The sound of Accelerate is effortless and almost rustic, conjuring visions of early guitar-driven work. The opening flourish of the album’s opener, a fast-rocker fittingly entitled “Living Well’s the Best Revenge,” introduces us to R.E.M. yet again. Stipe’s voice is rough and always earthy and his wails fit the pace of the tune flawlessly. I’m impressed.

The album continues on, coursing through an assortment of the fastest songs Stipe and Co. have put out in years. At around 35 minutes, Accelerate is certainly a worthy title. The swiftness and attitude of the album is absolutely on-point, too, and provides some of the most notable R.E.M. moments in quite some time. “Hollow Man” hearkens back to the strength and spirit of what I loved about Automatic for the People with one of the most hummable and lyrically-strong choruses in quite some time.

All of Accelerate feels like a rediscovery of rock for the band. There are protest songs (“Houston”) and there are brooding and important ballads (“Until the Day is Done”), but most of all there are brilliant songs that work as well musically as they do lyrically.

Stipe is stellar here, probably at his best in years, as he sings like a prize fighter prepping for the showdown in the ring. His vocals rise and fall proficiently, the profundity is evident, and his lyrics are tough and often angry. Just when things reach the depths of darkness, though, Accelerate turns around and runs jubilantly for the exits on the gleeful yet cynical “I’m Gonna DJ.”

Fans of R.E.M. can raise their heads again and know that the band is no longer a “three-legged dog.” Others, like myself, can rest avowed in the knowledge of rock’s ability to redeem and rebuild. Accelerate is redemption for R.E.M. and, as such, it is redemption for their fans. Victory at last.