Automatic For The People

Everybody Hurts is a really good song. I enjoyed this so far knowing most of the music. Man On The Moon is also great. I didn't have this album on CD back in the day but I had several other REM CDs and enjoyed them, though I think I prefer older REM. This is a pretty good 4 star for me with some really great popular tracks.

Not as bad as annoying as I remembered it. The first track is still silly though.

Tällaisia nämä Remmit on. Hittejä ja fiilistelyä. Onko tämä sitten kolmonen vai nelonen. Laitetaan nelonen.

very nice

The standout of the album, "Everybody Hurts", starts out like Elvis's "Can't Help Falling in Love", which instantly sets the tone. Both beautiful songs that generations to come can relate to.

Album que já conhecia anteriormente. Muito bom.

8/10

they put a fair few men on the moon tbf

Sjukt bra, men lite väl många mellanspår

Drive - 3/5 Try Not To Breathe - 4/5 The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite - 4/5 Everybody Hurts - 5/5 New Orleans Instrumental No. 1 - no rating Sweetness Follows - 3/5 Monty Got A Raw Deal - 4/5 Ignoreland - 3/5 Star Me Kitten - 3/5 Man On The Moon - 5/5 Nightswimming - 4/5 Find The River - 4/5 Average score: 3.7/5 (rounding up) i assumed the album would be higher energy than it was, i wouldn't have suspected there'd be so many slow songs. this was still a nice listen though

This is a pretty solid album, surprised I haven't listened to it before. It's definitely a anthem for people in their 30s. Reading that this was the album Kurt Cobain was listening to when he died also made this album particularly poignant to me. Try not to breathe is a painful one, so is sweetness follows.

that was pretty good, gotta find the songs i liked and add them to playlists

All the singles are excellent. One of my favourite REM albums. The start of side two is less good, but still good, and what an excellent ending. A very strong album. Excellent arrangements. I think the album can be summed up in two words. Beautiful and sad.

This is definitely my second favorite R.E.M. album and that’s not a knock against it, it’s truly a great album. It’s super poignant and methodical. This is definitely a love or hate band though. Like I could easily see why people don’t like their sound. They have a very specific and original sound that’s wholly their own and that can be very decisive for people. Totally great album, just not literally their best.

Very safe 90s alternative rock but that’s not by any means a bad thing. Some real smooth sounding stuff on here, will definitely be revisiting when I need some alt rock that isn’t the strokes or interpol

R.E.M. will never be my cup of tea. It's big, it's dramatic, it takes up a lot of room, but it never really resolves for me. The back stretch of this album is as good as R.E.M. will ever be, but it's still not a 5.

Catchy and melodic, very nice

Everybody hurts is one of my favourite songs. Find the river is another good one. A little too depressive overall, but aren't we all?

This is a quintessential 90’s alternative album. It ebbs and flows like the tide. It’s an easy listen and subdued in its presentation but the messages are loud and clear. Really well done.

Great sounding album. String arrangements are awesome, deep lyrics, and vocals sound great. Mixing and production are great also

I mean. It's R.E.M. at their best. I do love the college rock music better. But this is art.

Great!

Peak. Wish I heard of them before this year

Iconic Album. Some memorable songs

Who doesn't like REM? And Nightswimming is one of the prettiest songs ever written

Great REM album, definitely right up my alley. I somehow had every song liked on Spotify already, even though I don't remember listening to this as an album before; probably just forgot. Lots of hits on here, but every song is pretty good.

Am I the world’s biggest REM fan? No. Is Nightswimming one of my all time favorite songs? Yes.

Very good

Good

Great album

My preconceived notion was that this album would be quite pop and I don't remember liking it. That wasn't the case. I liked it quite a bit!

Nice

Though it was alright. Everybody hurts feels overplayed at this point but it is a good song. Some of them were a bit too odd for me personally but I see the appeal Fav song - everybody hurts/ignoreland Least fav - nightswimming Specific rating 3.8

Solid listen! Played on repeat while working

Feel like I'm in the car with my parents before they'd ever heard of vanlife. favourite: Man on the Moon least: Ignoreland

Classic, I think the singles from this album are still my favs, particularly Nightswimming

Not bad

Really solid album. Stipe's voice is awesome, great guitar tones and arrangements, well-recorded, and I'm a sucker for orchestral backing to rock songs. I couldn't ask for much more. The album barely holds its ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating because I feel like the back half of it had a miss or two. If everything was a good as the front half, it would have been a 5 for me

It's nice to revisit this album after some distance from it. "Nightswimming" is in my top 10 ever R.E.M. songs. "Find the River" is a great contribution from Mike Mills.

bangers

Understated majestic beauty. REM defined an entire era of pre-millennial mopey jangle pop and this, their lushest and least jangly period, is not as immediate as any other. It rewards multiple listens, requiring you to surrender and let the strings, keys and un-rushed melodies wash over. What a stunner.

Ok dencialf, è bello

Nightswimming is always a favourite of mine. This album has a good mix of songs with enough difference between them for a unique listening experience. Sweetness Follows is quite good, so is Drive and Try Not to Breathe. 3.5/5 stars.

Ok, I liked this more than I remember, actually, which is the opposite of the Document effect. Enjoyed quite a lot today. Maybe it's nothing to do with the specific album, and I just have to be in a REM mood.

It was strange. Split screen with it being a cafeteria brightly lit with my son on one side and the other dark living room with my sister on the other. My son was on a phone talking to his girlfriend while playing video game while I was arguing with my sister on the other. She walked briskly around the split screen to grab a backpack with a note that I vehemently did not want her to have. I chased her down the street and grabbed her and we were in the brightly lit cafeteria. I retrieved the note and she angrily went to the other side of the split screen

Really epic sound. This album helped me survive middle school.

I’m skipping all the tracks that were singles that I could not escape in the 90s. I’m not sure if I’m not enjoying this because the non-hits are not good songs, or because I’m still just exhausted from hearing the hits 24-7 and the sound is still the same. I like New Orleans instrumental no.1. And sweetness follows is off to a good start. I’m definitely enjoying the non-hits the later it gets into the album. I still really like man on the moon. Night swimming does not get enough play. This is a great track. Find the river is a great closer. Lots of tracks on the album that did not get radio play but are still great!

I knew the hits, but I have never listened to the entire album. It was good, the singles were definitely chosen for a reason, but the rest of the tracks lived up to the hype. I really enjoyed the instrumental track as well. Best song: Nightswimming Other highlights: Man on the moon, Everybody hurts, Drive, New Orleans Instrumental 4 stars

👍

pretty good

old favourite

Ай фил э лайт фо он зис синг. Лучшая песня - Drive.

I may have dozed while listening to this one... But what I really did hear, I liked.

Finally, an album that came out during my lifetime! I've never heard this one in particular, but I must have their first greatest hits (?) album, because I know a lot of these songs. Pretty, pretty good. Stipe also has such a unique voice that I know instantly these are R.E.M. songs, which actually isn't true of that many artists on this list for me. I find it comforting to know who I'm listening to. I like that there are lots of background strings. Feels very ~sweeping~. Apparently REM later thought 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite' was too light for this album, but that is one of the saddest songs here to me! Anyway, I like that one. (Wiki says 'Call me when you try to wake her up' is misheard as 'Call Jamaica'? Umm, OK. I could imagine thinking it's 'Go and try...", but I don't know where the people are coming from with that one. Not making my mondegreen slides, let's just say that.) On the other hand, 'Everybody Hurts' I guess is heavier(?), but is way more uplifting, at least lyrically. It's a fine song, but a little too sleepy for my preference. Feels like a spiritual counterpart to 'Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen', about which I have similar feelings. 'Ignoreland' is rough in every sense. 'Star Me Kitten'? What kind of a name is---oh I see. Highlights: 'Sweetness Follows', 'Nightswimming' 🥺, 'Man on the Moon'

Hey kids, rock and roll Nobody tells you where to go

Drive is such a great track on this record. The strings add a lot to the feel of melancholy and sadness. One of my favorite REM albums. 4⭐️

Nice bit of nostalgia - reminded me of being an angsy 15 year old.

Reminded me a bit of Age of the Understatement, although I didn't feel like it did enough with the orchestra in order to stand out. Favorite Track: Drive

Não é um disco perfeito, mas histórico. A voz de Michael é afinadíssima e marcante para quem esteve em sua adolescência nesse período.

asszem az egyik nagy meglepetése ennek a challengenek, hogy szeretem az R.E.M-et

Great alt rock stuff overall, good variety across the album

still sounds as good today as it did back in the early 90s. A beautiful album and REM's best in my opinion.

Great album. Dynamic and emotional

I never really listened to this album (other than the obvious hits constantly on the radio). Mainly because I REALLY do not like Everybody Hurts. Totally turned me off of REM or diving into their albums. But I have to say, the rest of this album is excellent. Beautiful song after beautiful song.

This was one the most “borrowed” tapes from my brother’s collection, though at the time neither of us metal heads would publicly admit we loved this album. There was something epic yet so incredibly personal about this album, like stadium-rock in a coffee shop. Man on the Moon got the radio play but Drive and Everybody Hurts had made their way onto many-a-mixtape. Really, there isn’t any song on this album that wasn’t good. I even liked Try Not to Breathe which starts a little medieval mistral and flawless transitions into a grand folk ballad for the ages. Michael Stipe gets a lot of credit, but Mike Mills haunting vocals and solid bass work, Peter Bucks driving guitar and Bill Berry’s drumming add to the tapestry that made Stripes opus successful. Discovery note: Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones did the orchestrations. No wonder it’s friggen great!

Random thoughts: * I got turned on to REM with "The One I Love". Still remember catching it on some UHF channel when I was home sick from school. * This is probably my favorite REM album. * I own this one on CD and remember being into it especially "Drive" when it came out. * I really like "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite". Just a jaunty fun song. * I didn't like "Sweetness Follows" when this album came out but now after hearing so many times on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack, I love this song. * I feel like there is a lot of hate for "Everybody Hurts" or it at least has become a meme. But this is like the song version of 'they don't boo nobodys.' "Everybody Hurts" is a really good song. * "Man on the Moon is a great song and one of REM's best.

So how do we get a follow up to what has given us Losing My Religion? Well, like this. A bit even more dark and moodier than it's predecessor, AFTP delivers, and gives us the next unforgettable sad hymn in the form of Everybody Hurts. Might need a mood for it but when it's right, it's a great LP.

So many familiar nostalgic songs

I was just a little too Xennial to really enjoy R.E.M. in the moment so this was a great listen. Stipe's voice isn't my favorite when he's loud, but Man on the Moon, Nightswimming, and Find the River were a heck of a trio to end this one

Another great album!

On the one hand, I was enjoying these songs well enough but some of them felt far longer than they actually are, particularly The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite and Everybody Hurts. They're not bad songs, but I suppose I subconsciously decided they maybe should've maybe been a chorus shorter. Drive is a great opener though, I like the strings that back up the instrumental and add an extra layer A good album, enjoyed the first half more on subsequent listens but still think I enjoyed the second half more Highlights: Ignoreland, Drive, New Orleans Instrumental No. 1

Nightswimming is probably my favorite REM song and whoever chose to add oboe to it should get some flowers.

Nostalgic

Com'on... All timer from college! (9.5) ★★★★½

Not my favorite R.E.M. album, but it's probably my 2nd favorite R.E.M. album on this list. I think this is a great sounding album -- the instrumentation is really cool (string arrangments from John Paul Jones!) . I like that it's a departure from what they were doing in the 80s, but their voice as a band still shines though. The mood of the album is also really nice -- it's sad in a way, but also uplifting. Favorite tracks are "Try Not To Breathe", "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", "Sweetness Follows", "Man on the Moon", and "Nightswimming". 4.5 stars.

Another obligatory 4 due to loving this in high school

Really enjoyed! It’s melancholy so need to be in the mood

I dig R.E.M. and have definitely listened to a few songs on this album before, but never the full thing. The obvious tracks like Drive, Everybody Hurts, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, and Man On The Moon are all great. Solid 4 from me.

Some pretty good songs, no really bad songw

nice album, nothing exceptional but easy to listen to

Not bad

Sad album :’(

Great pop culture, good music.

Like it

So ive never been a major REM fan. The singles obviously cut through, but the deep cut fanboy stuff seemed alien to me. Listening to this album, however, has given me a foothold in their work and I really enjoyed it. The high points are seriously high, with the album bookended by 2 pairs of brilliant songs. I needed reminding how good night swimming is. The rest of the album seemed good and im going to start going back to peel off the layers in the hope i discover more.

Banger.

This is the R.E.M. that I grew up with chasing me around on the radio. Ya know as much as I heard Everybody Hurts wayyyy too much growing up, it really is a beautiful song. Its patient and stripped down to just the right elements with the string support at the end. Man on the Moon is the other standout single on here. Catchy as hell and easy to sing along to. Ultimately, this is a fine album. Nothing earth shattering, but some solid song writing and enough to keep me interested through the whole listen. I'd say this is low 4 territory.

This definitely sounds like an REM album. The singers voice is so recognizable, but the backtracking is also pretty distinguishable. That said, I liked this REM album. I think in past albums I have mentioned how it isnt anything special, but this album seems to be my favorite so far.

EVERYYYYYYYYYBODY HURTTTTSSSSSSSSSSSS I can definitely get into some R.E.M. His voice is probably the most annoying part of the band but it definitely works on a lot of songs as well.

pleasant comfort-food-rock album

I'm closer to "getting" R.E.M. Production sounds great, songs are strong, and I find Stipe's vocal performance compelling. Great closing three-track run. I can hear why other alternative rock bands that came after point to R.E.M. as a kind of godfather.

8/10 Favorite Tracks: Everybody Hurts, Man on The Moon, Monty Got a Raw Deal Least Favorite: The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite

Okay, here’s my controversial opinion: Man In the Moon isn’t very good. Other than that, great album with some enduring classics

This project reminds me that REM is so good.

Another album I listened to growing up since my mom is an REM fan. Michael Stipe is kinda whiny at times and Everybody Hurts has become almost a joke, but taking a listen with fresh ears, there are so many songs I like on here (Man on the Moon, Try Not to Breathe, Nightswimming, Everybody Hurts).

Ah, my last R.E.M. album to review, and it happens to be their last one chronologically on the list. I listened to a fair amount of R.E.M.'s music in my teens and early twenties, but other than Document, I'd never listened to one of their full albums before starting this project. I've enjoyed reviewing their albums so far (Murmur and Document were both 4 stars, and Green was 5 stars), and I expect great things from Automatic For The People as well. I'm ready to let R.E.M. go out with a bang (and blame)! I really wanted to fall in love with Automatic For the People, and while there moments of if that I absolutely loved, I think it falls a little short of a five star album for me. However, I do understand how this album has a reputation for possibly being the band’s best work. My favorite moments on this album were easily “Everybody Hurts” and “Nightswimming.” “Everybody Hurts” is absolutely beautiful, and the lyrics are incredibly powerful. I’ve struggled with my mental health throughout my life, and I’ve found “Everybody Hurts” to be really cathartic when I’m struggling. The way the song swell to a beautiful conclusion is incredibly representative of how it feels to come out of a funk and to fight another day. The strings are so incredibly well arranged on this song, and I can’t believe that today was when I learned that John Paul Jones was responsible for the arrangement. “Stand” is my favorite R.E.M. song, but “Nightswimming” has been giving it a run for its money these last several years. The piano melody is absolutely beautiful, and I love the way that the strings compliment that melody. Michael Stipe’s vocals are absolutely perfect, and this is probably my favorite singing of his. Even thought “Nightswimming” is incredibly symbolic and figurative, it still manages to paint a beautiful visual image. I’ve never been a big fan of “Man on the Moon,” but I have a newfound appreciation for it after listening to this album today. As one of the few guitar driven tracks on the album, it really stands out, and from a songwriting standpoint, the lyrical theme of sorting reality from a comedic bit is incredibly relevant today. The album as a whole is fantastic when it comes to the songwriting, and I loved that it explored some darker thematic elements and how those elements are the building blocks of grief throughout life. My biggest complaint with Automatic For The People was that there were some boring stretches; other than “Everybody Hurts,” I wasn’t that big of a fan of the first half of the album. However, after “New Orleans Instrumental No. 1,” it does pick up quite a bit of steam that it carries through the end of the album. Still, I thought this album was really good, and it was a perfect way to cap off my final review for an R.E.M. album.

This is a surprise, I would’ve expected to find either one of the first four albums which are the most critically acclaimed, or Out of Time which is the most successful one. This album is the follow up to Out of Time which was the band’s mainstreaming breakout album. I listened to both a lot in my childhood and teen years. Some very big hits on this album including Everybody Hurts with its iconic music video, nightswimming, Drive and Man on the Moon. I am pleasantly surprised. This album is somber but much more dynamic than I remember, many great album tracks like Try Not To Breath and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight (Wikipedia claims the latter was a single, didn’t remember that). Monty Got a Raw Deal another great song, also Find The River. I haven’t listened to this album in over a decade, likely two, and I’m surprised at how good it is. I think this is four stars. REM has a very strong discography and this stands out as one of their best albums, even if it’s not my personal favorite (that would be Life’s Rich Pageant).

Despite having listened to a lot of singles from the band since my childhood, I never felt that compelled to listen to a full album of them. Fortunately, I've finally fixed that and, honestly, this bittersweet melancholy all across the songs alone makes it a very good listen!

I feel like this album will grow on me with time. There are some great songs on here, perfect for late night drives

Its honestly a great experience.

One of my favorite bands ever. I really “like” this album and a few songs are amazing BUT I feel like this is where the downhill trajectory started. Man on the Moon bores me. A few other do too. Good album, great, important band.

Unique, not your average 80s pop. Enjoyed quite a few songs, like the hit Everybody Hurts. Sounded kinda indie.

I must admit that I am not a big R.E.M. fan, but this album is simply great. There are so many great tracks, and the album as a whole works really well.

Hard to rate/experience as an album because I grew up on so many of these songs. But R.E.M. is great

Three truly great songs surrounded by enough pathos and social commentary to create an enjoyable, pensive experience

Rock, 1992 -> 4

Nice

Has some of their classics, rest of the album is great too

Besides a few songs, the whole album is an agonizing crawl, in which R.E.M. is mourning youth and life and I was here for it. It explores the horrible realization of the passage of time and even without the lyrics, you can feel it in the tempo of the songs and the orchestra. Very good, I don't know anything else by R.E.M. but this was a good start and there was hard competition in the 90s.

This is my dad's music. Always hated it, then I listened to it after a hard day of work and it soothed the shit out of my soul. I'm listening again as I write this.

Lots of classics on this and the new Apple spacial audio remix is great.

Classic. Love some of the softer and less whiny stuff here.

• 4/5 • Great album from their mature period • Favorite tracks: Drive, Man on the Moon, Nightswimming • The Atmos/Spacial Audio remaster is fantastic - so rich

relazing.

girl this was good i can not lie

Might as well be a 90's greatest hits album. Don't like every hit on here but there's a lot of nice like Drive. Stipe's voice is a joy to listen to and the small orhcestral touches in the album are pleasant to listen to. The fame of some of the songs kind of hurts my perception of them, they're overplayed to a point where its hard to enjoy them.

Lekker REM album

Indie rock intelligence that deserved its breakthrough to mainstream success.

i have a love hate relationship with the lead singers vocals, damn good album though

This album has grown on me over the years. Nightswimming is such a fantastic song. I personally prefer Monster, because I like the more alternative / grunge-y REM sound. But preference aside, this is definitely their magnum opus.

Да, я бывал здесь когда-то

Very sad. Great but very sad.

While I've never been the biggest R.E.M. fan, I always viewed this album as the band's best. Unfortunately it's Stipe's vocals that steer me away from the band. They aren't bad, just kinda unappealing to me which is a shame because otherwise the band sounds really great especially on this album. I think I would give AFTP 3.5 stars but since that's not a possible rating on this site I'll round up to 4 stars because I do believe this is a cut above the rest of their albums which I will probably give 3 stars or less. Favorite track: Drive

Full of effects that still resonate. Songs that are forever memorable

wiedermal hangoverbedingte churze text aber was sicher festghalte werde muess: ich weiss au nöd was es gnau isch aber R.E.M. holt mi eifach ab… zum glück hed d‘qualität im mittelteil chli nacheglah, suscht hetti dene sieche tatsächlich 5 chritz müesse gäh, grad nomal glück gha

Still a great album 32 years later! The Spotify version has live versions of the songs which was really good. Album has many hit singles: "Drive", "Everybody Hurts", “ Find the River", "Man on the Moon", "Nightswimming" and "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite". Good stuff!

90s alternative rock with a distinctive sound and a soft, gentle kind of outlook. Not all of the songs wowed me but some of the ones that land ("Drive," "Everybody Hurts," "Man on the Moon") are quite great. The music video for "Everybody Hurts" was seared into my developing brain. I found myself singing along to "Man on the Moon." A little annoyed by the balance of sound on "Ignoreland" - couldn't seem to make out the lyrics over the music.

ingiustamente haterato

Starts out with 4 strong tracks before falling down to decency in the middle. Man on the Moon picks up the proceedings and the album finishes as strong as it started

Good album, definitely a 90's vibe lyrically etc. Great background music.

1/12/24 I enjoyed this album.

definitely good but idk if it would even crack top 3 r.e.m. for me.. a bit too mellow highlights: try not to breathe, ignoreland, man on the moon, find the river (mar 13 2026)

It's hard to deny that Automatic is a great album. It's yet another collection of R.E.M's effective alternative art rock sound. There are a couple of huge hits and the deep cuts are all interesting and solid. R.E.M. does what almost no other rock band is able to do and somehow toe the line between artistic rock and pretentious bullshit. While I can see how someone might not like their message or their music, they so effectively toe that line for me. I love their varied, artistic sound that they somehow managed to keep fresh and unique from release to release. They deserved to be at the top of the charts through the 80's and 90's and Automatic is a perfect example of why. Their songs are varied, artistic and well written. The musicality is effective but completely unique somehow and Stipe's vocals really do elevate their work. I can see how the split between R.E.M. hater to lover is pretty defined, but their discography lands on the positive side almost all the way through for me. R.E.M. had a crazy run of albums through the 80s and 90s and I hope another entry shows up on the list. 3.65 stars

Pretty good honestly

Probably my favorite REM album.

No particular thoughts on this one but REM is pretty good

It's just really good...a song or two away from perfect

I quite like an M&S shirt ;)

When I was a kid I had a needlessly contrarian hipster phase that included me hating EVERYTHING Georgia, which includes R.E.M. That standpoint is really stupid as I am a known lover of them now, but it was a very real view I held for a while. I thought I was too "cool" for their style of alternative rock, favoring far heavier radio rock like Sevendust or Collective Soul. (I still do to be honest, but I can appreciate this strand of Peach State songwriting much more nowadays.) That being said, nowadays this record is a bit too lightweight for my tastes? I still like it, but it lacks a lot of the driving energy that Green and Document were known for. Of course it has classics like "Everybody Hurts" that boosts its score and it's once again saved by the "have to give everything an 8" clause this site makes me stick with... It's a solid record, but not the first R.E.M. I'd reach for. 7/10

very strong 4 💪

Solid album. Favorite tracks: Drive and Man on the Moon. Least favorite: Star Me Kitten.

A solid album with some deep and moving songs. Others are ok, and a few lagged on. Mostly an enjoyable listen with political relevance that stands today.

Alt rock, somewhat gentle

This was all over the radio back in the day and the re-listen really transports you and ties you to a specific era. The music more than merits its ubiquity in the 90s.

I like REM, but this album was quite different and slower than most. my hot take is I like strings in pop rock actually

There are some great songs here. Nightswimming has always been one of my top songs. That being said, the only thing that keeps it from 5 stars for me…emo before emo was a thing.

This could be REM's best album, but then I haven't listened to any of their others. Still, this I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

#56 Like it. Looove Everybody Hurts.

Classic

I guess if anything I figured I wasn’t going to be negative, on the contrary I felt like I was discovering some of the songs I never paid any attention to in the past like “Drive” or “Try Not to Breathe” or “Find the River”, etc, songs that I felt I had ignored over the years because I never listened to it in full again. I gravitated towards the previously mentioned “Man on the Moon” or “Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight” but that’s only a part of the album that only gives a small glimpse of what they are doing. In full though there’s just the feelings of this large, comfy alt rock album, comfy for the nostalgia but also the sound of the kind of instrumentals and moods they have in most of the album which just makes this a comforting listen when feeling lethargic or just more low energy than I would otherwise. But that’s not to say this album is just soft and sad, even the upbeat songs are probably where the album shines the most for me, I guess there’s something to the songs “Sidewinder” or “Ignoreland” whose more upbeat sound make them fun, maybe it’s the organ or how one feels so carefree while the other’s sort of “revolutionary” (I guess) sounding tone has always stood out to me. This album to me feels like one of the better things from this side of 90’s alt rock that was lighter and softer, it may be the nostalgia speaking obviously but even among things that are pop rock I rarely enjoy them unless they do more, and this one does more in the simply nice way that R.E.M. do. I guess it’s hard to encapsulate what I like about this one so much but in the end I guess it still remain one of those that I can happily return to.

The voice of micheal stipe has always been one that takes my breath away every time i hear it! This album is no diffrent! Best song: Everybody Hurts

A very decent alternative rock album from the guys from Athens, Georgia. Following directly on from their wildly successful Out of Time, it was probably R.E.M.'s most productive writing time. Was afraid that the non-singles on the album would not reach the heights of Everybody Hurts and Man on the Moon, but for the most part they delivered. Liked Star Me Kitten especially. 3.8 stars, rounded up!

I really like this album -- the songs are interesting enough to keep my attention, which isn't always the case with R.E.M.

No sera tan automatico si he tenido que darle al play?

Strong album lots of great tracks. Nightswimming is a jam.

Wow, did not expect this-IT'S GOOD.

Really like R.E.M. own several of their albums including this one.

Early indie rock with a little taste of pop and Irish music. Eclectic instrumentation that is out of the ordinary for the genre. Beautiful songwriting that is reminiscent of The Decemberists.

REM is always a fun time! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

A couple of clunkers but night swimming alone makes ammends

Lot of open chords. I can tell they built these songs without drums Worth another listen at some point Fits in the two back to back final song albums

There’s nothing like R.E.M. Angsty. Beautiful. Rooted in Folk. Mellow. Simple.

Some classic songs

Not my favorite REM album, one too many "radio songs," but still a great album and better than most other things out there. So many brilliant songs like "Nightswimming" and just a "happy place" album in so many ways.

Peter Buck says that this album was inspired by the themes of loss and mourning associated with turning 30. As someone approaching 28 and a half, I didn’t need to heat that. Let me get this out of the way, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite doesn’t belong here. I get that it’s a breather on a downer of an album, but it’s too much. Even the band believed so, but it’s still a good song though. Otherwise, this dive into darker territory is among R.E.M.’s best work. Honestly, the real emotional part of the album for me was Nightswimming. (Everybody Hurts is great, but overplayed these days) That sense of reflection over “the good old days” in a world that seems to have moved on really gets to me. I won’t call this album a tearjerker, but it’s heavy and I certainly feel the weight. Favorite track: Man on the Moon Other hits: Nightswimming, Everybody Hurts, Ignoreland, Find the River, Sweetness Follows, Try Not to Breathe

Whenever I hear REM I wonder why I don't think to listen to them more often or at least include some of their songs in my playlists. They seem to fall under the radar. This is a fine album of songs by a mature band at their peak. I have always particularly liked Man on the Moon as I was an Andy Kaufman fan. The song seems to use the experience of Andy as a metaphor for bigger questions about life. 3.6

Probably one of the strongest R.E.M. albums you're likely to come across. Right off the bat - the hit singles this album produced are absolutely legendary. The lyrically cryptic and catchy acoustic rock song 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite'. The wonderfully orchestral and unforgettable 'Everybody Hurts'. The absolute early 90's pop culture filled 'Man on the Moon'. And the beautiful, sombre, melodic piano ringing throughout the brilliant 'Nightswimming'. Are these songs the very definition of what popular music sounded like in the early-to-mid 90's? Absolutely. But it's nothing that should be held against them; as they walk a fine line between being commercial and containing artistic credibility effortlessly. Other highlights include: the haunting, mid-tempo track 'Try Not To Breathe', the uplifting 'Sweetness Follows', the ridiculously energetic 'Ignoreland', and the gorgeous ballad 'Find The River' to end the album. Lyrically, 'Automatic For The People' on paper sounds like the most depressing thing you can put yourself through - as it sees the band take on themes of mortality, loss, and sadness. However they do an amazing job of framing these themes, mostly, on looking forward. Letting the listener know that they're not alone, that there is happiness to be found among the dull ashes. Often cryptic, and often left up to the listener to interpret what it is they are saying on their own; it is worth giving this album a few listens to draw your own conclusions. But you will have no problem finding something to relate to. It's actually one of the strongest aspects of the album. I also find that R.E.M. are very underrated as musicians, particular Mike Mills; whose basslines are absolutely crucial to the band's sound. They're melodic and complex, yet never seem to outshine the other elements. And Michael Stipe is also an all time vocalist. What he lacks in range, he makes up for in translating the mood and emotion of a song so well to the listener; as if he himself is a chameleon of sorts. He can sound ecstatic when the song needs it, yet sounds absolutely devastated when the song calls for something more moody; and that's on top of his unique voice being fairly good on a technical level. 'Automatic For The People' is an all round solid record; and is an absolutely perfect representation of R.E.M. as a band. Huge hit singles, solid deep cuts, with only a handful of tracks letting it down a little bit. If there was ever an album that could summarize the sound of pop/rock in the 90's, it would be this one. Genius lyrics, top musicianship, and influential as hell. 4/5

Listened to it many times before so know it's great. Tons of hits.

Favorite Track: Man On The Moon

I know this a classic in REM land, but I don't love it the same way I do their 80s output. Still solid though. 4/5

It was good. A few classics, a few hidden gems. I'll listen again. Drive was my favourite that I hadn't heard before.

I liked this album, really solid alternative rock, I thought it started out a little weak with the first two songs, they felt kind of bland. But from then on there some genuinely touching pieces and a couple of straight bops too. Favorite song(s): Everybody Hurts and Man on the Moon. Both will definitely go into my regular listening cycle. An enjoyable first album to get. 4/5~7.5/10

Forgotten how good this album is

Good

I REALLY want to like R.E.M. because they were cool before I ever knew what cool meant. and some of their songs are so great, but most of them I don't think I'll ever really get, and at this point in my life I don't care anymore. I'm giving them a 4 for nostalgia sake.

His voice is just depressing, but the music is pretty good. I don't love it but I enjoy it.

Yup. Good one

This smacked fr fr Would like to have this on vinyl.

This is another album inspired by turning thirty, although with REM their songs tend to the wistful and abstruse rather than gloominess. The opening track Drive sets the tone for the album with sparse acoustic guitars blossoming into a stunning string arrangement from John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin. The remastered atmos mix also shines here, sounding intimate and epic at the same time. The highlight is still Stipe’s Elvis impression on Man in the Moon.

Pretty dope! They know how to throw an album together

Four whole stars. Definitely an element of nostalgia in that rating but I’ll not be apologising for it.

Me gusto

I came back to this one after a few months, because I thought it needed another listen, and I like it a lot more the second time round. It was fine the first time, but I'm appreciating it musically more the second time around.

Amazing alternative rock origins

Everybody hurts is way more powerful than I originally thought

Everybody Hurts - a devastatingly beautiful song. A great album.

Might regret this later the music gets old really quick. Edit: I regretted it later and edited it to a 4

Great album! Can't believe I haven't listened to it before. Finishing with Man On The Moon/Nightswimming/Find The River was crazy. The first half of the album sorta falls short for me, but the second half is incredible. I haven't listened to much REM outside of the really popular songs, so it was nice to hear a bit more of them. Overall I really liked it and will probably listen to it again. I wouldn't say its a new favourite by any means though, most of the songs I've already completely forgotten.

Come on, it’s a classic. And one of the best 80’s alt rock albums out there. Can’t go wrong.

Man, R.E.M. is a special band for me. It reminds me a lot of my parents and growing up. This album came out the year I was born and we listened to a lot of R.E.M. as I grew up. This album is quality and the production still holds up so well.

This is a really awesome and fun album. I love that its kind of a wide variety of emotions. Some songs are moody, others are more upbeat and energetic, and some are kind of both? Its like sad songs that are fun. REM's style is super unique too. They kind of "play" with genres in a way that reminds me of Dire Straits. They never fully commit. Which then makes this kind of unique sound. Its like they were punk rock kids from the south that can't stop get away from rockabilly and southern rock but they want to be punk rockers but they never lived in NY or LA. So the music really resonates with your average listener. It kind of sounds like suburbia. A few notable songs: - Drive. What a fun song. Its dark, but its upbeat. Its bluesy, but not really. I really like how this sets the vibe for the whole record. - Everybody Hurts. Chills, man. What a song. - Sweetness Follows. Haunting but also kind of inspiring sound to it? Its gives me all the feels. - Monty Got Real. I love the blues influence on this one. - Man on the Moon. So good. I love this tribute to Andy Kaufman. -Night Swimming. All the feels.

Great stuff. Love the mood of the album. Sidewinder has been a favourite of mine since it came out.

On first listen, it didn't really vibe with me. However, the more I thought about it throughout the day, the more I enjoyed the cohesiveness of the entire album and how the songs flowed into each other.

It's my time to finally admit that I really, really enjoy R.E.M.'s music.

Great album. Enjoyed this.

A classic and rightly so! They never bettered this if you ask me, it’s a corker with great tune after great tune!

he wants the kitten to do WHAT?

Sometime it is a bit of a shock how old an album is, this is one of those times. I do not think I have listened to a full R.E.M album just singles. I have always like Michael Stipe has a great voice and lyrics. Stand out tracks: - Drive - Try not to breath - The sidewinder sleeps tonite - Everybody hurts - Sweetness follows - Man on the moon - Nightswimming

Listened Before? Y A staple of my late teens and early 20s, this album is a classic to me. I'm incapable of an unbiased review, but I'll say that I prefer a lot of REM's earlier stuff more. This is still a great record, but it has a different vibe. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Nightswimming

Not sure why but despite Document including three of the R.E.M. songs I like most, I prefer this album. Both were between a 3 and 4 so I’m rounding up this time.

Iconic

I enjoyed this very much. Could have been a fiver on another day. Simpsons: Yes

You enter the club, feeling yourself, looking the best you’ve ever have. You look a cross the room and there she is, the one you’ve been waiting your entire life for. You both lock eyes, this album blasts in the background as you maneuver your way through the crowd to her. Just as you both make it to each other the beat drops and you both dance the night away. That’s what this album sounds like to me lmfao

Pretty good

fágað og gott amerískt gítarpopp. 4.

This album is full of soft enjoyable music. I enjoyed the entire album.

I like it

I remember getting this album when it came out and I didn't enjoy it very much. I'm glad that I got relisten to it. I like it quite a bit this time through.

After two, earlier in their discography albums, this one feels a bit more cinematic & produced - while still being solidly twangy and alternative as you’d expect REM to be. But for Everybody Hurts, which I heard a bit too much when it first came out, this was an excellent listen with only a few lulls.

This is the best REM album we've had by a long shot. There's so much less filler (the instrumental and Sweetness Follows are the only tracks on here that I'd chop if I could), almost all of it offers something, and it changes mood really smoothly. The middle section is the weakest, but Drive/Try Not to Breathe/Sidewinder/Every Body Hurts is a great start, and Man On The Moon/Nightswimming/Find The River is a brilliant way to end. 4/5, that little dip in the middle stops it from hitting 5 territory.

Great album! Personal favourites are Man On The Moon and Everybody Hurts 4/5

Ah yes some good ol REM. Pretty sure laura had this album when I was growing up. Good stuff. It was good, It's been a long time since I've heard it. I'll give it 4 stars.

A bit uneven but some incredible highs (Nightswimming).

Uneven

I liked this record quite a bit, but that said, I've never been a super huge R.E.M. fan and it's probably because everything is just way too straight. I like weirder music, and while they definitely are not mainstream pop, they are closer to that then they are progressive rock or new wave or Zappa. My feelings about R.E.M. are probably colored by my belief that they were one of the last "record label" pushed bands -- they were allegedly alternative but that said they weren't as adventurous as other bands of the same era, and their singles and videos were always on heavy rotation... the hype around each new release just built and built for years and years.

I guess

That was nice! I enjoyed it a lot. Would listen again.

I didn’t realise how many REM songs I knew, and also just how many are found on this particular album. If I have the radio on, I could probably safely bet money on hearing at least one song from this album every day. I’m curious of if that’s simply a UK thing or if REM are this played everywhere. The familiarity definitely enhanced the listening experience, although I do want to note that the tracks I didn’t already know were also good fun. I quite liked this. More, in fact, than I expected to.

I know that R.E.M. isn’t a goofy band, but I always associate them as such a bit. This album is definitely a departure from that persona.

This is the iconic album for Michael Stipe and R.E.M. Drive is a classic, no questions about that. The album is well put together from a flow perspective, all songs go together. Just misses my 5 rating as I look for those same elements but more hits to carry you all the way through. I loved it and still love R.E.M. as they were a bad that fully influenced an era and their music stands the test of time!

4 out of 5, classic R.E.M. It's been a while, but Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite and Everybody Hurts are great songs. Overall good album, probably my third favorite of theirs.

-I wasn’t a huge fan at first but I got more into it during the second half of the album, his voice is good -Favorites are Drive, Monty Got A Raw Deal, and Star Me Kitten

Another banging classic. Needs no more review than that

This is my most-scrobbled R.E.M. album according to my Last.FM stats, with 3 full plays in the past 9 years plus numerous selections of individual tracks. I have a fair familiarity with it. If it was the first time I'd heard this album I wouldn't be a fan. Drive isn't a particularly ear-catching opener, but purely out of familiarity, I felt somewhat connected to it. It's interesting how you react to music differently after you've already been exposed to it. I'm giving it a 4 because I enjoyed re-hearing this collection, but I'm adamant I would have given it a 3 or lower on first spin.

REM is the DROAT (dad rockiest of all time). Quite a few big time tracks on this one, outside of those everything blends into same-ness for me. I think if lyrics were higher in my criteria it would be higher, 3.5/5

these guys are always a good listen

R.E.M. býr til þessa líka prýðilegu plötu sem ég mun reyna eftir fremsta megni að muna eftir að setja á af og til. Ég fíla þá og hálfpartinn skammast mín fyrir hversu sjaldan ég spila plötur með þeim. Þessi fengi 3.5 stjörnur en ég í skömmustu minni toga hana upp í 4

Without doubt my favourite REM album. I saw them play at Slane festival with 110,000 other people and they were awesome I love this album and I especially love 'losing my religion', 'Drive', 'Man on the moon' and 'Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite' I really love 'Drive' Wish this was a weekend album!

I've never been a massive REM fan and I find Michael Stipe's vocal style a little irritating, BUT theres a lot of nostalgia here! REM absolutely ruled the airwaves when I was growing up and despite having never owned any of their albums I can still sing a bunch of their tracks word for word. I really enjoyed this listen through, particularly the songs that haven’t been overplayed to death on the radio.

Great album, really enjoyed this one.

I've always enjoyed REM when I've heard them but until recently hadn't listened to any of their albums back to front. So far I've heard this one and Green. I prefer this one without question. Definitely gonna save this one to revisit later.

Great album, has some of the big hits and typical R.E.M moodiness

What can I say, this album is just fun and beautiful.

I have so many fond memories of all these early R.E.M. albums. I was in a high school band around the time Out Of Time was released and I remember our bass player being obsessed with R.E.M. to the point to where he’s the first person I think of every time I listen to them. I particularly remember a time when I walked out to our drummer's garage/rehearsal space and there was our bass player playing R.E.M. songs that he’d been learning. In that moment it struck me how memorable those bass lines are. They have so many songs that you can hear the bass line and immediately know what song it is. Obviously this is true for really all four musicians in this band. Since then I’ve really come to admire Michael Stipe for his take on being an artist and his political activism. Recently I was listening to his interview on the Smartless podcast and was really struck by how much this band was just trying to figure things out for those first 3 albums. I mean the first song on their first album was a radio hit immediately and they kinda had no idea what they were doing. Obviously by the time this album came out they had things figured out and it shows here. This is a collection of perfectly crafted pop rock songs that on their own could stand the test of time, but it’s Michael’s heartfelt vocal delivery that send these songs over the top. The Sidewinder Sleeps At Night, Man On The Moon and Nightswimming are my favorites from this one.

After the success of "Losing My Religion" from the previous album, the world of music changed, and grunge and 'alternative rock' marched in with its own sounds and ideals that the radio and MTV ate wholeheartedly. Many groups jumped on the bandwagon and rode the wave. How did R.E.M. respond? They didn't. They just kept doing what they do really well, and the world returned to them, grunge still in tow. Automatic For The People was not solely responsible for the openness and acceptingness of the times that allowed grunge and non-grunge to coexist peacefully together (radio played piano art of Tori Amos, industrial Nine Inch Nails, bubblegum Cardigans, prog-metal Tool, squealing noise-rap of House of Pain, sugar pop of Sugar Ray, etc. all in the same hour), but I do believe it helped to make room for more than just one sound or style to be appreciated. My general complaint about R.E.M. is that most of their 'songs' are the same 4 chords repeated consistently. From a chord standpoint, there is no intro, verse, chorus, bridge, or coda. The band plays a chord arrangement, and Michael lays down some evocative musings and if he repeats a phrase, "Hey! There's a chorus!!" For the most part, the song still turns out well. But when the songwriting ventures to add a chord change or two, we get an elevated version of themselves, and we see that version explored a bit more during the Warner Bros years, including here on Automatic For The People. "Nightswimming" is one of R.E.M.'s best songs in their entire catalog, and hits like "Drive" and "Everybody Hurts" validates a place for honest sensitivity in pop music. Michael Stipe has one of those emotive voices that make everything he says sound deep and meaningful. The softer songs on this album shine through the most for me on this album. Congrats on their recent induction into the songwriter's hall of fame.

Nice album, with some line-less pieces

This was hard because it's probably one of my top listened to albums as it goes. That said, Everybody Hurts is the worst REM song and it kills the momentum on the album in a way that it never fully recovers from. My tape was slightly warped from always skipping that song. I decided to be fair and include it in the listen this time. Still sucks.

dig the instrumental!

Enjoyed most of it, the last few songs are a bit too gloomy for me

Really liked this band

Coincidentally I'm in Atlanta, GA and R.E.M is from Athens, GA. Was listening to Man on the moon and ran into Lewis

I like R.E.M's style and have listened to another of their albums before. I enjoyed this one and loved the famous Everybody Hurts.

Nightswimming might be the best REM song, and the rest of this album is killer, albeit equally depressing. Not a bad thing, but you have to be in the mood for it for sure.

A couple familiar songs. Pretty mellow feeling throughout the record. 3.5/5

Top ten album of the 1990’s. REM was great alternative music for me growing up.

Tres ó cuatro canciones memorables. REM alcanzan su plenitud.

nightswimming!!

sorry for ruining the perfect score. i rly only like a few from here, and the rest im meh on.

Damn, okay. Number three from REM, still no sign of "Losing My Religion." But this has to be my favorite that we've had so far. A few big hits, like "Everybody Hurts" and "Man on the Moon," plus some others that I hadn't heard before but loved, especially "Nightswimming." I really love Michael Stipe's voice, and this album is just really excellent. I'm not holding my breath at this point for the "Losing My Religion" album, but if they all sound this good, I'm chilling. Favorite tracks: Everybody Hurts, Man on the Moon, Nightswimming, Drive, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, New Orleans Instrumental. Album art: Not entirely sure what I'm looking at, some sort of spiky block or something, over a mostly blank, grey backdrop with a bit of texture. Not too elaborate or memorable, but the bold font helps a lot. 4.5/5

I should probably listen to more REM

Have loved this album for a long time! It set the tone for the nineties. IT was on heavy rotation on the CD player in my car!! The band was groundbreaking in the eighties and then got the recognition they deserved in the 90's. Sounds as fresh today as it did then!

epic

I think R.E.M grew in an interesting way. It makes sense. But I prefer the earlier, more rocking stuff better. That said, this has some incredible songs and even if it's not my favorite it's still really really good.

everybody hurts

It's an overall really nice album, with some great hits in there. It's strange, but when you're actively listening to an album you notice so much more. I wasn't too aware before just how much organ was on some of these songs. I also like the jangly guitars and the violins. There's some standout songs in here. Everybody Hurts has to take it though, it's such a beautiful song, my god. My favourite songs are generally the ones I already knew, but 'Find the River' is a lovely end to the album. Great stuff.

If you Try Not To Breathe when you listen to this album while Nightswimming, Sweetness Follows.

love wonderful

revelation nation

Good mid-period R.E.M.

I've always liked REM.

A nostalgia blast.

It’s kind of crazy that this album just just pushed “out of time” to the side. This is some of the best music R.E.M. has made. It’s just not the R.E.M-iest.

This album and Out of Time are the two albums that defined REM for me. They were both recorded around the time of high school graduation.

Wasn’t huge into REM back when, but seems like my brothers and cousins were so have heard this album many times. It’s one I could listen to again.

Own this one. Definitely up there on the list. Was good to hear it again. It’s been a while.

Overall solid album.

Pretty good, probably three and a half stars. I wasn't fully in the mood for it but it was a nice chill listen. It didn't wow me but I really have nothing to complain about. I'm already familiar with REM, and I'm pretty sure I've heard this album before. Man on the moon and Night swimming are favorites here, both songs already have personal meaning to me.

Great for when you’re sad, this album captures melancholy very well. If you’re in a good mood, it doesn’t work as well.

A good old album

Everybody hurts and man on the moon were the only songs I recognized, but loved the closer, ignoreland and even the instrumental overall a 8-9/10 album

I don’t know why I expected to dislike this (as I’m not really familiar with R.E.M.) but it was surprisingly good. Nice and melancholy, though I must admit, also a little boring at times. Favorite tracks: Try Not To Breathe, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, Sweetness Follows 3.5 rounded up

Excellent. 4,5

So far on this site I've had several R.E.M. albums, about 3% of the albums to date! Anyway, R.E.M. is one of those bands I never really cared for back then. Didn't particularly hate them either. After having R.E.M. pushed at my via this list, I think I like them a bit better, but not enough to rush out an buy a copy. It's a pretty consistent album, Sidewinder and Everybody Hurts stand out for me.

I guess I just like R.E.M. Two albums in three days. They’re truly lovely. Stipe’s voice is so weirdly average and simultaneously iconic.

REM Everybody hurts is so simple and great. Sweetness follows is also great . Find the River is good. Least favorite was Drive. String arrangements by John Paul Jones 3.5

This is really good but REM has never really done it for me. Don’t love the singing. So much better than most of the stuff we’ve been getting lol. 3.5

This sounds like liquid gold compared to the other stuff we’ve been forced to listen to. My favorite was Ignoreland

really easy listening, some of the songs are a little too boring or slow. lyrics and songwriting are excellent, especially the last few songs

Not bad music, just not a fan of the singing.

The last album Kurt Cobain listened to before he died... I really like R.E.M and love Michael Stipe's voice, which reminds me so much of Gord Downie's. "Man on the Moon" is a great hit on this album but I also really liked "Ignoreland" and "Nightswimming."

points for being the first(?) album on the list to reference classic board games

A very pensive and mature album, probably my favorite I’ve heard by REM. Lots of radio hits on here, which is kinda funny since it’s pretty quiet and slow. Definitely one worth replaying. Best song: Nightswimming

I get what u guys r saying ab the good album streak! I liked this, just an easy good listen 8/10

This is the kind of good album I was talking about when I asked why nobody could make one. Nice lead vocals, good song structure, balanced mix, enough melodic/rhythmic variation between and within songs to keep it interesting. That said, it’s just a good album, not a great album… checks all the boxes and doesn’t do that much more for me. 7/10

7/10 - Everybody hurts is such a meme song but there were some absolute bangers in this album Ignoreland was the only one I had not heard that I liked quite a lot. But The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite is good and so is Man on the Moon and Nightswimming

I really liked this. The back half especially was super solid, and the last few songs were bangers. I just don’t think I can give this a 5 because the first half of the album wasn’t my favorite 8/10

Despite being their most acclaimed and popular album, I actually don't care for it as much as their earlier releases. I can admit their sound is much more sophisticated, with clear vocals, slower tempos, and mature lyrics while still emphasizing Stripe's distinguished whiney vocal style and jangly folk pop melodies, this time accompanied by orchestral strings. Songs like "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" do evoke a sense of their earlier hits but much more confident and complete. The strengths of this album lie in the front and back. "Drive" is a fantastic memorable song unlike anything else they've done. "Try Not to Breathe" is an awesome ballad with his most emotional vocals and a fun jangly melody. "Sidewinner Sleeps Tonight" is a bright fun song that evokes their earlier hits but much more confident and complete. Loud and energetic. "Everybody Hits" is their simple slow folk ballad that somehow became tied for their most famous song. It's a good ballad with some Bealesesque strings near the end, just a bit cliche and overdramatic while dragging on longer than it had to. "New Orleans Instrumental No. 1" is a strange but lovely jazz instrumental. A bit repetitive and unlike anything else from their catalog, but it's a nice interlude. "Sweetness Follows" is an ambient track with forgettable vocals but atmospheric between the strings, jangly guitar, and distortion. I really liked the ending. "Monty Got a Raw Deal" is a bit generic but the guitars have a tint of western and what sounds like a Japanese koto near the end. "Ignoreland" is a noise rock outlier on here, with a loud distorted hard rock sound. I find it conflicts by his boring vocals here, with not much going on. I did really like the last minute. "Star Me Kitten" is a beautiful lullaby ballad. I did find it boring and forgettable. The album picks up into a monumental finish with "Man on the Moon." It's loud, lush, and catchy. My only complaint is that it did sound a bit repetitive. They could have cut the middle verse and chorus, instead of dragging on to over 5 minutes. "Nightswimming" is a beautiful bright ballad that evokes a sense of hope and nostalgia. The strings and pianos work really well to compliment his voice. It took me a few listens, but I really love that last minute. Seems to be a theme with this album, where the beginning of a song entices it, it loses me in the middle, then wows me at the end. "Find the River" is our melancholic closer. I like the contrast with the high-pitched strings, the angelic back vocals, and his provocative poetic songwriting. Some consider this to be their best song. Looking back on this record, I can why it's so beloved by both fans and the mainstream. It's consistent with plenty of innovative ideas, mature songwriting, and clean production. It's just not my style. I prefer REM at their most lo-fi, jangly, and punk.

I knew the hits. Only one other song really spoke to me. They definitely have a sound, but I like it and it holds up.

Solid 4.0 for Michael Stipe

Classic 90s album. It was on heavy rotation in the car CD player. I reminds me of feeling sick.

Really liked this one, def one I’d go back to

It's hard to place where REM fits in the history of rock. Their quality is superb but it's slightly difficult to find their influence in modern rock given the scale of their best albums. This isn't their best work in my opinion, but the highs are as good as any of their albums. The ending of this album just floors me with emotion, doing what they do best

this is a great album. songs of recollection and existence... it's beautiful, emotional and melancholic from start to finish. it's done in such a way like no other. this mellowed out rock is just sublime, really makes you think. not sure if i'm feeling a perfect five but a four will suffice.

Rating: 8.5/10 Great album overall. A lot of catchy melodies, jangly riffs, and beautiful orchestral elements. The singles were a highlight in particular but the whole album is great, although sometimes slightly boring. Favorite songs: Drive, Try Not To Breathe, Everybody Hurts, New Orleans Instrumental No. 1, Monty Got A Raw Deal, Man On The Moon, Nightswimming. Worst song: Star Me Kitten.

It's alright, its got some good songs in it

Classic. But -1 for Everybody Hurts starting the slow part of the album. Heinous stuff.

Really enjoyed this album. Something about the singers voice is very nostalgic to me.

It starts with Drive which is a great track. I’ve heard this before and always liked it. Try Not to Breathe was new to me. Really great sounding track. Everybody Hurts is a classic, and beautifully melancholy but hopeful. Monty Got a Raw Deal and Sweetness had a nice, mellow sound. Man on the Moon remains one of my favorites. Star Me Kitten was my least favorite track on the album. It’s just didn’t vibe with me. The rest of the tracks were ok - didn’t love them, didn’t hate them. Overall I give it a 4 - nice, mellow sound with several standout tracks

Many catchy melodies that surround somber themes. It lacks some punch but delivers depth and authenticity.

Drive 4 Try not to breathe 3 The sidewinder sleeps tonight 3 Everybody hurts 5 New Orleans instrumental No.1 2 Sweetness follows 3 Monty got a raw deal 2 Ignoreland 3 Star me kitten 2 Man on the moon 4 Nightswimming 4 Find the river 4