R.E.M. | The Black Sessions Revealed & Reveal (25th Anniversary)
The 25th anniversary of R.E.M.'s album "Reveal" is marked with a 2LP live album featuring a rare intimate concert recorded live for Radio France in 2001, "The Black Sessions", recorded only a few days before the album's release + a deluxe 3-disc edition of the album. The 3-disc edition includes the original album + the live album "The Black Sessions Revealed", as well as a Blu-ray with the album in Hi-Res Audio and 5.1 Surround Sound, plus music videos and the original EPK for "Reveal".
R.E.M.'s album "Reveal" was released in 2001 and marked a new chapter for the band. Their twelfth studio album – and the second after Bill Berry's exit – offered shimmering guitars, rich keyboards, electronic textures, and inspiration from the American West Coast. Thereby, the group expanded its musical expression without letting go of its characteristic songwriting.
"Reveal" was produced by the band in collaboration with their long-time collaborator Pat McCarthy. The album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, went No. 1 in the UK, Canada, Norway, and several other countries, and achieved gold certification from the RIAA in the USA.
One of the album's central tracks is "Imitation of Life," which became an international Top 10 hit and received significant support on both radio and MTV, not least thanks to Michel Gondry's acclaimed music video shot in a single continuous take. Other notable tracks include "All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)," "I'll Take the Rain," and "Beat a Drum."
With its blend of alternative rock, chamber pop, dream pop, psychedelic pop, electronic elements, and folk inspiration, "Reveal" occupies a special place in R.E.M.'s catalog. The layered production and melodic songwriting reflect the band's continued musical development in the early 00s.
"Reveal" was an international commercial success and continues to stand as a significant release from the later part of R.E.M.'s career. The album combines one of the band's most famous singles from the 21st century with a collection of songs that continue to resonate with listeners worldwide.