It's strange that millions of people throughout the world utter the letters REM with such respect, excitement and emotion when to Michael Stipe, Mike Mills and Peter Buck those letters are no more than a random find in a dictionary right back when they emerged in 1980. Since then those 3 core members have gone on to release 14 studio albums, some regarded as classics and the finest albums ever made. However their releases of late; 2004's Around The Sun and 2001's Reveal did very little to inspire the fans of Monster and Green and almost excluded the fans who regarded Document as their best effort. Nevertheless on Accelerate, REM has gathered some pace and pushed that heavier rock sound of yesteryear to the forefront.
One of the first things that must be said is that over time Accelerate will become an amazing album. It currently sits, as a blink in the three-piece's history. Clocking less than thirty-five minutes, the album escapes you before you get to embrace it but a year or two down the line, the spin of this album will flood you with thoughts of "How did I ever forget about this!?"
Some songs on here are shockingly short but capture all that really needs to be said without a patronising repeat of the chorus or misguided guitar moment. Houston barely stumbles the two-minute mark but delivers the impact of Hurricane Katrina, in which it's referenced through a positive Stipe. Every song on here captures a different style and atmosphere and reinforces that notion of a freedom in mind through music. Stipe's almost withering but perfectly apt voice in Sing For The Submarine depicts a tragic wartime scene with reflecting moments of better times for the brave men at stake. Opener; Living Well Is The Best Revenge conjures this image of someone constantly breaking down these relentless boundaries with its galloping verses into triumph filled choruses. The band also invites us into their political persuasions on Man Sized Wreath with the lyrics "Turn, on the TV, What do I see? A pageantry of empty gestures, all lined up for me" regarding George W. Bush's appearance at last years Martin Luther King Day's celebrations.
Its also clear to see the band has been infected by rock and roll once more when the forgotten child of Document; Horse To Water rings like It's The End Of The World As We Know It both song wise and ironically globally. On Supernatural Superserious, the bands first single from the album, a ring of classic REM is evident, possibly Green, with both the return of Mike Mills' vocal harmonies and Stipe's lyrical ventures. The albums tempo constantly changes but seems completely appropriate as title track Accelerate drives with the urgency it suggests yet Until The Day Is Done slowly reaches a climax occupying the place for the second longest track on the album. How closing track I'm Gonna DJ came out of the Around The World sessions is beyond comprehension but its great to see its surface on Accelerate, as the bouncey, head thrusting track surely suggests a return to form for the band, be that with added "Whoo-hoo's" from Stipe and Co. The albums next single Hollow Man sounds like a quiet but sincere thank you to the REM fans for their perseverance. As Stipe puts it "You had placed your trust in me, I went upside down, I emptied out the room in 30 seconds flat, I can't believe you held your ground" but considering we had this to wait for, isn't it a good thing we did?

I have just been on to the ilike website where REM have posted a preview of the new album. Well, in fact, they have posted the new album as the preview consists of all full tracks and i have to say it was worth the wait. this is a guitar-melody driven blink-and-you'll-miss-it powerhouse of an album. there are a couple of tracks which i think will take more time to digest but overall you will hardly have time to breathe. REM have been my favourite band for over 16 years and I seem to be one of the few people who actually liked their last 3 albums (granted they were a departure and took a few listens but musically and lyrically i stand firm that they were fantastic). Accelerate does exactly what it says on the tin. REM have managed to bring an inkling of their blistering live performances onto a neat little CD and manage to leave you screaming for an encore (now that i think about it i have had one problem with the last few albums in that the last track has always seemed a little misplaced). Overall a stunning album, although I refuse to say a 'return to form' as, for me, they never left.