Accelerate cover

Accelerate

R.E.M. · 2008

34 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · folk rock · jangle pop

A brisk, urgent blend of alternative rock and punk energy reflecting a renewed vigor in R.E.M.'s sound.

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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 want

  • 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
Career context
Released on March 28, 2008, 'Accelerate' marked R.E.M.'s fourteenth studio album, coming after the underwhelming reception of 'Around the Sun' in 2004. This album signaled a return to their energetic roots, featuring shorter songs and a more straightforward rock approach amidst a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies
If this clicks, go next to
Collapse into Now — Continues the energetic rock vibe with fresh themes and sounds.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
High Violet by The National — Shares a sense of urgency and introspection with a polished, anthemic rock sound.
You Could Have It So Much Better by Franz Ferdinand — Combines brisk tempos and sharp lyrical wit, echoing R.E.M.'s energetic return to form.
Narrow Stairs by Death Cab for Cutie — Features a mix of urgency and melodic complexity, resonating with themes of introspection and change.
New to R.E.M.? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Living Well Is the Best Revenge".

  • 1 Living Well Is the Best Revenge Start here 3:11
  • 2 Man‐Sized Wreath 2:33
  • 3 Supernatural Superserious 3:23
  • 4 Hollow Man 2:39
  • 5 Houston 2:05
  • 6 Accelerate 3:33
  • 7 Until the Day Is Done 4:08
  • 8 Mr. Richards 3:46
  • 9 Sing for the Submarine 4:50
  • 10 Horse to Water 2:18
  • 11 I’m Gonna DJ 2:07

What to play next

This album is considered a Late Career Highlight in R.E.M.'s catalog. Revitalized sound after a less favorable album, showing continued creativity.

Collapse into Now
Listen next

Collapse into Now

2011

Continues the energetic rock vibe with fresh themes and sounds.
Around the Sun
Go back to

Around the Sun

2004

Sets the stage with a more introspective sound leading into Accelerate.
Full R.E.M. discography Where to start with R.E.M. Artists like R.E.M.
alternative rock folk rock jangle pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata