New Adventures in Hi-Fi by R.E.M. (CD, Sep-1996, Warner Bros. Records Record Label)

Maybe it's because I identify with so many of the haunting tunes on this brilliant CD, or maybe it's because this was such a new turn before Bill Berry left the band, but I think that this is by far REM's best. Other fans, like my husband, disagree and prefer older CDs like MURMUR and FABLES.

There is something refreshingly different about this arrangement--and like U2's The Joshua Tree, the American imagery the songs paint for the listener is truly breathtaking. From mention of deserts, freeways, Mulholland Drive, dusty cities and the American West, REM hooks the listener immediately and provides great visual images as the songs go on. There's a lot of pure emotion and raw energy here--"Undertow" is a great tune about not getting exactly what one bargains for, "E-bow the Letter" is a song that makes the listener reminisce about old times, and "Low Desert" paints great visual images of cities around the US while creating haunting feelings of familiarity and regret.

This album just goes on to prove the brilliance of REM. And while I do like UP (which came after Berry's departure), I'm not convinced that things have been quite the same since he left. This album, though, will seem to familiar for fans who've followed REM on their musical journey through the years. It's an unforgettable listening experience. Don't miss it.

This may sound like an overstatement but I think this is one of the best "rock" albums ever made. My recent copy on cd was damaged & I had to get a good copy. I have listened to this over & over again. It's like taking a shower after being really funky. Amazing. And no, I am not going to go through it song by song. It's up there w/ Murmer in my opinion. A different type of R.E.M. album but a GOOD kind of different.

I loved REM; i remember seeing them in the early 80's at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, and they were one of the bands that led me to a life-long love affair with music. but their output in the 90's was a dramatic decline from their work of the 80's, and this CD is a prime example. almost seems like the guys got together and said "we haven't put anything out recently; we need to get a CD out before we fall into complete irrelevance." unfortunately, this CD will not save them from that. One of the weakest projects by REM; a lot of lyrical wandering without a point. i only rate it average, because "weak" REM is better than "best of" most pop-rock pablum.

One of REM's more creative albums, New Adventures really is a step in another direction. I guess some fans don't like to be surprised each time a new CD comes out and wish for more of the same old stuff. I think those were the fans that really hated this album. As for me, I consider it one of the 5 best REM albums. The only song I don't care for is New Test Leper which has fantastic lyrics but really sounds like one of those bad Christian bands you would hear at camp. I think that's what they were shooting for though. 4 Stars.