Automatic for the People

This is my favorite REM album, so I was happy to replace the copy that had been stolen from my car. Still fresh and exciting, and eminently playable.

Here is one of those rock voices everyone knows immediately!

1.Drive: One of the best rock songs ever written. I think people can even remember where they were the 1st time they heard this song. Michael Stipes voice is just so pure and the musical construction of this song is just so dynamic. The acoustic sounds so great with the other musicians as well. His voice is at the forefront but this song couldn't be without the band's backing as they are so good together. By the time the electric guitar components & orchestral instruments come into it your already hooked. I still see concert images in my head of artists free flying into the concert crowd with this one. Such a well written song about our days of "youth" and the freedom of our youth to not have to conform, to being a time when we are still figuring out who we are. Just so well done. Yes...still!

2.Try Not To Breathe: The instrumentation of this song reminded me of an Irish ballad. The lyrics are so telling of someone finding their own confidence and strength during a difficult time. Love the acoustical guitar in this again!

3.Everybody Hurts: Another classic R.E.M. song that takes you back. Lyrically one of the best impowering songs of faith, strength, support, determination....against all odds! I'm sure this saved more than one life over & over again! Just absolutely outstanding lyrics, melody, vocals (soft, sweet, powerful) and musical arrangment. I don't think anyone can give justice to critiqing this song; not even Hemingway himself! Still on my favorite playlist with Drive!

4.New Orleans Instrumental #1: I just love that they had the guts to put an instrumental on this CD. Love what sounds like a variety of strings, cello, bass & violin. I think it showed their range & versatility as performers.....hey we're not just your regular rock band! Great!

5.Sweetness Follows: OMG...the vocal on this is just so precious. It sings like a memorial song to someone deeply loved ...a song of reflection.....like a family portrait......where you ponder the circular movements to & fro to find each other over and again. A song of tragedy, triumph....love the guitar so much in this song.......after hearing this I realize ...the Sweetness did follow!

6.Star Me Kitten: This song seemed like a song that someone like Chris Isaak could have recorded. I like him using his voice in a lower register; gave it an unknown unique style from his usual vocal delivery. Interesting!

7.Man On The Moon: This seems like a Happy Go Lucky song from the guys. Love all the historical references to moments & persons in history and what would this song be without him singing "yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah" in it. Love the attempt to sound like Elvis; that was so cool!

8.Find The River: I love the guitar intro to this song...still captivates me right up to when he begins the vocal. One of my favorite Michael Stipes vocals....just a pretty ditty! I think he was channelling Gordon Lightfoot for this one! It just flows like the tides of an ocean in perfect harmony! I feel like if I could jump into this song....I'd be on that green, green Irish soil..skipping to the pub to share a pint with the boys! Ha! Ha!

These are my favorite songs on this classic CD....hope you all can spend an evening listening to it & enjoying it again as much as I did tonight!

Cheers!

This is another short and sweet reviews and straight to the point. This is a magnificent album. There are lots of well written and they sound brilliant. It is one of those albums that should be on a list of must listen's before you die. Just brilliant.