Reveal (reissue)

Following the muted reception to 1998's predominantly electronic based Up, alt rock giants REM opted to return to a more traditional style of songcraft with their 2001 follow up Reveal. While still relying on a bevvy of glistening synths, the material exuded a retrofitted approach to their dynamic songwriting, with primary songwriter Michael Stipe rediscovering his creative purpose and voice, even as recently as 2021, referring to the work as his personal favourite of the band's output. Best known for the latter day essential contribution to their back catalogue; 'Imitation Of Life', the project also boasts lush opener 'The Lifting', which served as a prequel to 'Daysleeper' from their preceding LP, as well as standout cut 'Disappear', which came from Stipe's motivating Thom Yorke of Radiohead to overcome his stage fright. This in turn led to the Kid A track 'How To Disappear Completely', which reverted back to Stipe penning his own musical articulation of his communing with Yorke. More than two decades on, this often overlooked gem couldn't be more deserving of a reissue and refreshed ears.