Review by LarryG
2½ stars out of 4
Considering the incomparably brilliant body of work they created in more
than a decade between Murmur and Monster, the increasing irrelevance of
R.E.M. is a little depressing. Adventures in Hi-Fi was ambitious but
unfocused and not particularly accessible. Up is a simple, sometimes
beautiful work but it generally lacks the energy and virtuousity of their
classic works. Up is the first record without their original lineup
intact. Drummer Bill Berry has retired. The advance buzz was the band
would react by making an electronic album. It turns out only a couple
songs rely on electronics and are largely unremarkable. The most obvious
thing about the record is its subdued tone. Twice the payoffs are
brilliantly beautiful, on the pristine piano and acoustic guitar based
Daysleeper and on At My Most Beautiful, with its great Beach Boys style
harmonies. Stipe has made a career of indecipherable lyrics but At My
Most Beautiful is touchingly clear and sweet. Other times, Up just drags.
The inventive guitar work of Peter Buck, which has been largely responsible
for R.E.M.'s greatness, is rarely emphasized. Lotus, the only song that
could be called a rocker, is Bang and Blame without the power chords,
a pretentious bore.
Here's what others reviewers have to say:
1998
"...a look back and a dream forward from the greatest rock-ballad
band that ever existed....Buck and Mills have orchestrated their rock
as never before. Losing Berry has allowed R.E.M. to literally think
outside the rock box......" Rolling Stone 11/12/98, p.113-114
Ranked #15 on Spin's list of "Top 20 Albums of '98." Spin
1/99, p.91
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