Up - R.E.M. > Reviews

Advantages: different, yet strangely familiar. Lyric book!
Disadvantages: different, yet strangely familiar.

As a fan of REM, there are two things you get used to. The first is that the band will claim their latest album is their best, and represents a new direction, and the second is that their latest album usually IS their best, and DOES represent a new direction. And whilst no-one can really justify claiming that Monster was a better album than Automatic, it was nevertheless a gutsy, pants-grabbing whore of a record which added a much needed twist to ... Read review

Advantages: Critically acclaimed. Grows on You.
Disadvantages: Depressing

...sadness for the settling. Next up with get a saccharine boost in the guise of Imitation of Life and this is as lively it gets. Its clear why this was the first single from the album. But my artificial high sinks when I hear the first few notes of Summer Turns To High. Though at least the lyrics are a little more optimistic. As you listen, you can almost go off into a dreamlike trance and imagine walking through hay fields on a sunny day - you can ... Read review

Advantages: Very bold and original, pretty songs
Disadvantages: drags on a bit

When everyone thought Monster was a radical change in direction for REM, they could not have anticipated this one. Not to say that it is bad. I mean, it is very good. However, on this cd they seem to lose their knack for writing pretty, mandolin songs such as Losing my Religion and Everybody Hurts, with the exception of Daysleeper. It is the closest REM come to their older stuff. It's a beautiful song. Most of the other songs such as Lotus and The ... Read review

Advantages: At their best they're very good
Disadvantages: a couple of patchy songs

...Michel Stipe's writing block etc, Up manages to maintain REM's high standards and even better them in places. Walk Unafraid is a classic up beat rock song and At my most beautiful manages to deliver one of REM's most emotionally beautiful songs which, considering the competition is quite an achievement. Elsewhere the album is reflecting challenging and thought provoking. The only downsides are the similarty of the 'I'm Sorry' chorus of The Apologist ... Read review

Advantages: Beuatiful and sweet but also hard and fast .
Disadvantages: Can drag a bit on Airportman

...? YES THEY CAN . Up is an amazing piece of music diverse and as beautiful as any other REM album . From the opening track "Airportman" to the closer "Falls to climb" you know this REM but not . Most tracks opt for drum machines or simplistic drum tracks and look at the restof the tracks to fill out the sounds . On this album your more likely to se Mike Mills at the piano and Peter buck at bass then in they'r ususal roles . ALthough that said some ... Read review

Advantages: Some cool songs
Disadvantages: Some odd songs

If you like any REM – you obviously have to have this album, it’s very good. But it is different from past albums – so even if you don’t like REM - and you get a chance to listen to it , do , you may be pleasantly surprised. I was already a rem fan when I got this , and personally , I think it is one of their best – I have lots of the early ones, and Monster (which probably is the best). There is a lot of experimentation going on in the album ... Read review

Advantages: Explores new territory for the band, simpler lyrics help on some songs
Disadvantages: Odd songs are not quite recorded to their best, poor opening track

Up is perhaps REM's most different release in their entire catalogue, due to the loss of drummer Bill Berry and the use of new Producer Pat McCarthy. The former lead the way for increased use of drum machines and session players, and the latter produced a sound which was unfamiliar to the band before. The result is an album which touches on greatness in parts, but is often searching for the correct sound, which some believe they have found on the ... Read review

Advantages: Every song is as good as anything they've done
Disadvantages: None

This is one of the best albums from REM. It has such style and passion in the songs that you can't help but like every one. Daysleeper is very REMish sounded very much like some of their earlier work (not a bad thing!). Then Lotus, & Suspicion are a little deeper and more involving. Surely the best song on the album is Sad Professor, it is a little dark, but disturbingly good! This is a must for nearly everyone, and any fan of REM that doesn't ... Read review

Advantages: At my Most Beautiful
Disadvantages: a little samey in places

...it did seem to sum up that feeling perfectly. The first single in the UK, nightsleeper deals with Working night shifts, and deals with alienation i think. A good track and it sums up the sound of the album quite well, as does Lotus You should buy this cd for one track above all others, "at my most beautiful" At times you can hear Brian Wilson like vocals, and it simplicity makes this sound like a lost track from Pet Sounds OR Smile. It is a ... Read review

Advantages: I am the resurrection
Disadvantages: Shorter version of i wanna be adored

...lyric to die for. It sums up a wonderful time for many, and wont easily be forgotten. It ended the 80's and started teh 90's. What more do you want ... Read review