A man discovers he can make the woman he loves happy by reading corny poetry to her answering machine (“At My Most Beautiful”). On “The Apologist,” he prays, repents of selfishness and embraces a simple life of happiness and peace. “Why Not Smile” expresses concern over somebody’s blue mood. “Walk Afraid” describes the suffocating emptiness of mindless conformity. While “Diminished” may condemn our loophole-laden legal system . . .
. . . The man on trial seeks answers from I-Ching and Ouija boards. “Hope” recounts someone’s fruitless search for salvation in religion. Sexual fantasies plague “Suspicion” (“I’ll dream you’re so naked, baby”) and “You’re in the Air” (“I want you naked, I want you wild”). Alcohol flows on two tracks.
This musical departure for R.E.M. (organs and synthesizers replace the band’s guitar-heavy sound) takes lyrical strides as well. No profanities. No gender bending. Less hostility toward the church. This disc has flaws, but Up is a step in the right direction.
