Album of the Day: R.E.M. "Up

I think the fact that I have 12 albums by R.E.M. and that I enjoy all of them says a lot about their ability. They just really have incredible consistency, though their last 3 albums I think have caused some to believe them to have really slipped up on their form. Some even don't think they've done anything good since "Automatic for the People", but I believe "Up" is one of those albums that can be too quickly disregarded, by myself included, but "Up" definitely has a lot to offer, though it's probably R.E.M.'s most dramatic departure they have taken their entire career. The change is understandable seeing how they lost their drummer due to health issues, which I think R.E.M. take in stride by not trying to be what they're not but instead redefining what they're trying to accomplish, therefore the album results in more reliance upon studio tricks and keyboards. But this makes for a very pleasant and unique album. The sound is incredibly soft and understated, not really ever getting very much energy, other than the upbeat "Lotus" and "Hope", both highlights of the album. But the album kicks off with a very soft and atmosphereic "Airportman", leading into the afore-mentioned "Lotus" which lends the most energy of the entire album. But then "suspicion" heads back into the atmospheric direction and is very pleasant if you give it a chance. "Hope" is a really great, textured song. "At My Most Beautiful" is many people's favorite, R.E.M.'s offering to the Brian Wilson ode genre. This is really an effective, layered, complex vocally engaging song. The album continues with a string of slower, though very softly textured songs, including highlights in "Walk Unafraid" and "Daysleeper". It's important to note that its really quite a change for R.E.M. in this album because not only are there printed lyrics, but Stipe's lyrics are incredibly clear, a huge departure from earlier work. But, yeah, I think that "Up" is no place to start for someone getting into the band, but it's also not a disappointing addition to their very full catalog.