Automatic for the People Review: Mortality, Strings and Tenderness
9/10 — R.E.M. - Automatic for the People (1992)
Pros
- 'Everybody Hurts' and 'Nightswimming'
- Lovely string arrangements
- Intimate vocals
Cons
- Downbeat
- A couple of lesser songs
Following the hit Out of Time, R.E.M. made a quieter, more reflective album with string arrangements by John Paul Jones. It is full of songs about loss and acceptance.
What works
‘Everybody Hurts’ is a comforting anthem, ‘Nightswimming’ is wistful and lovely, and ‘Drive’ and ‘Man on the Moon’ show the band’s range. Michael Stipe’s vocals are intimate, and the sound is warm and melancholy.
Where it falters
The mood is downbeat throughout, and a couple of songs, like ‘Monty Got a Raw Deal’, fade from memory.
Verdict
A graceful, deeply human record.
