetish, I know). This track is much more upbeat than some of the others, and has an actual drumbeat where some songs have random cymbol crashes in. I don't really like this song. I have absolutely no idea what he's saying in the chorus, but sometimes that's probably for the best.

STAR ME KITTEN
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I like the speed of this track, and I like how it starts (yes, it is a guitar intro). It's a really mellow, easy-to-listen-to song that's really gentle on you. His voice is quite quiet on it, but that adds to the effect. Good song, but can be a bit dull.

MAN ON THE MOON
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I really like this song. The start sounds like something from a Jamaican island. It has the tropical sound to it. Not sure if I like it or not. It's another song that has kind of random lyrics "Matt the hoople and the game of life, yeah yeah yeah yeah". What the flip is that on about??? I really like the chorus because it's really happy and loud and it's good to sing along to (yes, I am seeking psychiatric help). I like the background oooh-ing. Also, the Elvis-y voice Michael Stipe puts on at the end of the chorus is pretty funny. Hmmm.... yes Katie....

NIGHTSWIMMING
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This song sounds like the end of another song when it starts. It has a lot of piano bits in it, and this really fits this song. I can't decide whether this song is meant to be positive or negative. I really love this song- I think it's really pretty and I love the idea of swimming at night (I have a night time fetish, amongst other things). I think this song is about growing up, and changing relationships from something frivilant and exciting to something comfortable. Dunno though. Have to ask my mate Micky S. (Michael Stipe for those that haven't realised what the hell I'm going on about.)

FIND THE RIVER
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For a long time I had only ever heard half of this song. You see, I used to have a copy of this album on tape and the tape cut off at this point. It's a nice song, but a bit dull. The second half isn't anything brilliant, as I discovered when I got this album on CD. It's quite a mellow song, and is a good choice to end the album with. It's a relaxing song but isn't depressing, so you don't end up feeling suicidal after hearing depressing music like on some albums.

Overall, this album is brilliant. It's well thought out and it's a good mixture of tracks. I'd be amazed if you're still reading this because that would imply you were actually witter on about random crap. But still. Buy the album. It's only about £9 from www.cd-wow.co.uk and it's free postage and packaging (No, I'm not on commision.)

Enjoy it :)