Reveal
by R.E.M.
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Sonicnet
    60
    On the plus side, the album sounds really nice.... The problem is, things get a little too lazy and hazy; Reveal's 12 tracks all move with almost the exact same dreamy, midtempo lope.
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    50
    It's full of the same monochromatic balladry and hipster references of its recent albums.
  3. Pitchfork
    50
    What makes Reveal so disappointing is that the additions to the classic R.E.M. sound are all merely superficial. The increased reliance on burbling, jittering synthesizers actually makes the album a less engaging listen, turning many of its songs into messy sonic muddles.
  5. Village Voice
    40
    Mike Mills's and Peter Buck's acoustic midtempo strummings and electronic ambience match 1992's Automatic for the People for lethargy, without the looming darkness or catchy sentimentality that made it compelling.
  6. CDNow
    40
    There's a welcome sunniness to much of the album, with "Beat a Drum" recalling The Beach Boys' "Feel Flows," and "Imitation of Life" displaying some of that classic Document-era jangle. The two songs are Reveal's only real highlights.
  7. Blender
    40
    'Up' sounded like the work of a band getting its bearings. On 'Reveal,' they're still finding their way. [Jun/Jul 2001, p.110]
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Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Album of 2001
40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2001
33
#33 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 51
  3. Negative: 1 out of 51
  1. IbanL
    Oct 5, 2006
    7
    "Reveal" is a very interesting record, likely the best album since Berry left the band. R.E.M. caught very well the summer feeling in this "Reveal" is a very interesting record, likely the best album since Berry left the band. R.E.M. caught very well the summer feeling in this record. Some of the songs are brilliant, like the first single "Imitation Of Life", which is an R.E.M. classic now. The Automatic-days were gone and this record doesn't get close to the best albums of the band, but it shows that R.E.M. still had life after the departure of Bill.… Full Review »
  2. Batters
    Feb 23, 2022
    6
    Неплохой альбом, есть несколько хороших песен, однако уже после «Up» чувствуется упадок группы.Неплохой альбом, есть несколько хороших песен, однако уже после «Up» чувствуется упадок группы.
  3. Ricko
    Sep 18, 2017
    9
    Another great album to add to the R.E.M collection. I think this is a really underrated album and although it doesn't have many (if any)Another great album to add to the R.E.M collection. I think this is a really underrated album and although it doesn't have many (if any) classic tracks on it, as a whole it is up there with the better R.E.M records released post 92. All the tracks have a cohesion about them where they all fit together. The acoustic based, reasonably sparse production suits the material and there is some brilliant song writing on it. "Beat a Drum", "The Lifting", "Chorus and The Ring" are all some of the more upbeat tracks they've put out. Beneath the surface, it's a summer album full of sunshine. One of their most enjoyable and easiest listens.… Full Review »
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