Review by LarryG
4 stars out of 4
Automatic For the People is probably REM's most beautiful record. It's
mostly subdued but the songs are very good. It's also a reminder that
Michael Stipe is one of the best singers in pop music. Everybody
Hurts is genuinely touching and eloquent. Stipe abandons his normally
indecipherable lyrics for a fairly clear message,
urging a suicidal person to "hang on". The austere music lets
Stipe express the message. On Automatic For The People, REM use strings
well to complement the lush music. When they rise at the end of Everybody
Hurts as Stipe sings "hold on", the effect is moving. Sweetness
Follows is a nice, simple song where Stipe instructs us to live a life
full of joy and wonder. The record ends with two great ballads.
Nightswimming is a gorgeous, evocative memory tale where the music is
only piano and strings and, at the end, a wistful oboe. Find The River is
another excellent showcase for Stipe's poignant vocals. It has a nice
unrushed feel and good atmosphere created by dreamy keyboards
and backing vocals from Mike Mills. Automatic For the People is not all
introspective ballads. Ignoreland is filled with Stipe's anti-government
venting but it's also a kickass rocker. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight
is giddy fun. Stipe has a good, relaxed time with their riff on the Lion
Sleeps Tonight and his goofy lyrics, including the fast, obscure chorus
(come in and try to wake her up?). Man On The Moon is one of REM's
best singles ever. It has a nice easy rock mood with great Peter Buck
guitar textures as Stipe sings his sweet tribute to Andy Kaufman.
Automatic For the People is not as perfect as the REM record it most
reminds me of, Life Rich Pageant, which is also generally low
key but tuneful. I find Automatic For the People's version of Drive
pointless and plodding and much prefer the beefed up version on the Greenpeace
benefit record, Alternative NRG. But generally Automatic For The People is a
great sounding record and one of the best from one of America's best rock
bands ever.
|
