"Up" is the eleventh studio album by R.E.M., released on October 26, 1998, through Warner Bros. Records. It marks the band's first album without drummer Bill Berry, who retired in 1997. The band opted for session drummers and drum machines, leading to a more electronic sound characterized by extensive keyboard use and programming. Produced by Pat McCarthy, the album diverges from the band's previous style, exploring themes of spirituality versus modernity and featuring a more automatic, unconscious lyrical approach.
Commercially, Up performed well, reaching the top three in both the US and UK, but its sales did not match earlier successes. It spawned four singles, including "Daysleeper," which achieved notable chart positions. Critics praised the album as a transitional work for the band, highlighting its integration of electronic elements.
The recording process was tumultuous, with the band facing creative struggles and near break-up. Despite this, they produced a diverse set of tracks, some inspired by other artists, including comparisons to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. Lyrically, songs like "Daysleeper" reflect personal themes of isolation, while others delve into broader ideas of technology and faith. The album's legacy continued with a 25th-anniversary reissue in 2023.
