R.E.M

Around The Sun

R.E.M. : Their Best So Far

Review Score:

(10/10)
The CD's opening track is "Leaving New York." This is an insightful and personal introspection about change. Stipe uses leaving New York as a metaphor for the ending of a loving relationship. "It's easier to leave than to be left behind. Leaving was never my proud. Leaving New York, never easy. I saw the light fading out."

"The Outsiders" is one of my favorites. It is an imaginative conveyance about loss. The brilliance of this composition is its transition from Stipe's speak-song delivery, into the "new day is born" rap of Q-Tip's anthem-like declaration.

"Make It All OK" is about the oftentimes complexity of love relationships. The expression "flip-flopping" is popular these days, the lover in this song flip flops about what she wants in the relationship, causing her partner to give up. "You said we could start over, try and make it all okay." Then Stipe expresses, "Was it my imagination, or did I hear you say, we don't have a prayer between us."

"Final Straw" provides a perfect example for how the songs on this CD flow together and connect. Wheareas in the previous song, "Make It All Okay," Stipe expresses anguish, in "Final Straw" he takes a stance, "If I look I'm not sure that I could face you. Not again, not today, not today."

The finale of this opus is "Around the Sun," an affirmation of one's ability to work through the difficulties of life with determination, conviction, and perseverance. Stipe sings, "Hold on world 'cause you don't know what's coming. Hold on world 'cause I'm not jumping off. Hold on to this boy a little longer. Take another trip around the sun...believe."

Great music!

Rebirthgil
L.A.

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