Accelerate
by R.E.M.

I believe that "Accelerate" from 2008 must be the most punk album REM ever released. From start to finish the band is blazing through eleven tracks that, with few exceptions, are characterized by energy, lyrics with something to say and distorted guitars. Despite the hard-hitting expression that characterizes most songs, with REM there is almost always, both sensitivity and a good dose of melodic approach.
I do not regard this of one of their best, but certainly one of the most energetic albums. Among the few less hard-hitting songs you will find the almost folky "Houston", which at once is typical of the group and atypical of the album. The song is one of my favorites. Less significant, but also in the subdued end, you will find "Until the Day I Die", which is also a fine song.

Among the hard-hitting tracks "Mr. Richards ", stands out, having most of the group's great qualities. Also "Supernatural Superserious" is a number to remember and one you’re likely to want to return to.

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terrible.sorry.but this is a bad album.should have retired.

A latter day rocker of an album from them. "Living Well Is The Best Revenge" ranks among my favorite R.E.M. songs.

From RoundTheBend 05/17/2017 21:27 | #190967

It's sad to see such a great artist pigeon holed. As a life long R.E.M. fan, seeing their stuff on MTV growing up, etc. This is better than Monster in my opinion. I feel it is the right level of pop, edge, and punk rock. I feel it is every bit their sound as any other album. This is why this band is great - they can do quality soundscapes in lots of different directions. I think it is a waste to say, well this isn't AFTP or whatever... of course it isn't. It is Accelerate and I think it's great. I think it has the political side of R.E.M. I like. It has the philosophical side. And yes the darker emotional side is less than in the past, and that's actually what I love about it, it's emotion is a happy energy, kind of like when they first debuted on TV with David Letterman and Radio Free Europe. idk... that's my take - sad to see good work like this considered low par.

A rocking and exciting album. Interesting how they managed to still rock out at that point into their career. Living Well, Supernatural, Until the Day is Done, Mr. Richards, and Man-Sized Wreath are my favorites

REM go back to their rock roots with a short, fiery punk album. It's quite enjoyable, but it's still obvious listening to the record, that it's a bunch of middle-aged millionaires trying to recapture their youth, and maybe some credibility. It starts of well with, living well is the best revenge. After the sonics of their last three albums, it's good to hear the band rocking again. Man sized wreath, is ok, and, supernatural superserious, is fine, but it's not classic REM. The best song on here is, Mr. Richards, with, horse to water, also good. Until the day is done, is a good track, but again it's just not how it used to be. It ends with the silly fun of, I'm gonna DJ, which is enjoyable enough. And that's it, just after the half hour mark, the record ends. It's definitely one of the better later REM albums, but it's nowhere near their best, but at least it has an energy about it.

I am afraid I am not a REM purist - Bill Berry leaving the band was not the end of REM's greatness for me....... And this album shows why

It is one of the most up beat and energetic rem offerings since .... Well, ever

There isn't really a standout track or tracks on it , and that's because all of them are fantastic rock songs

Understated to say the least

Just when I thougth they were running out of steam they put out this youthful, energetic album full of catchy rock songs.

From Mdemauri 07/08/2014 15:50 | #116282

A step in the right direction after three progressively poor albums. Not back to classic REM, but this and Collapse Into Now are the two best post-Berry albums and not a bad way to cap a great career.

From Tamthebam 04/06/2014 15:35 | #108675

This is an album that is just under 35mins long but seems longer. A good REM album and completely different from Around The Sun. Short sharp songs that pack a punch the best of which are Hollow Man, Supernatural..... Mr. Richards and Horse To Water.