Reviews (page 9 of 15)
One of my all time favourite albums. Perfection.
Great album.
Okay, so some of these songs are a little played but this album is more than 30 years old and it still holds up. Everybody hurts is the song that everyone will absolutely need at some point in their life. 5/5
Yeah more REM. Totally average rock with the occasional decent song.
Like R.E.M but quickly get sick of his voice. Some great songs but 50 min is too long for me !
Such a great album the early catalogue is a tough grind… testament to a band that sticks with it and then knocks it out of the park after 10 years
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
I was an early adopter of REM. Amazing to see them rise from mumbling indie to stadium fillers. this is all class. Enough hits and mellow album tracks, easy 5
Nightswimming is probably my favorite REM song and whoever chose to add oboe to it should get some flowers.
Wasn’t bad, not my favorite
Love this one.
I have a lot of respect for R.E.M. but unfortunately their music has never really connected with me, save for a few songs on each albums. On this one it's Nightswimming and Find the River, which are both beautiful and evocative.
Good title. My mind really goes on "automatic" when listening to this band. Pretty good anyhow.
I have a sweet spot for that one for 2 main reasons : I love the 90s REM, so fresh, catchy and uplifting. This album was played a lot at home when I was young. This music is forever etched in my mind.
Nostalgic
I think this was my favorite R.E.M. album
Classic. A nice reminder.
It's a masterpiece. Emotionally beautiful. I can't think of any flaws. Everybody Hurts is always poignant and will forever carry importance to me. Nightswimming also haunts me for reasons I don't even know why. I think that shows the magic of this record. Try Not To Breathe and Sweetness Follows are two great deep cuts too. I recommend this wholeheartedly.
Automatic for the People is one of those albums I want to like more than I actually do. I get why people love it — it’s moody, introspective, and full of emotion — but I’ve just never been able to get into R.E.M. There are definitely some solid songs here, and I respect the craftsmanship, but it doesn’t do much for me personally. Just not my vibe. Favorite Song: Man on the Moon
Not a fan.
Com'on... All timer from college! (9.5) ★★★★½
I am not the biggest fan of R.E.M. and I prefer them in the 80s over thus. Still a few undeniable hits. 3.5 stars
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.
3.5
A true blockbuster we have here. One of the best bands over the past 40 years at a real prime Goldilocks point in their career delivering a most immaculate set of songs that are in turn barnstorming, anthemic, magisterial, soul-stirring, moody and cinematic. All in all a deeply boppy, powerful and life-affirming combo. Man On The Moon and Nightswimming are two incredible iconic hits packed near the end but elegiac closer Find The River is such a blissful, heavenly and moving send-off that just sneaks it as my favourite track with the richly tender and beautiful Sweetness Follows up there as well. A very easy and very automatic 5 stars.
My favorite REM album.
I love Everybody Hurts so much Edit Apr 22 2026: 4 --> 3
Another obligatory 4 due to loving this in high school
Incredible album with so many gorgeous songs. Will always favor the first three REM albums because of when and how I first heard them, but Automatic for the People is a perfect record from beginning to end.
a couple weak spots but an easy 5 stars
Best album ever
This is 1 of the albums that I am most personally connected to. Was already a R.E.M. fan when it came out. It came out at a time in my life where it was just so relevant and supportive and I pretty much lived and listened consistently for 8 to 10 months. Have loved it ever since and always revisit often. It’s just as vital today when put I put it on and ended listening to continuously all day. 5 star, love the music, the songs, the sound, 1 of my all time favourite records.
OK, but needs a bit more jingle and a lot more jangle.
Classic
The softer songs are this band's strong suit, and this album has a lot of them. R.E.M. is always good but I think there's enough memorable songs here to make this one great
Really enjoyed! It’s melancholy so need to be in the mood
Classic 90s
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.
“Everybody Hurts” Took me right back to my middle school angst. Forgot how good this album is.
Some pretty good songs, no really bad songw
I was surprised by how political, and in a very contemporarily appropriate way, some of these songs were. I was already familiar with the radio singles and expected to give this record 3 or 4 stars. Hearing it in its entirety was a pleasant surprise- it was all better than I expected.
-1 star for man on the moon, i hate that song.
Incredicle
As a fan of their original albums, this work showcases how talented and mature they have become as artists. From casually jangly to incredibly intense introspective lyrics, you take a ride on this collection of songs.
nice album, nothing exceptional but easy to listen to
7/10 Bonito álbum de canciones acústicas que pecan por momentos de aburridas.
After hearing R.E.M.'s sonic and lyrical evolution from Document to Green, and skipping over Out of Time, we reached what can be considered the proverbial top of the band's catalog. Originally intended to be an album full of fast hard rockers, the band instead wrote and recorded a collection of mostly acoustic-driven ballads save for a few rockers. This intimate sound is further amplified by more orchestral compositions such as the use of string arrangements from Led Zeppelin's bassist John Paul Jones on songs like the opener "Drive" and "Everybody Hurts", and the cello from Knox Chandler on "Sweetness Follows" and "Monty Got a Raw Deal". The result is some of the most organically pleasant songs I've heard from this band thus far. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the regular rock tracks "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite", "Ignoreland" and certainly "Man on the Moon", but the ballads elevated this album and made it stand out compared to their prior work. Aiding with the serene nature of Automatic for the People are Michael Stipe's lyrics, which have greatly improved to take on darker and more brooding themes. Whether it's the musings on death for "Find the River", "Try Not to Breathe" and "Sweetness Follows", the yearning desire to maintain positivity on "Everybody Hurts", the difficulty in looking forward as the past still haunts on "Monty Got a Raw Deal", Michael showcased a more earnest pursuit for reflection and emotional connections. There are a few songs that break up the wallow with some needed levity such as the political rant towards the Reagan and Bush administrations on "Ignoreland", the tribute to late-night entertainer Andy Kaufman on "Man on the Moon", and the cartoonish payphone scenario in "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite". For as much as Michael's lyrics get cryptic, there was a lot of evocative imagery and contemplation utilized effectively here. Overall, I was genuinely pleased with Automatic for the People. I'm glad I witnessed how R.E.M. evolved as a group to achieve such a resonant work.
Pretty good. There a couple of classics on there. Had not heard most of the songs.
Somber start to the day, but still a very good album.
Not bad
Sad album :’(
Liking it more than I thought I would. I’ve never loved this band but I know all the songs are decent. To me the sound is a little to stiff and plodding. Nightswimming is great.
A cult band grows up and makes a mature album that is a masterpiece of human emotion and sophisticated folk pop.
Great!
Man on the mon
Great pop culture, good music.
Like it
<3
This era of R.E.M. is what I was used to hearing on the radio as a kid, and to be honest, I didn’t really like them, especially that “Man on the Moon” track. Now that I’ve been listening to a lot more R.E.M. recently, and knowing their roots as a Jangle Pop band, I’ve gained more appreciation for this album. While it will never be at the top of my list for R.E.M., it’s a good album to play when you want something a little more mellow and chill. It leans more towards acoustic guitars with softer electric guitars and includes a good share of piano tracks. If I had judged this album 25 to 30 years ago, it would have rated a one. Now, with a more mature appreciation for music, I’d give it a three, maybe 3.5. Just maybe!
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.
Somewhat melancholy, but many great songs on this album.
3 estrelas e olhe lá
1. Everybody hurts 2. Man on the moon 3. Nightswimming
REM, it turns out, is just a band whose album cuts do nothing for me. Gimme a greatest hits comp and I'm good.
i can appreciate the talent on display but this band bores me to tears
Parp
Automatic For The People by R.E.M. is a timeless classic that showcases the band's unique ability to blend evocative lyricism with poignant melodies. The album's lyrical content is raw and straightforward, often delving into themes of loss, mortality, and introspection with an honesty that resonates deeply. Tracks like "Everybody Hurts" and "Nightswimming" exemplify this directness, offering listeners a haunting yet beautiful reflection on life's complexities. R.E.M.'s artistry in this album not only solidifies its status as a quintessential work of the '90s but also cements its relevance across generations, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking profound musical experiences.
This album made me rapidly roll my eyes.
Uhhhhhhhh it's aight I guess but R.E.M kinda blows outside of a vacuum
Absolute banger right here. Had me screaming EVERYBODY HURTS SOMETIMES!!
Very emotional rock. Hits right in the feels
Banger.
This album is politically active & eerily prescient. REM foresees the growing corruption of politics into warring factions weaponizing misinformation and the cynicism & disdain for political engagement that results. It may also (unwittingly?) encourage the anti-intellectual nihilism (“If you believe they put a man on the moon”) that started in the Reagan 80’s & came to define American politics in the 2010’s. If Murmur suffers from REM not yet having found its purpose, Automatic for the People suffers from the opposite — its delivery is a bit too “on the nose” and earnest. The lyrics are all audible, and in some cases, there is no effort to be poetic. This is a moment where an edgy band lost its musical edge for a moment. There is inspired music here, though. If you Believe is *such* a great song! A solid album that people should hear for its insightful political commentary — but not “great” as an album.
No mal disco, pero los REM me dan mucha flojera. Lo siento, lo he intentado mil veces y nada más no. Tres estrellas por Everybody hurts.
Fine! My biggest takeaway was learning that they did the hurt song
This is a piece of art and is the definition of a classic album. I don’t listen to it often but when I do I’m never disappointed
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.
Ctrl + F "R.E.M", Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V
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
A lil too chill for me
It is a general consensus among music critics that "Automatic for the People" is one of REM's best albums.
Right back to college fun
I’ve never been a big fan of REM ever since seeing them live in 1985 (on tour for probably their worst album, for me, fables of the reconstruction). I never really understood the appeal. They always seemed too obvious and at the same time too obtuse, trying to be clever). This is probably the first time I have listened to the entirety of this album. Obviously it has 3+ of their biggest hits and therefore probably deserves to be on a greatest album list because of that but otherwise for me it has overplayed songs and songs that I’m not particularly enamored of. I could have this on in the background and not be annoyed but wouldn’t actively seek it out again.
Okay, here’s my controversial opinion: Man In the Moon isn’t very good. Other than that, great album with some enduring classics
A nostalgic and shimmery sound that left me waiting at the crossroads of what this album could have been. One thing to note is that four songs on this record were already saved in my library. However, it had been some time since my last listen so my ears came into this fresh. I felt as if the majority of the songs failed to take that next step forward. At times the lyrics and harmonies seemed goofy and repetitive. “Nightswimming” did a good job of encapsulating a sense of farewell to a world that REM had built. REM are legends but this record didn’t quite stick with me as much as I wanted it to. Favorites: Try Not To Breathe, Everybody Hurts, and Nightswimming
This project reminds me that REM is so good.
Something never fully clicks for me with R.E.M. The are an undeniably a tight band and the instrumentation is frequently interesting (shout out John Paul Jones for getting in the mix on string arrangements). Stipe's vocals and writing can shine on some songs ("Nightswimming") but there's not a big pull to come back to the full album. Maybe that's because almost all the songs are slow tempo...similar to when we were in the Leonard Cohen/Tom Waits albums...in order to really love those albums I think you either have to 1) be there when the album comes out or 2) have some connection to really sit with the album and explore the songs. Sadly....this album got a listen while i clicked away in Google Sheets and didn't crack me that way. Everybody hurts.
The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite in a great song, which has me wondering what the differece is between that song and the rest of the album. I chose Drive as a comp. Sidewinder... - Interesting progression that keeps you guessing. - Soulful - Its a bop - the snare is driving things - rythym guitar playing the off-beat - Stipes delivering the vocals with conviction - His vocal delivery is also adding to the overall rythm of the song, occasionally aligning to the driving organ. - Somewhat vague but song about loss - Perfect bridge Drive (fucking awful song) - Downer finger picking minor chords - Lame halfway spoken word lyrics (echo to pick them up a bit) - Boring predictable chord changes - When it does resolve to an upbeat "chorus" it immediately fades back into nothing - Could be the theme music to True Detective - Extremely vague meaning In my review of Murmur I noted that the drums and bass combo were key to the REM sound, and this album is a departure from that, with the exception of The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite. I think you can make a downer, minor chord, finger picking, predictable song but something needs to carry it. Most times it's really compelling lyrics or maybe a couple of chord changes that throw you. R.E.M were making an effort to move away from their alt rock sound and get more serious and introspective with this record, but in the case of Drive, and most of the other songs, it didn't work. Everybody Hurts and Nightswimming are hits, and at one point in my life I liked them so I need to give them credit for those. Frank and I played in a HS band and at some point added Everybody Hurts, a terrible decision I'm blaming on our temp keyboard player Pat, though I could very well be the culprit.
I keep trying to come up with rational explanations for why I don't like REM. I listened to this whole album in an attempt to better understand my taste, completely ruining my drive home from work. Still, I acknowledge the quality of the craftmanship. I can completely understand the case for liking REM. But finally, I realized the only song on here that I actually enjoyed as a listening experience is the instrumental one. So I think it all just comes down to hating Michael Stipe. I think my problem with him is that he sings with such a strong sense of emotion in his voice. That's not a problem in and of itself obviously. My problem is that it's always the same emotion. I'm not sure how to describe that emotion - it's sort of like a wounded, somewhat condescending pensiveness? Like he's just given me bad news and is now explaining the factors that caused the bad news to happen to try and make me feel better? But I just don't want to hear it right now man.
Im super happy that we got another REM album. When we listened to Murmur, it was a little revelation for me. I knew REM was great, but I had never scratched beneath the surface Automatic For The People was also fantastic. This album has depth, hits, instrumental and an ideal length (which is not a joke to me 🤣) My personal take: some of the songs felt a little too Gordon Lightfoot like to me - Sweetness Follows and Try Not To Breathe. Projecting a little, but this album was roughly a decade after Murmur and it sounds like the band’s direction went into some serious places. Drive, Sidewinder, Everybody Hurts, New Orleans, Ignoreland, Man On The Moon were great tracks. All in all, its hard not to give this a 5. Its very much a 4.25 for me and notably less listenable than Murmur
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).
A mellow masterpiece that gets better with each listen. I love this version of R.E.M. as much as their 80s college rock roots. It’s evolved and more accessible but still goes to places musically and lyrically that other contemporaries did not. I’ve always loved the little laugh from Stipe in Sidewinder. He said they added Sidewinder to relieve listeners of the slow and heavy tone of the rest of the album, but he thinks it’s too light and sounds out of place. Going from Sidewinder to Everybody Hurts is a pretty comical transition. Interesting note that JPJ did the string arrangements on a few of these tracks. Monty is probably the weakest track, but this is a nearly perfect album. Last three tracks, River especially, is such a great way to end this thing.
R.E.M. is mij wel bekend en heeft erg leuke liedjes. Ik vind dit album toch wel heel erg rustig met een paar saaie nummers. Maar verder prima artiesten.
5 stars! This album takes me back to my senior year in high school.
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.
Sounds like it was made in its time. Vocals are very recognizable, yet songs end up being somewhat forgettable. Classics "Everybody Hurts" and "Man On The Moon" remain the most prominent outliers. 6/10
Fine. Ok.
Every song on here is good and a lot of them are great. I was reminded by listening to Green the other week what a fab band REM were and this just cements it.
i think i just dont like rem
Really good
Great 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
Tomorrow is Inauguration Day in the U.S. (and coincidentally MLK Day, which I guess won't happen again until 2053). Ignoreland is hitting hard right now: "TV tells a million lies / The paper's terrified to report / Anything that isn't handed on a presidential spoon / I'm just profoundly frustrated by all this / So, fuck you, man (fuck 'em)" and "I know that this is vitriol / No solution, spleen-venting / But I feel better having screamed / Don't you?" This is a wonderful album. I could listen to it over and over, and I have. I find it profoundly comforting, which is nice right now.
Everyyyyybodys ears must hurt after listening to this album
Popular isn't necessarily good. One exception: Everybody Hurts. Now that's a fine tune.
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.
Favourite tracks - Everybody Hurts, Man On The Moon, Nightswimming
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
My god, this album is perfect.
One of the classic albums of the 90s. Everybody Hurts, sidewinder sleeps tonight, man on the moon and Nightswimming all highlights on brilliant album.
Even the happy songs are gloomy.
Man on the moon is the only good song on this album. REM sucks.
Three truly great songs surrounded by enough pathos and social commentary to create an enjoyable, pensive experience
Rock, 1992 -> 4
Nice
Awesome album Standout songs: Drive Sweetness Follows Ignoreland
Not really feeling ready to write this but ugh it’s fine. The music is quality, conveying emotions and moods through interesting instrumentals and arrangements (strings added in nicely). Melodic basslines add nice accents to the music. They do lots of things subtlety, and plenty in your face as well: Very clear vocals in thr mix, making the thoughtful lyrics and memorable hooks really pop. An alt rock band who wants to convey deep emotions with pop hooks and sophisticated artistry. But it still doesn’t totally grip me.
Biased cause we had the CD--perfect alt rock album imo
I’ve tried to get into REM several times now and I just don’t get the appeal. Nothing about the music or the lyrics is especially interesting or compelling to me, they sound like an average band with a few catchy radio hits (I do like man on the moon).
1.8 M.E.H.
This was a rare case where I actually liked this album the more it went on. When it ended, I was almost a little disappointed. It was just getting good, and then it ended. I dunno. REM has always been a bit of an enigma to me, as I'm sure they've been to most. We all know "It's the End of the World as We Know It," "Orange Crush," and "Losing My Religion." And to be honest, I always thought "Everybody Hurts" was a meme song and honestly didn't know it was REM. This felt a lot more produced than I expected. The string arrangements really caught me off guard. I always viewed them more as a band that would've forgone those kind of embellishments in their work. But hey, they added to the whole vibe I guess. I hate to say this was boring because I don't think that's really that fair to say. I think it just wasn't for me, mostly. At least not until you get closer to the end. Then it starts to catch for me. Bummer. Could've been so much better. Two stars. Standout Tracks: The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, Man on the Moon, Nightswimming
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.
A 10/10 record - 'Nightswimming' might be the most beautiful song ever.
R.E.M.’s biggest record is filled with desperate songs about death and mourning. Who else can sell 18 million copies of an album containing mandolin and songs like “Star Me Kitten”? This is also further proof that John Paul Jones is a secret, deadly weapon to any album he’s credited on.
It's eh
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.
3 stars.
Not bad. Probably not something I’d revisit though
I wasn't as impressed with this album as I thought I'd be
Had a big REM phase when younger - lovely xx
5/1001 Automatic For The People is a boring and at times uninspired album with a lot of songs just kinda blending together to create a sense of nothingness. When it shines, it shines bright though with obvious rock radio classics like Everybody Hurts and Man On The Moon. But again the rest of the album is made up of inferior versions of basically the same songs. The only songs who really manages to escape the pitfalls of the others are The Sidewinders Sleeps Tonight and Ignoreland by mixing up the pretty basic formula of the rest of the album with interesting vocal melodies or added distortion. 2,5/5 I relistened to it, and though most of my original thoughts still hold true, the rest of the album isn’t as bad as I initially thought, so I numbed it half a rating up. 3/5
This era of R.E.M. is what I was used to hearing on the radio as a kid, and to be honest, I didn’t really like them, especially that “Man on the Moon” track. Now that I’ve been listening to a lot more R.E.M. recently, and knowing their roots as a Jangle Pop band, I’ve gained more appreciation for this album. While it will never be at the top of my list for R.E.M., it’s a good album to play when you want something a little more mellow and chill. It leans more towards acoustic guitars with softer electric guitars and includes a good share of piano tracks. If I had judged this album 25 to 30 years ago, it would have rated a one. Now, with a more mature appreciation for music, I’d give it a three, maybe 3.5. Just maybe!
2.5/5
• 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.
This album's first four songs are the strongest, I think; the rest of the album is a bit more uneven, but still listenable. This isn't my favorite REM album, but still pretty good. Everybody Hurts/New Orleans Instrumental/Sweetness Follows give Eels vibes to me (I know the Eels came later, but still).
0007 / 27.12.2024 Finally, it gave me an album that I actually planned to listen to! It also just so happens to be absolutely beautiful Choruses - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Mixing - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Lyrics - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Vocals - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Instrumentation - ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Rating: 100 Highlights: Drive; The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite; Everybody Hurts; Sweetness Follows; Ignoreland; Find the River Lowlights: N/A
girl this was good i can not lie
Not for me
Great album
One of my all time favourite albums.
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.
Not huge on R.E.M. but "Everybody Hurts" was really great.
I know this artist. I know maybe 1 or 2 tracks never really heard a full album of theirs. I definitely know this first track. Think I may sit and listen to the whole album, very interested in these guys. Was not aware, 'everybody hurts', was on this album.
ok album, bit depressing
“Nightswimming” is just a nostalgic bath for me. I just love letting it wash over me. “Man on the Moon” is also so impossibly good. R.E.M. didn’t write bad songs or make bad records — they’re all great — but I think this is them at their very best. Just such a perfect album.
Loaded
Lekker REM album
one of the first cds i ever owned, but this was the first time i've listened to it in maybe 20 years, and though i'd reach for murmur, new adventures in hi-fi or up most days, i can't deny this might be their best set of songs, and the band never sounded better. but what struck me this spin was how formative and album this was for me in the late 90s. it not only acted as a gateway to lots of indie and college rock, but michael stipe offered a model of masculinity i could relate to and hadn't seen before. so yeah, maybe i am who i am in part because of this record.
I like the overall vibe of this album. Very chill, and great sound for it's time (early 90s). Great album but not quite amazing. 4.5/5 so I rounded up.
Really good stuff.
Indie rock intelligence that deserved its breakthrough to mainstream success.
great
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.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Love this record. Looooooooooove. Talk about a mood, a vibe. This has got a ton of incredible examples of songwriting, performances, everything. This is a record. A recording of a moment in time for the band. The lyrics, the atmosphere, it captures perfectly where they were and that is what allows connection through music.
Tylsempi kuin aiemmin vastaan tullut R.E.M:n levy. Ei niinku huono mutta eipä tässä juuri oikein mitään tapahtunutkaan.
Nice voice, nice guitar work. Sounds almost Celtic. Not singable or danceable. Everybody Hurts gets the most airplay. A bit too plaintive for my tastes but if I was sad, this might be just the ticket. 3.5/5
Entre el 88 y el 92 publicaron 3 de los mejores discos de la música. Este fue de los más reconocidos, con canciones realmente buenas como Drive, Everybody hurts o Man in the moon. Otras son simplemente perfectas como Nightswimming o Find the river. Por el medio, la calidad no baja del notable alto o sobresaliente: Star me kitten, The sidewinder..., Ignoreland. A mi me sigue gustando más Out of time, pero este es el mejor disco de una de las bandas realmente indispensables de la música de los últimos 40 años por calidad, coherencia o respeto. Otros discos del 92: Arrested Development - 3 Years, 5 Months, and 2 Days in the Life of…, Sonic Youth- Dirty, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - El león, Sugar - Copper Blue , Barry Adamson - Soul Murder , Lou Reed - Magic and Loss, Beat Happening - You Turn Me On, Pale Saints- In Ribbons, Red House Painters- Down Colorful Hill, Lush- Spooky, Mr. Fingers - Introduction, Leonard Cohen - The Future, Tom Waits - Bone Machine, Inner City - Praise, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy - Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury , , Dr. Dre - The Chronic , Wish- The Cure, Dirt- Alice in chains, Angel dust- Faith no more, Harvest Moon- Neil Young, Dry- PJ Harvey, Sweet Oblivion- Screeming Trees, Palomine- Bettie Serveert, Slanted and enchanted- Pavement, Erotica- Madonna, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion- The Black Crowes, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!- 4 Non Blondes, Check Your Head - Beastie Boys, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE- RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, Tourism- Roxette, MANÁ: ¿DÓNDE JUGARÁN LOS NIÑOS?, GUN: GALLUS, Love symbol- Prince, Joaquín Sabina- Física o química, Kitchens of Distinction- The Death of Cool, Albert Pla- No sólo de rumba vive el hombre, Surfin' Bichos- Hermanos carnales, Kiko Veneno- Échate un cantecito, Balas blancas- Barricada, Sangre española- Manolo Tena, Khaled- Khaled, Morphine - Good, THE JAYHAWKS - Hollywood town hall, LOS DEL-TONOS - Bien, mejor, LEMONHEADS - It's a shame about ray, WILLY DEVILLE - Backstreets of desire, BUFFALO TOM - Let me come over, SOUL ASYLUM - Grave dancers union, LUNA - Lunapark, Nick Cave: Henry's Dream, RIDE- GOING BLACK AGAIN, AFGHAN WHIGS- CONGREGATION, MORRISSEY- YOUR ARSENAL, Lovedeluxe- Sade, Diva- Annie Lennox, El Guardaespaldas...
Outstanding
Да, я бывал здесь когда-то
Very sad. Great but very sad.
Hmm... OK. So REM is one of my all time favorite bands. B U T !!! REM also has, in my opinion, two "eras." They had somewhere around the 80's era, and then as we got into the 90's... a somewhat different era... the problem is that I LOVE almost their entire catalog from that early period and it remains among my most beloved go to music. It is raw and open and feels like a small night club at some ski area somewhere. Cosy and intimate. And then somewhere in the early 90's, definitely by this album, they started to sound ... "overproduced" and commercially viable somehow. I can still sense them underneath, especially in certain songs, but that wonderful kind of "here for the love" vibe more or less went away. Honestly, in a nut shell, they lost something as they hit it big.
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
Great album, strong 3.
3 because I detest Nightswimming and Man on the moon both.
Full of effects that still resonate. Songs that are forever memorable
Automatic for the People is the eighth studio album by R.E.M., originally released in 1992. REM take so much inspiration from post-punk that I legit only found out recently that they're American. Wild world. I think they do a great job at blending post-punk with alternative rock. This album of course has the iconic "Everybody Hurts" which I'm not a big fan of. However, most of the other songs were solid. There seems to be a lot of introspective themes on this album, which I dig. And the production is great. Probably not my favorite REM, but very solid.
Everybody Hurts is a great song
Quite liked this, close to a 4 but not quite. Will probably listen again.
Sehr nices brutalistischs sowjet union ahghuchts Album Cover, da hani richtig bock uf es biz Kommunismus! ich bin mer grad chli banausig vorcho, dass R.E.M. 18 millione monthly listeners hend und die 460. meistglossti Band uf spotify, da ich sie nebe ihrne bekanntischte Lieder nonie aktiv wahrgnoh han. E Band also, woni paar lieder immer widermal durs Lebe ghört han, mich aber nie so küzlet het, dasi unbedingt han müsse usefinde vo wem das Lied isch. Und so het sichs für mich au dur das Album durezoge. Finds sehr idylisch alles aber sogar für de Softy-Timon isch das Album zu Soft. Album vode 80er und 90er jahr miteme brutalistische Cover münd eifach chli meh tschäddere und innegrätsche! 'Ignoreland' gaht scho meh i die richtig. Darum gits nur drü ganz sanfti Küss uf em Lenin sini pollierti Glaze
H.A.L.L.O Ich bin biz ideelos fürs review hüt. Mondays. Guuts album? 2 schöni tracks süsch durchschnittlich. Wür sege es guets D.R.E.I puntos
au wenni nie extrem viel R.E.M gloset han hetts doch lustigerwis en platz ih mim hertz gfunde als chind bini en rise fan vom lied "drive" gsi und au so lieder wie "everybody hurts" hend scho en vibe natürlich isches au sehr es vibigs album zum ih dinnere couch surf sleeping nook irgendwo ih de outskirts vo den haag uf de abighimmel zluege während sich de liminali dutch landscape de horizont entlangzieht und du dini ustusch täg namal vorem innere aug entlangzieh lahsch aber was macht das ezt uf de global scale for beeing fun - ich würd sege es trois rois mit potential uf eh quattro stagioni wommer aber alli chässorte zemmemischt anstatt dases separat sind en guete
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
I needed this today
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!
According to Spotify, I listened to the US version of this album. Whether that makes a huge difference, I couldn’t say. This album… exists. It’s never boring, but it also never truly grabs me. Michael Stipe’s vocals are fantastic, and the overall sound is pleasant enough, but it just doesn’t leave much of an impression. It’s an album I wouldn’t mind hearing again, but I doubt I’d actively seek it out. Standout Track: Man on the Moon Score: 3/5
An album that feels so essential and eternal, it's hard to believe that for eight years of my life, this didn't exist. It shows every side of REM to their max, from the foreboding rock of Drive, to the sweet sensibilities of Sidewinder to the lush beauty of Everybody Hurts. It just ever so slightly dips in the middle, with the overly long instrumental and Monty Got A Raw Deal. But the last four songs are absolutely tremendous, and Nightswimming is the most amazing tearjerker of a song. The whole album reminds me of family holidays, old friends and the formation of my music tastes. It's good, is what I'm saying.
Saved from the 2* whimsical mire of Stipes incessant whine by the beautiful uplifting everybody hurts. Otherwise this served as a reminder to why I detested REM as a young man. Musically I find it uninteresting, vocally I find it jarring.
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.
reminds me of the 90's
Another REM album on here that I will never think about ever again
4/5 but I will go with a 5 in this instance.
ingiustamente haterato
It's pretty good, but I've always found REM to be too slow. I think I probably would have really liked this in another life.
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)
I tend to be drawn to R.E.M.s earlier albums moreso, but this really shows their natural progression in songwriting, production, and just overall talent. They had garnered a lot of attention and financial backing when this was released and it shows. A pretty much perfect album.
Strong start, very slow and a bit sleepy though the middle, picked it up again for the finish. Man On The Moon (best cut) got some play on 90s radio. Everybody Hurts gets you on the 1001 list. R.E.M has better (2.8*s) from both.
R.E.M. has a unique sound that I'm fine with but I know a ton of people who just don't like them. $100 that it's Stipe's voice alone that's so polarizing, but I think his arching, nasally sound is actually the band's best instrument (and it's certainly on display here.) Overall, this is a solid album, lags a little in the center and don't love "Man on the Moon" but a few really good hits. R.E.M. is somehow traditional alternative that also managed to feel modern. I dig this slower, more melancholic set from them. Ends with a strong finish, really interesting lyrics and meaning behind "Find the River". 3.45 ginger, lemon, indigo.
Very nice, slightly softer side of R.E.M. on this album. 2 hits and the rest good support. Not a bad track here and just solid all around. Love to see that JPJ provided string arrangements which unsurprisingly enhanced the project. Stipe got a knack for producing a unique sound that has carried through the decades as his own and continues to age nicely...3.4.
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
amazing as hell
Fourth R.E.M. album that's come up on this thing, which seems like too many. Regardless, this was good, a lot less rocking and more of a crawling deliberate record with some great standout songs.
I hated out of time and put off listening to REM for a long time after that. Shiny Happy People being possibly the worst song ever written. This album is a different beast entirely.
Ultimately not interesting, but REM was not something I had decided to explore more previously. The post-punk influence seems obvious now but I had missed it before. Their earlier work seems like it may be more pace after a very cursory listen. Radio free Europe seems overhyped but pilgrimage and laughing are very solid.
Michael Stipe has an iconic voice. I really like it, though sometimes I find he becomes a bit of an American Morrissey, just warbling and rambling out of time on certain tracks. 'Ignoreland' and 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite' is where it's most prominent, though both tracks are among the best on the album. 'Everybody Hurts' is still amazing. A bittersweet sound which is prominent on most of the album but nowhere moreso than on this track. I like the more happy sounding songs too, a fun jangly pop sound. I enjoyed this a lot, but there was something missing. Just that extra piece of the puzzle that would have made it incredible, but I'm not sure what that is.
Classic, but I can't make it through everybody hurts without a few tears.
Great listening, wonderful memories ;-)
It's just really good...a song or two away from perfect
Eh
I quite like an M&S shirt ;)
Automatic for the people was actually a really solid album. The songs here definitely left quite the impression on me especially the last few songs which could be legitimate tearjerkers at times. The sound of this album isn't really anything too special, different or unique but for what it does sound like, it manages to sound pretty good. The songs here were a bit similar sounding to each other but i didn't find that a huge issue since the style was all still good. This album is one that doesn't break new grounds but still manages to be a solid listen. Best Song: The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite Worst Song: Sweetness Follows
I really can't separate 'Out of Time' and 'Automatic for the People' in my mind. The two albums together represent the peak of R.E.M. The former is the poppier one but 'Automatic' is arguably their best and their most confident record. At this point, indie rock had really arrived thanks in large part to R.E.M. who took the post punk and new wave of the previous decades and crested something uniquely 90s. Some of the most classic songs of the era are here, including 'Everybody Hurts', 'Man on the Moon', and 'Night Swimming'. The production is perfect, with string arrangements from Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones. This is one of the most significant albums of the 90s and holds up perfectly.
One of REM's best albums. Absolutely phenomenal. Favourite songs: Man on the Moon, Nightswimming, Everybody Hurts, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, Drive, Ignoreland, Monty Got a Raw Deal Least favourite songs: Star Me Kitten 5/5
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
This is a very good record. They took the 70s acoustic rock/folk thing and made it more interesting. Also the vocals suit the songs very well.
very strong 4 💪
Pre-listening thoughts: I have had this album saved in my library for MONTHS with the intention to listen to it but just totally forgot to do it and then it got buried underneath other listens. But veryyyy excited for this one!! Post/during listening thoughts: I can’t really pinpoint why I enjoy this (and R.E.M. in general) but I do. Maybe it’s the fantastic songwriting/lyricism. Maybe it’s the enchanting instrumentation. Maybe it’s the kind yet pointed tone and familiarity of Michael Stipe’s voice. Hell, maybe it’s the Cat in the Hat mention in The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite. But it is definitely a fantastic album. 9.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yeah sorry like everyone should for sure hear Nightswimming Fav tracks: this is a no skip album (yes even the instrumental!) Least fav tracks:
Never really gave these guys much of a listen before and this did nothing to convince me otherwise. The famous songs are decent but the rest were filler
This was better than I expected, I have never thought much about R.E.M but now I feel like I need to reconsider. I really liked 'Drive' and 'Everybody hurts'. I would say this deserves a 3.5/5 rating.
Solid album. Favorite tracks: Drive and Man on the Moon. Least favorite: Star Me Kitten.
One of their best for sure
melow kinda boring eh YNN
3.5
So much emotion in every song. Absolutely brilliant! 10/10. Nightswimming is one of my favorite songs of all time.
It was alright, an easy listen
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
Solid 5*
This is my favorite REM album. I own it on CD somewhere and listened to it a ton in middle school/early-high school (I never owned any other REM albums, I genuinely don't know why I got this one...). I haven't listened to it in years though, so it was nice to revisit it! I'm pleasantly surprised to still remember all of the songs and lyrics. Nostalgic, but in a way that holds up.
Just not a very good band
What a snoozefest
i really like the song without Michael Stipe
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
I like it, i don't LOVE it, but it has some great songs on it
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.
Definitely a 90s classic. Personally Out of time is my favourite, but this comes a close second. It's good to revisit the album in full. Everybody Hurts got overplayed at the time, but wouldn't say that if the best song; the whole album works as a complete work and recommend giving it a respin if you haven't I'm a while. 5/5
R.E.M. somehow solidified their place in history with this album. True to their roots, innovative, and somehow accessible. I love every song.
I've never gone out of my way to listen to R.E.M. and I doubt I will make the effort again. This album passes the nod test - it is able to make my head sway, but only just - for that it might have picked up 3 stars. But in the context of the other albums I've listened to whilst doing this daily exercise, I'm afraid it's time to the deepen the scale; I need to ask myself if I would listen to this over Dolly Parton or The Go-Go's and I can't quite make that leap. The first song captured my curiosity with an almost-country guitar plucking followed by an exciting electric guitar riff, but sadly the dry tonality of the lyrics did not Drive me much further into understanding the artist. A little later on we reach Everybody Hurts which is the standout classic from this album, but that classic refrain has unfortunately been co-opted by Hollywood. It slips me into the shoes of a Will Ferrell like character in a non-descript romantic comedy, as the protagonist reaches the low point in his story arc. I can envision the typical R.E.M. enjoyer, resplendent in his blue jeans and brown brogues, with the top two buttons on his M&S shirt undone. 40 years ago this man was standing at the crossroads of Alternative Rock, but when confronted with the energetic drug ballads of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he chose the safety of R.E.M., which is a decision I cannot endorse. I wish I had better things to say about this album, but after giving it two attempts I'm just not there.
😬
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.
I listened to this constantly back and forth on the subway in high school. It holds up.
Classic
One of my all-time favorites.
A stately, austere, reflective triumph from one of the best rock bands our country has ever produced
mid - some tunes tho
As with Garbage, I realised that actually I know this album quite well, even though I probably wouldn’t have known it. I just can’t get past Stipe’s voice. I hate it. It’s like broken glass. It’s just grindy and annoying and urgh. I suspect the songs might be ok - but I just can’t get past the vocal.
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.
Absolute class
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
Great listen. I am a fan.
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?
Without a properly focused listen I feel like R.E.M. can sometimes be easily written off as overrated. The emotional depth, both musically and lyrically, is so dense sometimes it’s easy to miss it all. I don’t think I ever really listened to Everybody Hurts so intently, but it is such a beautiful song. This album is full of riches, many of which only reveal themselves after multiple listens. Try Not to Breathe, Sweetness Follows, Man on the Moon, all so so good. This album really is as great as people say.
Alright but a bit Sleepy
Just not for me at all
Dramatic. Suspenseful. There were moments I really enjoyed, but also lacklustre moments without much going on. Highlights: Try Not To Breathe The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite Monty Got A Raw Deal
Strong album lots of great tracks. Nightswimming is a jam.
Wow, did not expect this-IT'S GOOD.
**An ok album, not what I prefer
Drive is one of my favorites and Nightswimming is great
Not as good as "Green", but still a decent listen.
All bangers
I started actively listening to music for myself about the time this album was released. The singles are burned into my brain. They were practically omnipresent on the radio of the day. I can practically smell the warm radio/turntable set that I'd adopted from my Dad when he moved to CDs. So it has something on me ... but do I like REM? No.
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.
Classic
I love this album. I first heard it aged 14 or 15, making my way through my parents’ cd collection. Back then I had a habit of listening to an album on my Walkman, in bed, to help me get to sleep. Lying there in the dark noticing every detail of the music. This was one of my favourites from doing that. Lemme tell you, it was such a joy to come back to it 15 years later and find I love it even more. Not a single track I’d be inclined to skip. Is it uncool to like REM? I don’t know and I don’t care, this slaps as the kids say these days. ;)
Iconic. Classic. Fantastic. Excellent. Will only let me go to 5 stars!!!!
Just had War by U2 a few days back and just like that album, this has also been one of my favorites for decades. I remember walking around my high school with a burned copy and listening to it on my Discman. Also, Find The River has to be one of the best album closing tracks EVER.
REM is always a fun time! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
I forgot how good this is. So, so good.
I’m stunned at how good this is. I’m as surprised as anyone about this.
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
Nope I already knew I was going to dislike this because I can't stand this guys voice. Surprisingly his voice wasn't as whiny on this album Seemed ok as background music, until I heard some questionable lyrics and it was an instant nope Please no more R.E.M. I am begging 2 ⭐️
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
This was a rather pleasant album!
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
Deb : Gorgeous, soulful album; easy to listen to. Beautiful melodies & strong lyrics. I recognise a good number of the songs from (too many) years ago! Sian : I was obsessed with this album when it came out and it remains an absolute gem.
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
A classic album filled to the brim with song that will scratch your brain just right.
There really isn't much that I can say about this album that already hasn't been said, except that it isn't Chronic Town, which is by far my favorite REM album.
REMin kuuloista folk alt rokkia. Kevyttä soundia. Everybody Hurts tällä. Parhaat: Drive, Find The River
Everything just comes together here. The songwriting, production, the overall mood & emotion. Heck, we've even got the legendary John Paul Jones on some arrangements here. It's a pretty somber record when you peel things back a bit; complete with themes of hopelessness, loss, and mortality, but the aura is unmatched by any other R.E.M. record. I get a sense of nostalgia listening to this, despite it releasing before I was born. It commands your attention, you're left ruminating on every string/note from Berry, Buck, and Mills & every word from Stipe. The group really hit their stride here, and that's even including the run of successful albums released before this one. There's less of that familiar R.E.M. jangle pop and more of a ballad-laden, scaled down sound given the melancholic content. Yet, it never feels directionless. It all culminates into (IMO) R.E.M.'s greatest work.