CLASSIC: R.E.M - Reveal

With the release of their latest album, I thought I’d take this opportunity to reflect on the last great R.E.M album. This means skipping past 2004’s Around the Sun and landing in 2001, with the number one album Reveal.

This was seen as a return to form for R.E.M, a second-coming. Their second since the departure of long-time drummer Bill Berry, is a mix between the up-beat songs of '91’s Out of Time and the electronic sound of '98’s Up.

Whereas some critics at the time claimed that the band was forcing what came naturally to them in their previous efforts, and while this might seem slightly true, it doesn’t make it any less of an amazing album. But then, you couldn’t expect any less from R.E.M.

The track that is a must-listen is their top 10 single Imitation of life, a jolly sounding track with deep yet seemingly nonsensical lyrics.

This is an album that should be listened to, revelled in - in all its glory - and, quite simply, enjoyed.