On the heels of the recent digital compilation We Are Hope Despite the Times, R.E.M. has released a new lyric video for “I Believe.” The track explores “themes of personal conviction, resilience and the search for truth.”

The video, created by longtime R.E.M. art director and fellow Athens native Chris Billheimer, draws inspiration from the handmade designs Michael Stipe used to create for himself during the Fables of the Reconstruction tour, as well as the politically themed T-shirts he wore during 1991 MTV VMAs. At the latter, the band used their acceptance speech for Best Video (“Losing My Religion”) to draw attention to causes like gun control, reproductive rights, voting rights and alternative energy sources.

R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe says:

I believe the choices in this election could not be more stark or more important. Please vote and encourage everyone you know to do the same—that is how we win in 2024 and I believe we can do it!!!

More About We Are Hope Despite the Times:

On September 17, R.E.M. released We Are Hope Despite the Times, a digital compilation of songs “aimed at encouraging their listeners to stay informed and engaged and to vote during this critical election season.” The collection features 18 politically-relevant songs, including “Welcome to the Occupation,” “Swan Swan H,” “Fall on Me,” “World Leader Pretend” and “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).”