Automatic For The People by R.E.M.: Alt-Rock. Pretty much EVERYONE either owns this album or has heard the songs from it. Make no mistake, it is a dark album as most of the lyrics deal with mortality and the music is subdued to say the least with the use of acoustic guitars, mandolin and organ throughout the pieces. However, the songs have as the French say, a certain something, and though melancholy there is something hopeful within the songs as well. TWH: Drive; Sweetness Follows; Nightswimming

Grade: A*