Accelerate, released on March 31, 2008, is R.E.M.’s fourteenth studio album, a fiery and rejuvenated effort that marked a return to their rock roots. Following the more subdued and experimental tones of their previous work, Accelerate delivers a punchy, high-energy sound filled with urgency and defiance, channeling the raw spirit of the band’s earlier days.

Clocking in at a concise 34 minutes, the album wastes no time, featuring standout tracks like the propulsive opener “Living Well Is the Best Revenge,” the anthemic “Supernatural Superserious,” and the brooding yet driving “Hollow Man.” Each song brims with sharp guitar riffs, pounding rhythms, and Michael Stipe’s impassioned vocals, blending socially conscious lyrics with a sense of personal reckoning.

Produced by Jacknife Lee, Accelerate captures a raw, live energy, reflecting the band’s desire to strip back and focus on immediacy and intensity. The result is a dynamic collection of songs that address themes of disillusionment, resilience, and hope with a fiery conviction.

Tracklist:

Side A:
A1. Living Well is the Best Revenge
A2. Man-Sized Wreath
A3. Supernatural Superserious
A4. Hollow Man
A5. Houston
A6. Accelerate

Side B:
B1. Until The Day Is Done
B2. Mr. Richards
B3. Sing For the Submarine
B4. Horse To Water
B5. I'm Gonna DJ