In their 21 long, and it has to be said, glorious years, REM have managed to become one of the biggest selling rock acts in the world, without selling their souls in the process.
With the spotlight unfailingly trained on the most enigmatic of frontmen, Michael Stipe, for the majority of this time Bill Berry (drums), Peter Buck (guitar) and Mike Mills (bass) assumed a quietly understated role. A role however, that was equally as important in the collective organism that was REM.
This was never more apparent than in 1997 when Berry was forced to leave the band through illness. After much deliberation the remaining trio's decision to carry on was partly justified by 1998's 'Up', which undeniably had its moments. The decision has been totally vilified however, by their latest long-player.
'Reveal' sees REM exhale, relax and ease into a new confidence with a collection of songs to fill your heart. Every track here sifts with a live energy that was previously polished out of 'Up', and they sound all the better for it.
The opener, 'The Lifting', is an up-tempo affair that strides forward, never losing sight of its purpose. Stipe suggests the song is a prequel to 'Up''s 'Daysleeper', but lyrically he is constantly re-interpreting his own, often impenetrable meaning, so make of it what you will.
Another stand out track is 'All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star)', pure sun-drenched, indolent retro at its downright most shaggable. The verse outdoes the chorus and a cowboy guitar line punctuates the song with a hook guaranteed to butter the muffins of all but a churl.
The hauntingly disjointed 'Saturn Return' leaves a stark impression, at times exposing Stipe's ever growing, capable vocal. It's on these occasions you realise just how good that voice is.
The ghost of the Beach Boys turned up at the studio for 'Up''s 'At My Most Beautiful' and their presence can be heard again on 'Beat A Drum'. The song oozes all things Californian and harmonious. Surf's up, indeed.
Elsewhere, the sugar-coated single 'Imitation of Life' is as radio-friendly as they come. Perfectly designed to leave a nice taste in the mouth, it's not quite as throwaway as 'Out of Time''s 'Shiny Happy People', but the chorus is an open invitation to wave your hands in the air, an activity one can't help feeling should be stamped out, not encouraged.
The obvious single, however, should not detract from an album of overall assurance and depth. The decision to continue as a three piece is looking an increasingly better one with 'Reveal'. The album sounds as if Stipe and co really enjoyed making it. And as a result it's a pure pleasure to listen to.
by Duncan Ponter