With haunting earnestness, frontman Michael Stipe worries that his soul lacks substance (“Hollow Man”). He lashes out at people in power—notably big business, media and politics —who could make the world better yet perpetuate the status quo (“Man-Sized Wreath,” “Until the Day is Done”). “Mr. Richards” holds a politician accountable for not being a man of integrity. Healthy pride, hard work and a positive attitude are all praised on “Houston” (“Make the best of what today has”). “Supernatural Superserious” suggests that our searing adolescent humiliations won’t be remembered by anyone but us. However …
That song tells a person to selfishly act on fantasies (“Enjoy yourself with no regrets”). The bitterly defiant “Horse to Water” uses the f-word. Several cuts err by employing Christian imagery (sometimes sarcastically) to describe a dying culture. One says “music will provide the light” at the world’s demise (“I’m Gonna DJ”). Elsewhere, lines doubt heaven’s existence, question God’s omnipotence and may belittle people’s emotional response to the Resurrection. Stipe’s contempt for faith reaches a boiling point on “Living Well Is the Best Revenge.”
USA Today called Accelerate “an angry rock throwdown.” Well put. It rails against religion, media and government for creating a doomed dystopia. Those institutions aren’t perfect, but Stipe’s failure to indict sin and see God as part of the solution leaves him punching at the air.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
