Their follow album, 1992's 'Automatic For The People' saw the band take on a more experimental approach, creating moody and atmospheric pieces.

It was critically praised and even featured quite high on a few critics' best albums ever lists. With 'Monster' in 1994, they ramped up the guitars and opted for a grungy sound with the hit 'What's The Frequency, Kenneth?'

The next big thing to happen to the group was drummer Bill Berry quitting to become a farmer. They seemed out of sorts with his departure. Though they showed some spark of their original genius, their albums seemed to completely miss the mark.

Four years ago, they released 'Around the Sun' and it was such a disappointment that most people considered it their swan song. It seemed that one of the most relevant bands of all time was simply going to fade away.

The three members of the band have had to do some intense soul searching and decided to give it one last shot. And now, it looks like they are here to stay.

They will now be placed back among the pantheon of greats like Pink Floyd, U2, and Radiohead as bands that managed to do the most difficult thing in the music industry - be completely artistic but also commercially viable.

Stipe's lyrics are literate with academic leanings. They have distilled the best of punk, atmospheric melodies, revved up the guitars and seductive pop hooks in a world where the iPod is considered the greatest musical trendsetter since Elvis Presely.

Now the single is king and REM's new album comes packed with short, fast, and punchy singles. They seemed to be in a hurry to remind us that they have found their major again.

Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein-Getty Images

In the photograph: Michael Stipe