A Vivoscene Music Review by Brian Miller

vivoscene rating 8.5

Forty-one minutes, 5 seconds of sonic excitement. In their 15th studio album, Collapse Into Now, the famed American rock group R.E.M. not only regains their footing but brings forth one of the most significant albums of the year to date. This new release is due out March 8; we found it a thrilling listen from beginning to end and feel it’s bound to be one of the best albums of the year.

Where the hell they went and why they stumbled the last few years is moot (their previous album Accelerate, was decent but not great). From the opening notes of Discoverer, the album takes hold and doesn’t let go with its incredible variety and beauty. From this driving and distorted rocker we instantly feel we are in a new country, worth exploring. By the time the third track Uberlin comes along, with its shimmering and intricate guitar, the album commands a place in our Must Haves collection. The fourth track Oh My Heart is as seductive and reflective a song as Michael Stipe has ever created. God, it’s good to have these guys back creating fabulous music.

The joyous and anthemic It Happened Today, the highly energized and addictive Mine Smell Like Honey, the wonderfully haunting and experimental ambient sounds of the final track Blue: all of these signal that R.E.M. has found once again their greatness with work that is the equal of any of their previous albums, a few of which such as Out of Time, Automatic For the People and Monster were monsters. Collapse Into Now is headed for that status, we predict.

Appearances by Patti Smith, Eddie Vedder, Peaches and other guests complement this stunning album.

With the closing track Blue weaving its closing notes back to the opening of Discoverer in a brilliant finish to the album, you will play, replay, and play again tomorrow. Take our word for it, our brief but intoxicated word.

Watch: Collapse Into Now Interview

Watch: Oh My Heart

Watch: It Happened Today