Is Accelerate a good place to start with R.E.M.?

Yes, Accelerate is recommended as a starting point for new R.E.M. listeners. Raw energy and urgency permeate this album, reflecting a band eager to reclaim its punk roots while addressing contemporary themes. Released in 2008, Accelerate marked R.E.M.'s 14th studio album and their first since the departure of longtime producer Scott Litt. The band aimed to return to a more energetic sound after the more subdued Reveal in 2001 and Around the Sun in 2004, signaling a renewed focus on live performance and direct songwriting.

Who is Accelerate for?

Accelerate works well if you're into brisk pace for active listening, steady energy throughout the album and urgent themes of resilience.

How many songs are on Accelerate?

Accelerate has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Accelerate

R.E.M. · 2008

34 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Raw energy and urgency permeate this album, reflecting a band eager to reclaim its punk roots while addressing contemporary themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Living Well Is the Best Revenge Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics that critique media culture, embodying the album's urgent spirit.
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Supernatural Superserious — As one of the lead singles, it captures R.E.M.'s blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics while showcasing their evolution towards a more straightforward rock sound.
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Until the Day Is Done — This track stands out with its poignant reflection on mortality and hope, combining lush instrumentation with a somber yet uplifting lyrical message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Accelerate showcases energetic songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with driving rhythms and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a fast pace for the album.
Several songs feature abrupt transitions, such as 'Houston' which shifts from a mid-tempo groove to a more reflective tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

brisk pace for active listening
steady energy throughout the album
urgent themes of resilience
for afternoon drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, contemplative music
dislike consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revitalized sound after a less favorable album, showing continued creativity.
Themes: post-2000s disillusionment· American resilience· change and self-awareness
Moods: Energetic· Cathartic
Career context: Released in 2008, Accelerate marked R.E.M.'s 14th studio album and their first since the departure of longtime producer Scott Litt. The band aimed to return to a more energetic sound after the more subdued Reveal in 2001 and Around the Sun in 2004, signaling a renewed focus on live performance and direct songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Until the Day Is Done

The song shifts from despair to a hopeful perspective as it emphasizes the importance of perseverance amid challenges.

This juxtaposition not only enhances the emotional depth but also showcases R.E.M.'s lyrical ability to navigate complex themes with grace.