R.E.M. thinks this is the best they have-16 already released tracks and two new ones squeezed into a compilation.
These tracks are undoubtedly not every R.E.M. fan’s favorite songs. The Best of R.E.M. In Time 1988-2003 contains some monumental hits such as “Man on the Moon,” “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth,” “Losing My Religion” and “Everybody Hurts.”
But what happened to “Bang and Blame,” “Shiny Happy People” and “Drive?” On a lighter note, most people can pick faults with any “Best of” album. Personal favorites are often overlooked.
Aside from leaving out some of the band’s most crucial songs, the two unreleased tracks, “Bad Day” and “Animal,” sound as if monotony is a good thing, resulting in bungled grumble of otherwise great music.
For R.E.M. lovers, you may just want to make your own mix of favorites from your previous albums. Pop fans that have been waiting for R.E.M. to release a greatest hits album, go wild, but don’t get ecstatic about hearing these redundant new releases. If you decide to skip this purchase altogether, you’ll be sure to see it in jukeboxes across the country.