Terry Staunton's review: "easily their most eclectic and wildly inspired album yet, although it is still very identifiably REM - a brand new book from a familiar author." Rated 10/10.

Troy Carpenter's review: "R.E.M. finally showed its age, but did so with grace." Rated 8.5.

Parke Puterbaugh's review: "Yes, it's a departure, but no, it's not so radical a departure that it is unrecognizable as R.E.M." 4 stars.