R.E.M. - Collapse Into Now, a review

As one of the still ongoing greats, there's always going to be a massive splash whenever you release a new album. And my initial impressions were that they'd got themselves wet. Because when you've put out seminal records as Murmur and Automatic for the People, not to mention classic songs as Losing My Religion or Everybody Hurts, there are bound to be people disappointed and stans (obsessed fans) who'll lap it up regardless.

The review I'd read in Q was particularly harsh - giving them 2 stars and calling Collapse Into Now a massive step-down from 2008's Accelerate. I consider myself quite a fan of Accelerate but it was by no means a career high, merely a return to form following late 90s/early 00s disasters such as Up and Around the Sun. So I was nervous.

The first three tracks didn't ease my worries. They initially appeared hurried and unexciting, but on repeat opener 'Discoverer' is a real stomper of a track. With a fantastic chorus, it evokes them at their Accelerate time, all U2-inspired stadium rock and chanted vocals that are exhilarating. In 'All The Best' there's a great nod to Oasis, the riff sounding remarkably like "The Shock of the Lightning". So there's a little shame there, but it's full of the same energy as the opener if you're the sort to not notice these little similarities. And then there's 'Überlin', much more laidback and typical R.E.M. (that is to say, reveling in acoustics and 90s Radiohead-style easiness), to the extent that it's a little stale.



'Oh My Heart' has some lovely Irish sounds to it and coupled with Stipe's restrained delivery it's great slow-burner. On 'It Happened Today' there's all clap-along acoustics and perhaps their most carefree happy song since the taboo 'Shiny Happy People', and in 'Every Day Is Yours To Win' it's quieter still, all lingering twinkles and contemplation.

'Mine Smell Like Honey' turns up a gear and is every drivetime radio host's wet dream, being all innocent foot-tapping and The Cure-style riffs. I say drivetime radio with its obvious negative MOR connotations but it really is quite a brilliant tune. 'Walk It Back' is a throwback to Motown guitars and Elton John piano tunes with that kind of honky tonk bliss poured through a sieve. 'Alligator Aviator Autopilot Antimatter' is probably the most Accelerate sounding of the lot, with backing vocals from Peaches to suit the energy.



There are further nods to their Automatic for the People sound on 'That Someone Is You', being so inspired by punk rock riffs that by now Collapse is beginning to sound like a greatest hits compilation. 'Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando and I' is perhaps the most introspective of the tracks, despite the most awesome of song titles, and closer 'Blue' is split into two - the first half all whispered egotism over a distorted backdrop and featuring vocals from Patti Smith, the second a repeat of 'Discoverer' (not sure if I have a corrupted version or if that's intentional...)

So there we have it. I mentioned that it sounds almost like a compilation and I stand by it - it's got too many differing sounds to really come off as something cognitive and fully embodying a new direction for them. But am I complaining? Nope. Because after my initial fears of a massive decline in quality, it surprised me - it's got something for everyone and some real stand-out moments. Are there any career-defining great hits? No. Is it a good album? Yes.

Rating: 7/10
Highlights: Discoverer, Oh My Heart, Mine Smell Like Honey, Alligator Aviator Autopilot Antimatter
Avoid: Blue, Uberlin