Much of what has already been written about this album would lead one to believe that Up is the beginning of a new era for R.E.M. I couldn't agree more. The album is an entire world away from the work the band did while on I.R.S. and half a world away from the remainder of their catalog that has been released through Warner Brothers. However, that does not mean that this is a bad album. While so many bands that started in the 80's have become ridiculous parodies of themselves (The Cure etc.) R.E.M., even now, have stayed R.E.M.

Lead singer Michael Stipe has written lyrics that are right up to par with anything that he has ever done. Though the band has noted that the songs on Up aren't autobiographical peeks into Stipe's bald head, the sincerity that fans are used to is still there. The urgency with which he sings the anti-anthem "Walk Unafraid" or the bittersweet "Hope," will be familiar to any one who has ever followed the band's work.

The first single, "Daysleeper," may not be an arena rocker like 95s "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" but it's perhaps the most instantly accessible point on this album (thus a good choice for a first single). Anyone who has liked the band in the past, and who likes what they're hearing now, shouldn't be disappointed with this album.

Up is the most unique of any of their albums. The closest comparison would be to Automatic for the People, but that's even a bit thin. The mood of the album is remarkably similar, but guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills (drummer Bill Berry announced he was quitting the band October a year ago) have been playing around with their traditional roles within the band and that means they've discovered electronic instruments. That does NOT mean that we'll be seeing Fat Boy Slim remixes of "Daysleeper", but it does mean that the R.E.M. who released Chronic Town in 1982 has grown up a lot and has released another great album in 1998. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever liked R.E.M. Two thumbs UP.