Around the Sun
Having delivered their last great album with 1992's hauntingAutomatic For the People, R.E.M. spent more than decade attempting all kinds of reinvention, from the pointlessly noisyMonsterto the painfully dullUp. But withAround the Sunit feels like the band is getting its bearings back. Not only is it the Georgia trio's most consistent album since the 1997 departure of drummer Bill Berry, but it also sees the return of the lush imagery and intricate playing of the band's vintage years. There are trains, mandolins, Man Ray skies. More importantly, it seems heartfelt. Witness the gorgeous disquietingly dark opener "Leaving New York," the rapturous folk of "I Wanted to Be Wrong" and the solidly intense "Boy In the Well." At 13 generous tracks, it's far from perfect but--just when everyone thought R.E.M. was down for the count--Around the Sunis an unexpected bruiser of a comeback.--Aidin Vaziri