One step back to the future ...

First of all I have to admit, of course, that I am for years big REM fan. Therefore, it was pleased to hear it, of course, that the successor of "Accelerate" is available. I was curious to see in which direction it would go this time. That one never knows for sure when REM, but apparently they have rediscovered the old equilibrium that their boards did not bother in the 90s and 80s. A healthy mix of up- and mid-tempo numbers and ballads wonderful was waiting for me on "Collapse Into Now". The opener "Discoverer" and "All The Best" put for the time being, the line from the previous album "Accelerate" gone before the rough atmosphere is "interrupted" by one of the most beautiful REM songs for many years: ÜBerlin. A wonderfully melancholic song, the absolute highlights the strengths of the band, coupled with a chorus that will not want to go out of my head. It continues with the reveling "Oh My Heart", another dreamy ballad a bit like the positive counterpart to the song "Houston" (from the plate Accelerate) seems to be. Strong it also goes further with "It Happened Today". After the first half of the song uses a powerful chorus which ideally supports captivating instrumental. Among other things, here sings with even Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. With "Every Day Is Yours to Win" it is calmer and spontaneously fell me no comparison to a similar REM song a. This once again shows that the band is based not only on old strengths, but to dare into new realms. "Mine Smell Like Honey", the US single, is a jazzy uptempo number, in the vein of "Supernatural Serious". During the following song "Walk it back" it is quiet again. Stipes whispering and bassy vocal creates together with bated Instrumental an incredible atmosphere, which is typical of REM. Exactly what distinguishes the band. Really great song! "Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter" pulls up the pace again. One second you still resonates with "Walk it back" and in the other second one is carried away by Peter Bucks reef. That puts the band in "That Someone Is You" continues. The guitars are less distorted here, what REM remembers clearly from the 80s. In "Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando And I" Peter Buck must unpack his mandolin again. The song creates a very intimate atmosphere. Stipe and Mills voices sound again wonderfully together and before the drive coming to an end, REM cut with "Blue" out a grand finale. Stipes chant reminiscent of "Belong" from her milestone "Out of Time" and guest singer Patti Smith gives the song with her delicate singing the final seasoning.

On her 15th studio album to date REM reflect on old strengths without copying themselves. The band has always thought progressive. This has begun with "Murmur" and will be continued in "Collapse Into Now". I know that it was also the last plates, they were an act of liberation, but here you is that unlike its predecessors "Accelerate" and "Around the Sun" absolutely first class, since they, unlike the said plates a better balance found between songs. It is definitely the most balanced album since "New Adventures in Hi-Fi" with perhaps even stronger songs. I can evaluate in a few months, however, only when I tested the songs on their sustainability.

For me there is no other verdict than 5 stars and a congratulations to the band, which has more to prove anything to anyone, but has done it once more.