REM albums used to be a big event. When “Out of Time”, “Automatic For The People”, and “Monster” came out, those records mattered. However with recent releases “Up” and “Reveal”, REM has begun to become less relevant. Unfortunately, the slide continues with their latest effort, “Around The Sun”.
The group’s thirteenth studio album finds REM (Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Peter Buck) in the same musical territory that they’ve explored on previous records. Gone are the forays into a multitude of genres, and instead are replaced by mostly slow, introspective songs. Many of the tracks are full of electronic elements, which seem experimental at times. Several songs here feel unfinished, like demos for possibly wonderful compositions.
Too many songs are okay at best, and become forgettable within minutes of finishing them, like “High Speed Train,” “The Ascent of Man,” and “Boy In The Well” (regrettably, it’s not about the classic “Simpsons” episode).
“The Outsiders” is ruined by a guest spot from rapper Q-tip. His rapping is simply tacked onto the end of an otherwise decent tune. It would’ve been wiser had Q-tip’s contributions been weaved throughout “The Outsiders,” instead.
“Electron Blue” finds the band wholly embracing electronic beats in place of departed drummer Bill Berry. While sound-wise, it remains a contrast to REM’s earlier material, “Electron Blue” is less exotic than other tracks that dabble in electronica on “Around The Sun”.
Thankfully, leadoff track (and first single) “Leaving New York” does seem reminiscent of REM’s catalogue. “Wanderlust,” the stark “I Wanted To Be Wrong,” and the darkly acoustic “Final Straw” (which was featured on this summer’s Future Soundtrack For America) all are standout performances on the record.
It can be tough to knock a band twenty years into its career, especially a group who has been highly influential upon most of today’s rock. Still, with such an illustrious past, one would expect more from the godfathers of ‘alternative’ music. Some people have questioned if REM should just pack it all up. This is certainly extreme, but listening to “Around The Sun” can make a listener at least understand why such an issue has been raised.
While the record is not terrible by any means, “Around The Sun” could have made a statement, especially in this election year. REM is capable of creating fantastic music; there’s glimpses of it here, but for an entire album.
-Mike Fordham
