CORPORATE LINE: Around The Sun, R.E.M.’s first new studio album since 2001’s gold Reveal, is as emotional and ulti- mately uplifting as its “Leaving New York” single. With a renewed band dynamic and songs influenced by world events, Around The Sun surprises and satisfies and is both political and poignant. Says Michael Stipe: “Even the most depressing R.E.M.song is going to have a glimmer of hope.” For fans of one of rock’s most acclaimed bands, hope revolves around R.E.M.
THE GREAT: Nothing.
THE AVERAGE:
“Leaving New York” – A nice song that doesn’t reach the emotional peak of R.E.M. days past. R.E.M. sounds like a band going through the motions.
“Around The Sun” – By the time you actually get to the song you are worn out. “Around The Sun” doesn’t get its due coming in at the last track.
THE BAD:
“Electron Blue” – Filler for track two is never a good sign.
“Wanderlust” – If you are an insomniac this is a great song to help you sleep.
FRANKLY: R.E.M. was a great band who never let us down—until now. Around The Sun sounds tired and worn. Michael Stipe had always given us wonderfully rich lyrics too bad the now sound trite and invoke no an emotion. The easiest way to describe Around the Sun is to be blunt—it’s boring.
+ Rae Gun
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