- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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R.E.M. still have the remarkable distinction of never once producing a bad album, but this is perhaps the biggest example yet of the group merely treading water, whereas once they majestically swam.
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Los Angeles TimesA noncommittal aura undermines Michael Stipe's most personal, poetic and moving set of lyrics in years. [3 Oct 2004]
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SpinThis is a low-spark affair. [Nov 2004, p.112]
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As the songs unfold over multiple listens, though, what becomes clear is that R.E.M. still has plenty to say, and plenty of interesting ways to say it.
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Unfortunately, things do go awry more than a few times.
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UncutOften recalls 1992's Automatic For The People in its sobriety of purpose. [Nov 2004, p.100]
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Entertainment WeeklyAs arena folk goes, R.E.M. remain cooler than, say, the Wallflowers. Just barely. [8 Oct 2004, p.114]
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Alternative PressUndercut by passion and urgency. [Jan 2005, p.113]
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Structure trumps texture throughout: "Make It All OK" is a formally tight breakup ballad, with spiritual overtones, that could fit neatly on a good singer-songwriter record, and others are arranged semi-acoustically, highlighting Stipe's cleanest melodies and most inviting vocal performances in years.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 74 out of 112
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Mixed: 24 out of 112
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Negative: 14 out of 112
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Aug 30, 2012
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Apr 5, 2012
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Feb 23, 2022