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 Slightly flawed masterpiece Oct 24, 2009
In a way, it's ironic that 'Automatic For The People' became REM's most popular and well-known album, because it's not really representative of their typical sound. Rather than the slightly ragged jangle pop of their early years, or the political rock of the late 80's, 'Automatic..' a collection of subdued, introspective folk-rock songs. It's still recognisable as REM, but it is a departure of sorts, particularly after the bright pop of 'Out Of Time'. The risk certainly paid off, with the album becoming a critical and commercial success, and spawning some of REM's most loved songs.
The album begins on a slightly underwhelming note, with 'Drive' being an odd choice for the opener. However, this is immediately followed by the emotional and intelligent euthanasia reflection 'Try Not To Breathe'. The more upbeat 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite' is more reflective of their sound on 'Out Of Time', while 'Everybody Hurts' became a massive hit, and is one of REM's best-known songs.
'Automatic...' ends with three of its best songs; the Andy Kaufman tribute 'Man On The Moon' is another slightly up-tempo song that's reminiscent of 'Out Of Time'. 'Nightswimming' is a beautiful ballad, one of REM's most under-rated songs, with Stipe accompanied only by a piano. And 'Find The River' provides a positive but bittersweet closer, and is a perfect summation of the themes of the album.
However, while the beginning and end of the album are some of REM's best work, the middle sags slightly. In particular, I've always found the political 'Ignoreland' a bit jarring and out-of-place among the deeply personal themes on display here. 'Sweetness Follows' and the sly 'Star Me Kitten' are good, but a couple of the others aren't quite to the same standard. While it's impossible to expect every song will be a classic, the outstanding quality of the beginning and end of the album does highlight the slight drop off in quality through the middle stretch.
So 'Automatic...' is not quite the perfect masterpiece some fans claim, but it is definitely a strong album, and one of REM's best. Despite its weighty themes, the album never becomes bogged down in sentimentality and sappiness, and (apart from 'Ignoreland') doesn't resort to lecturing or posturing. In many ways, it's surprising REM didn't continue down this route, since it was a perfect direction for the band to follow as they matured. Their less-than-consistent output since this album means that 'Automatic..' can be considered the peak of their success, commercially and creatively. Unfortunately, it looks like a peak they will not be able to match again.
[4.5 stars]
 One of REM's best works, a true milestone Oct 20, 2009
This is one of those rock albums that has about 1/4 of it primed for commercial success right off the presses. "Automatically liked" by the people. And that's what happened--a number of songs hit the upper end of the charts after this album debuted in 1992. As for the other songs, they didn't get as much airtime but they are certainly well worth a listen. This isn't to say that you're going to like every single song on this album, but it's hard not to feel like at least 3/4 of the album is worth listening to again and again, becoming a staple of your regular music collection.
I wish R.E.M. had kept themselves more in touch with what they achieved in this album. From here, they went on to produce Monster, which was a radical departure from their previous music. Experimentation is to be encouraged in the art of music, because if you don't take chances you don't grow. BUT, there's the matter of balance. Successful rock bands mix the music in their albums, incorporating their future directions little by little. It's extremely risky to make a 180 degree turn in one fell swoop.
I listen to this album and I can't help but feel like this is REM's last great work in terms of the pop/folk/rock music genre. I expect that the diversion they've been on since will tire them out, as pressure from the record labels mounts due to lack of sales, and that they'll have a "grass roots" revisit to the sound that once made them so well known. There's plenty of material to use; life is saturated with change and conflict, considering that is going on today. There are plenty more stories to tell.
So, if "Automatic For The People" has somehow been left out of your collection, reconsider it. If you don't want to buy it new, then pick up a lightly used one from an auction website. But don't bother downloading individual songs via MP3... you'll end up paying much more than you would for the whole the album as you get to know the work more.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 vinyl sound quality poor Oct 12, 2009
This is not a review on the album itself. BUT for anyone looking to purchase the vinyl be aware...the vinyl arrived in good condition but 2 songs (Man on the Moon and Nightswimming) have terrible sound quality with what can be best described as wonky and off key sounding instruments.
Above average album Sep 21, 2009
Not sure how review of the music can be helpful. If you think about buying just go and try 10-30 sec playbacks.
This album is good, though
AFTP Sep 19, 2009
The entire CD is a playlist essential along with Out of Timefor a Sunday afternoon drive or whatever scenes you are working on in this film of life. I'm not a musical person but for some reason I need music for the lyrics. I like it when songs provide explanation for phases of life and this CD reaally does.
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