On their 14th album, "Accelerate," Athens, GA's R.E.M. [ tickets ] seem to be most inspired by not only political, personal and social matters, but also, well, themselves--that is, their sound when they first started making music more than a decade ago. "Accelerate" marks a return to the band's most insistent, purpose-driven guitars, passionate vocal executions and fluid pop sensibilities.

Despite all his observations about the wrongdoings of the government and life's wayward moments, lead man Michael Stipe remains hopeful in his quest for some kind of justice and inner peace. It's never more obvious than on the trudge-along, organ-backed "Houston," based on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. "It's a new day today and the coffee is strong/I've finally got some rest," he sings with weathered, but spirited force.

Motivation, optimism and self-empowerment are central themes within much of the 35-minute album, which moves along at a breakneck, but not careless, speed. Amid the guitar-heaviness and rapid chord changes of "Man-Sized Wreath," Stipe proclaims a thought-inspiring question: "Nature abhors a vacuum, but what's between your ears? Your judgment clouded with fearful thoughts." Stipe's not just asking listeners for some internal reflection; he does the same. "Hollow Man" is a delicate piano contemplation that quickly purrs into a full-force rock effort, which Stipe conducts like his own confessional hour. "Believe in me/Believe in nothing," he demands with fiery enthusiasm.

Stipe may be spearheading the cause, but bassist Mike Mills provides some essential vocal backups that add a melodic cohesiveness to the entire endeavor. The two most impressive tracks are the atmospheric, climactic "Sing For The Submarine," which is set against a billowing background of vocals, and the supercharged "Supernatural Superserious," a danceable upbeat tune about forgetting teenage humiliation and enjoying life.

The end of the world has been a topic in Stipe's lyrical catalog before, and "Accelerate" is no exception. This time, a jolly Stipe promises to spin tunes at the end of the world in "I'm Gonna DJ," the giddy, very un-Stipelike sing-along closer. What all this proves is that R.E.M. aren't ready to retire and collect dust as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers just yet; they are too busy accelerating into the future, even if that means brining along some of the old techniques and sounds that made them so great to begin with.