I was anxious to listen to R.E.M.’s In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988 – 2003 since I first heard about it. I always wanted to get an album of theirs but never got around to pulling the trigger on the purchase, a choice I am now regretting.
From their huge hits to the songs that you hear for the first time this greatest hits album is worthy of its name. Their range of songs takes you from the brink of tears, “Everybody Hurts,” to songs that make you rock, “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”
But if you think it’s just a collection of songs you’ve heard for years on radio and MTV, you’re wrong. The two new songs they release just on this album, “Bad Day” and “Animal,” show that the creativity has not waned in the last 15 years.
Michael Stipe’s voice is among the best in music, past or present. It’s the kind of voice I wish I had. Words come out without effort. His voice is filled with goose bump highs and heart ripping lows. “Daysleeper” shows how beautiful each word sung should be.
You cannot just give the credit to Stipe; much of itrests with the other members of the band. Mike Mills, Peter Buck and the retired Bill Berry give unique sounds to each song. They seem to always be on the same page.
One song I must note is “Stand.” Peter Buck calls it, “the stupidest song we’ve ever written.” It holds a special place with me because it was the theme song to the short lived FOX television show “Get a Life,” starring Chris Elliot. It is just a fun song.
R.E.M. has what many bands wish they could have, mobility. By this I mean, they are not limited in their abilities and styles. They can’t be labeled as a rock, or an alternative, or a pop band. They do it all and they do it with grace. And that is why so many others try to emulate them. It is why Kurt Cobain always wanted to work with them. It is why Radiohead, Pearl Jam and Neil Young appear with them.
If you like any of R.E.M.’s work, buy this album. If you are not really sure about them, this album is the one to try. You’ll find plenty to enjoy.