jf-gb's Full Review: Around the Sun [Digipak] by R.E.M.
According to critics REM haven’t had a hit in twelve years and yet they still remain one of the most respected bands in the world. Maybe that’s because none of their albums since Automatic for the people have been as bad as they suggested. Sure, Reveal was only a three star at best but Up, New Adventures in Hi-Fi and Monster were all solid four star albums and people still bought them when the critics panned them. And so when the first reviews of REM’s new album started to trickle through and most described it as mediocre, I was a little hesitant about going out and buying it. Then suddenly a sense of deja vu hit me, hadn’t I been through this before? And REM fans certainly have. And just to hammer home the point, Around the Sun, was nowhere near as bad as had been alluded to before hand.
Around the Sun is the 15th studio release (13th album) from the band and maybe there is a possibility it could be their last. Since their masterpiece Automatic every REM album has been compared to it and then discarded. You can hardly read a modern REM review without it being mentioned (including this one obviously). But maybe its time everyone stopped hoping for a new Automatic and REM have come up with the perfect alternative. What they have come up with is an album that takes the best parts of Reveal and New adventures styles and combined it with a bit of automatics acoustic flavouring. This creates a mainly slow and thoughtful album, musically dominated by the acoustic guitar and experimental synth noises. It carries on the band tradition of being mainly downbeat but with enough upbeat and radio friendly songs placed in it to avoid it turning into a dirge. Michael Stipe has written this as a political protest album however he has done it in a way as to not make it overpowering. In all but one of the songs the lyrics are fairly ambiguous and you can take whatever meaning you want from them, as I heard Stipe say himself in an interview.
Stipe himself gives probably the best performance of his career on Around the Sun. I have always thought that he is the best rock/alternative vocalist around and here he proves it beyond doubt. His vocals are warm and pleasant and he excels when he is required to inject pure emotion into a song. He pulls off sad and angry passages just as well as he does happy and bouncy and every song has a bit of magic put into it through him. As I mentioned above his lyrics are also on top form. Peter Buck also proves something here, that he is one of the greatest acoustic guitarists. The times he leads a song with the acoustic are always with top-notch riffs and his rhythm guitar backing up the melodies are second to none. The times he switches to electric are always understated but still beautiful. Mike Mills again performs with quiet efficiency, getting the occasional chance to show of a bit with his bass (although you will need to turn the bass up on your stereo to truly notice his contributions). Unfortunately his backing vocals have been cut down and are less frequent than they have previously been. Although they are still nice when you do get to hear them.
The songs themselves are mainly quiet and medium paced. One reason the album has been critisised is that it keeps almost the same pace throughout and on the first few listens some of the songs can meld together until you get used to them. This is why I would recommend this album to people who enjoy slow soothing music and don’t have a problem with it in large doses (so most REM fans are fine). The music is deceptively complex underneath its peaceful appearance. There are many layers combining together on many of the tracks to create some of the best instrumental tracks of the bands career. The drums are very good and so are the different synth noises that also find themselves in most songs. You will also hear overdubbed guitar and multiple vocals as well as bass and the occasional string section. This gives the music a lush, regal sound.
THE SONGS.
1. Leaving New York - The lead single and one that has earned a fair amount of airplay. I initially thought it was nothing special but it really has grown on me quickly. Buck reels of more trademark jangling guitar whilst the piano flashes through occasionally. Stipe’s vocals are particularly likeable especially during the rousing chorus, as well as when he voice is overlapped in the hook before the final chorus. He sings about New York but it also appears to have some romantic undertones and contains some excellent lines. I would'nt say it is representative of the album as a whole though so be careful if your just buying on the evidence of this song.
It’s easier to leave
Than to be left behind
Leaving was never my proud
Leaving New York, never easy
I saw the light fading out
2. Electron Blue - this is an electronic based track that is another real grower. The strange electric noises are back up by superb drumming as well as some discreet piano and guitar. The lyrics occasionally resort to fairly basic rhymes but it can’t spoil the song. Stipe again delivers to the best of his ability with vocals that really hit the bulls eye. An overall very pleasant song (nice title too).
Adventure has laid its claim on you
It’s all you want to do
You, you know where to run
You run electron blue
3. The outsiders (feat. Q-tip) - This is currently my favourite song from the album. Its simply one of REM’s best songs starting with calming and slightly foreboding synth noise as Stipe hums beautifully. The drumming is again very nice and when Buck’s electric guitar comes in at the chorus it completes a lovely complete sound. Stipe sings in a reserved tone but gets it note perfect and the lyrics flows easily. Then comes something I never thought I’d hear on an REM song: a guest rapper. This on paper sounds like it could be terrible but it’s the complete opposite mainly because it’s superbly written but also because Q-tip delivers it with such verve. The moment When Buck’s guitar kick in behind him and the music rises to a crescendo is one of my favourite ever musical moments. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this as a single.
A man walks away. When every muscle says to stay
How many yesterdays? They each weigh heavy
Who says what changes may come, Who says what we call home
I know you see right through me, My luminescence fades
The dusk provides an antidote, I am not afraid
I've been a million times, in my mind, and this is really just a technicality.
Frailty. Reality.
4. Make It all Okay - A sweet song with some obvious political references. Piano and Guitar take the lead in creating a very soft tune with good work from Mills and his bass. Stipe alternates between sounding eager and reserved, and the chorus showcases how soothing his voice is to listen to. This is a nice song and a very competent album track.
It’s a long, long, long road
And I don’t know which way to go
If you offered me your hand again I’d have to walk away
5. Final Straw - This song starts with possibly the best acoustic guitar riff on the album whilst Stipe sings in an almost ominous tone. It is the most folk sounding song and also the one that sounds the most overtly political. It is also simplistic musically with just the guitar and then later the synth making much impact. It’s a quite good song but one of the least enjoyable on the album.
As I raise my head to broadcast my objection
As your latest triumph draws the final straw
Who died and lifted you up to perfection?
And what silenced me is written into law
6. I Wanted to be Wrong - Quite similar to the last track and still quite political although in this case it feels a little heavy handed. Another good acoustic riff and the plodding bass form the base for the song as Synth strings wash overhead. The best part is the chorus because of Stipe’s delivery where he almost goes into a falsetto to deliver the lines. Again its good just not brilliant.
I threw it into reverse
Made a motion to repeal
You kicked my legs from under me
And tried to take the wheel
7. Wanderlust - Ahh the appearance of the obligatory ‘were not grumpy old gits’ song that finds its way onto every REM record (e.g. Shiny Happy people or the Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite). This one is quite an old fashioned sounding song which is based around a bouncy constant beat. The drums, bass, piano and guitar just keep the beat throughout whist Stipe delivers the lines in a way, which makes you imagine he had a smirk on his face whilst singing it. Judging form the sticker that was stuck on the front of the CD when I bought it this will probably be a future single (with the next track) and it might do rather well.
Looks like I pulled a fast one
Looks like I went to town
Looks like the world revolves around me
Looks like its falling down
8. Boy In the Well - This song is another highlight of the album despite being one of the most depressing. It’s got a very claustrophobic sound to it with the synths and bass shadowing the lighter guitar that is mirroring Stipe’s vocals. The best part is the hook before each of the choruses because of the acoustic guitar riff and Stipe’s plodding delivery of the lyrics to which he gives a hint of anger too. The drums are used to give the hook and choruses a bit more punch and are very nicely played. The chorus is lighter than the rest of the song and feels a bit awkward but it doesn’t spoil the song. There is a bit of harmonica or an instrument like it chucked in their towards the end as well.
Look at this, its me, walking away
Look at you drowning on display
Every time I’ve dropped by. I tried to say
The water is rising
You don’t want to stay
9. Aftermath - Is a welcome change of pace being slightly faster than the songs before it bar Wanderlust. It also brightens you up again after the depressing last song (although setting you up for fall as the next couple of songs are the most dirge like). Its bouncy and Mills bass is very well done whilst the rest of the instruments blend together to make another beat similar to Wanderlust. A nice song and one that’s enjoyable.
He’d like to call
But the stars collide
They’re beautiful and much maligned
In a universe where you see the worst
10. High Speed Train - Is a very spooky sounding song although I cant really specify why. It’s probably the oppressive synth noise or the dry backing vocals during the choruses and their contrast with Stipe’s high-pitched wail. However saying that this has turned into one of my favourites because its just very addictive once you start listening to it. The breakdown at the end is also pretty good thanks to Stipe and his impassioned delivery. It’s a bit political with references to Kyoto among others.
You’ve taken me by surprise
You’ve mirrored my best disguise and
Turned it back on me
11. The Worst Joke Ever - This is the nadir of the depressing tunes you ill find on the CD and it’s a pretty decent track too. Its basic, with just the guitar and the bass in the verses and then it gets a bit brighter in the chorus as the synths and guitar make a lighter tone. This is another song that can be interpreted as being one of protest especially with the way that Stipe delivers the vocals in a dramatic and also sarcastic way. Worth a few listen although its pretty dark.
The crime of good men who cant wrestle with change
Or are too afraid to face this life’s misjudged unknowns
You’re not hurting anybody else’s chances
But your disfiguring your own
12. The Ascent of Man - A song to cheer you back up again mainly because of Stipe letting it go and showing some more of his incredible range when he starts singing the ‘yeah’ parts. The electric guitar by Buck is also very cool in the chorus and so is the bass supporting Stipe. There is a little synth solo towards the end, which is pleasant enough. The lyrics aren’t all that brilliant though and a bit abstract.
I looked for you. It’s my last grandstand
A moterscootered goat-legged Pan
Figure eighting in quicksand
13. Around the Sun – The title track which is reminiscent of Automatic’s closing song Find the river. It follows in the band usual step of having a hope filled uplifting song to end their albums with and its superb at doing that job. Its very well written and Stipe’s rousing vocals are very well done. Its goes through several phases, starting of medium passed and then getting faster and then finally end slowly. A brilliant closer.
Hold on world ‘cause you don’t know what’s coming
Hold on world cause I’m not jumping off
Hold onto this boy a little longer
Take another trip around the Sun
Overall this is the bands best album for twelve years and is just about their fourth best album. It’s the most enjoyable of recent years and also at the same time very deep and emotional and the protest side of it brings an extra element into the mix. The vocals are worth the price alone and the rest of the band performs exceptionally. It seems REM have finally banished the demons of Automatic and maybe in the future we can compare any new material to Around the Sun.
***** = Leaving New York,Electron Blue, The Outsiders, Wanderlust, Boy in the Well, High Speed Train, Around the sun.
**** = Make It all okay, Final Straw, Aftermath, The worst Joke ever, The ascent of man.
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