Release date: 31/03/2008 | Length: 3:33 | Release: Accelerate | SuE: #155

Uncertainty is suffocating

Look at this, it’s an R.E.M. title track! Rarer than hen’s teeth, Accelerate is only the second time R.E.M. have committed to this convention, and comes out miles ahead of Around the Sun‘s eponymous number. Once it…*ahem*…accelerates up to speed, Accelerate never really slows down. The verses flow seamlessly into the chorus, reflecting the non-stop nature of both the band’s career and also the pace of life.

As a unit the song isn’t too memorable, though individually each band member does their bit. Michael Stipe sounds replenished and hasty, Mike Mills glides in the verses, and Peter Buck scribbles his guitar all over the chorus, joined by Bill Rieflin with an impatient hi-hat beat. But sometimes despite all the ingredients doing their bit, the cake still comes out a little plain. It may have a constant pace, but it’s a rather pedestrian one compared to the raucousness of Horse to Water, and lacks the fizz of Supernatural Superserious.

Accelerate isn’t at the top of the pile when it comes to tracks from the album, but nor is it at the bottom. Instead, it sits snugly in the middle, safely tucked away from any excitement. Sadly, R.E.M. have never thrived when snug or safe.