REM's Michael Stipe has revealed that the American rock veteran’s 15th studio album was almost called ‘Future Tense’.

While the album was being recorded it became clear to them that many of the new songs had the same spirit as R.E.M’s earlier work, clinging to a youthful optimism and collective ethos that seems far removed from the chaotic, fractured world of 2008.

‘Accelerate’ is also highly politically charged, dwelling on Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and the Bush administration, and foreseeing a future that seems particularly dark.

Though the band eventually decided on the title ‘Accelerate’, Stipe spoke of their need to reassert the status of R.E.M. in the changing world.

He said: "We had a clear directive. We were communicating on a level we have not communicated on in some time, and I think we were saving the band, each of us. We each felt like this record was that important, to us and the future of R.E.M. and the legacy we leave.

Describing ‘Accelerate’ as “really fast, and really raw and in your face”, R.E.M. deny claims that this is their come-back album.

Bassist Mike Mills told MTV: "People tell me it sounds like a return to form, but I don't understand that. We wouldn't even know how to return to anything at this point.

"I can't imagine anything less interesting than going back and doing something you'd already done before. This is R.E.M. 2008, nothing more, nothing less."

(by Hazel Sheffield)