Imagine yourself waking up in a field with the sun beating down on you and a feeling of hope in your mind and in your heart. If you can imagine that then you're ready for R.E.M.'s 12th studio album, 'Reveal'.

A much stronger set then 1998s 'Up', 'Reveal' is an album that shows off the growing confidence the band now has since the departure of drummer Bill Berry in 1997. Tracks like 'She Just Wants to Be' and 'I'll Take the Rain' are as strong as anything from their 1992 masterpiece 'Automatic for the People'. Michael Stipe's lyrics have always been cryptic at the best of times, but here he lets his guard down a little to show a more direct side of his personality (hence the title of the album I guess). 'The Lifting' and 'I've Been High' deal with some new found freedom in his life both personally and musically while first single 'Imitation of life' proves that he can still smile.

Next single, 'All the Way to Reno (you're gonna be a star)' is a big country/rock song that sounds like a long lost track from their 'Monster' - 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi' period. The group also continues their fascination with Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys on 'Summer Turns to High' with Stipe putting in a great Brian Wilson impersonation.

After 20 years in the business, R.E.M. still manage to find new ways to move you emotionally. Very few bands can lay claim to that.