Search - R.E.M. :: Reveal

Revealing

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 12/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have always thought it an odd coincidence that U2's startling return to former glory All That You Can't Leave Behind came out roughly the same time as R.E.M.'s "Reveal." This is an album made to be eager to please, discarding the electronic squonking that buried what was worth hearing on Up (think U2's Pop) and delivering an album that honed in the band's strengths. "All That You Can't Leave Behind" was revealing, yet "Reveal" got left behind.



To me, "Reveal" is a massively underrated album. R.E.M. continue with their new-found Brian Wilson fascination on "Summer Turns To High" and "Beachball," shimmering instruments set apart from creamy harmony. The first single and video, "Imitation Of Life" should have been this album's "Beautiful Day," and brings back the R.E.M. of Peter Buck's jangle guitar. "All The Way To Reno" delved into Michael Stipe's lyrical irony (who thinks they'll find stardom in Reno?) along with a dreamy chorus.



There were plenty of other songs on this album that merit note, but the one that hooked me was "I'll Take The Rain." I played this song and U2's "Walk On" during 2000 and 2001 when I needed a boost to my spirits.



"I used to think

as birds take wing

they sing through life so why can't we?

You cling to this

and claim your best.

If this is what you're offering?

I'll take the rain."



Given the spectral production on "Reveal," it gives the aching sadness of the song an amazing emotional sweep. The 5.1 remix offers the range of sound the band was obviously trying for, and I was hoping to hear in the DVD-A releases. The bonus features consist primarily of a documentary of the making of the album and some shots of the band playing a Rock In Rio festival and a weird electronic, Up-like mix of "I'll Take The Rain" set to animation. "Reveal" is an album where Buck, Stipe and Mike Mills find themselves comfortable working not just as a trio, but as an R.E.M. trio."

Angelic

bob turnley | birmingham,al,usa | 03/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like the Beatles and few others, REM has moved from their rock and rolling mass-appeal youth to a sophistication that both maintains their distinctive sound and delivers hope for the new. There are several wonderful tracks here but I nominate Beat A Drum as the best song of the 21st century. It will be difficult to displace."

One of R.E.M.'s Very Best Albums

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 11/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reveal is a quiet melodic album with a lot of fine songs that are bound to grow on you. First impression may be that only the two singles "All the Way to Reno" and "Imitation of Life" - and yes they are standouts - among the very best of their long list of hit-singles.



The opening "The Lifting" is one of the punchier songs, and a great one too.



The quiet ballad "I've Been High" is a moving song that seems get get better with everytime you listen to it.



Another favourite is "She Just Wants to Be" with its quiet acoustic start and great chorus.



Musically there seem to be a lot of inspiration from Brian Wilson - "Beat a Drum", "Summer Turns to High" and "Beachball" are very good examples of this - all fine tracks.



Though maybe not as high-profiled as classics like "Life's Rich Pageant" or "Out of Time" I would easily rank "Reveal" as one of REM's strongest and most consistent albums."