R.E.M - Collapse Into Now Review

It's well known that R.E.M never produce a bad album. Collapse Into Now proves that point. There was lots of speculation about how this album would turn out, would it be in a similar vein to their 'comeback' album of 2008, or would they reintroduce some more of their nuanced sounds of earlier albums? As it happens, they compromised and there is a equal mix of both on Collapse Into Now.

Opening with an attention grabbing track by the name of 'Discoverer', you understand exactly why there has been so much hype surrounding this album, and just how deserving it is. Followed up by a punchy, more agressive 'All The Best', the opening tracks of the album cement the reason why it could be one of the best releases of the year so far.

R.E.M have never been a band to shy away from the slower, fokesy songs, and with the addition of mandolins and accordions on 'Oh My Heart', they manage to do that successfully too, enchancing the texture and layers to an already great song.

The most intriguing track, however, is closer 'Blue'. It's almost like an experiment with post-rock, with spoken lines mixing with harmonies, to create a song that leaves nothing to be desired. With Patti Smith guesting on 'Blue', other guests such as Eddie Vedder and Peaches, all contribute to making Collapse Into Now a winner.