Automatic For The People

REM is another band that I've never really been into and I just knew the hits. I dunno why I've never gotten into them, but they have this sound that represents a certain era of time that I can't always grok. Also all my knowledge comes of this band comes from R U Talkin' REM RE: ME.

Man on the moon is a tune

Every wanted R.E.M. to be the next U2 but instead they gave us this. Diverse challenging, not as good as Green but still a solid album. Maybe a bit too much mandolin

Underappreciated gem of a record. Not the greatest REM album but solid -- every song is a great vibe. Late eighties/early nineties was overflowing with creativity.

I liked it then and I like it now. R.E.M. is one of those bands that I always hear people say, "I like early R.E.M." and I'm always like "what are you talking about?!" Let's focus on Automatic for a moment...I just love that this album opens with Drive. It's a somber sound with phrases that make me feel nostalgic but I don't quite understand that nostalgia until The Sidewinder hits in and Michael references Dr Seuss. Side note: I just love the sub sub substantial stutter. Listening now with the perspective of time I find that R.E.M. does a really good job at encapsulating a 90s sound but with some nostalgic jingly jangly reminiscent of the 60s. I'm sure if you lived through the 90s that Everybody Hurts likely bugs you. It was overplayed and it's melodramatic. And for me...that's a winner! I found myself driving and listening to that song and all the past and present pain started flowing and then dissipated. I was always fond of Monty Got a Raw Deal and Nightswimming. Ending with Find the River feels like a shoutout to John Denver. Does anyone else hear that? After listening to this album, I went back to Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction (maybe my favorite), Life's Rich Pageant, Green for a few songs. C'mon...R.E.M. has an R.E.M. sound and I think late and early albums are all equally good. In fact, in some ways I prefer later albums because I can understand what Michael is actually singing. As an album to listen to before you die...I'm just doing it > 4!

udmærket

Great REM album

Very complete album. Start to finish the whole thing felt very concise. The album did not drag even with lyrics that aren't entirely upbeat. The album has a slow pace but it works well with the composition. The lyrics are very good, the vocals are good but sound very similar track to track. The guitar work is very good, the drums are well done as well. There are some very incredible compositions on this record that made me genuinely read the lyrics and a couple songs I had to listen to multiple times. Favorite Track: Man on the Moon, Find the River Least Favorite Track: New Orleans Instrumental No.1

Really enjoyed this album a nice variety of songs and one I will return too in the future

Solid album, heard a lot before, had prog rock elements I didn’t realize before

Sounds just like The Tragically Hip. Favorite track was The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight. Definitely appreciated it more on the second listen, and will definitely revisit again when the mood strikes.

Drive was a good opener to the album, I really enjoyed it, despite knowing hardly R.E.M. I’m already enjoying them, so may listen to more. Try Not To Breathe was good, I personally preferred Drive a bit better but was still really good. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite was again good, the chorus vocals have a really weird rhythm but it’s not bad. Everybody Hurts I think everybody knows so I’m not going to say anything, because it’s a good song. New Orleans Instrumental No. 1 was a short instrumental to break up the album about half way through and it wasn’t bad. Sweetness Follows was again quite calm, the album is a lot more acoustic rock than I expected, which I won’t complain about, it’s a great album so far. Monty Got A Real Deal was a decent song, you can definitely hear a more southern sound on this track. Ignoreland was one of the most fun songs of the album by this point, would gladly listen to again. Star Me Kitten is probably the most mediocre song in the album so far, if I was to skip any track it would probably be this one. Man On The Moon was an improvement on Star Me Kitten, so pulled my attention back, was a good song. Nightswimming was a really nice song, was quite calm and was a big fan. Find The River was a very calming song that made a really good album closer. Honestly, this is the first album that I didn’t want to end, it was really enjoyable. 4.5/5

Ik dårligt. Burde høre mere R.E.M Thom Yorke har måske ret…

Liked this more than I expected to. Lots of catchy songs on here. 3.5/5

Catchy indie rock with some genuinely great vocals performances, like The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite. Enjoyed this more than I expected, since I haven't really "got" R.E.M. before except the odd song here and there.

I never liked this one as much as other people do. It’s a little too soft for me, and I have a particular allergic reaction to “Everybody Hurts”. But the good stuff is very good- “Nightswimming”, in particular, is life changing. Not my first choice to introduce someone to R.E.M.’s gift for melody, but it’s still a good time. B

Decent again

Classic

Kinda good

Pretty solid album

7/10 - 4/5

Not a fan, but a nice album as a whole to listen "on the side".

Unexpected folksy alt sound. It also shows some grit and pain but not at all in an angry way, but in a more accepting, melancholic way. Lots of echos, it's beautiful. Favorites are: Drive, Sweetness Follows, Star Me Kitten, and Nightswimming.

It’s a very good but not great album.

Excellent album but not as good as appetite for Destruction.

R.E.M. is another band I’ve always liked but don’t listen to often. In college, when I was reviewing albums for the radio station to play, R.E.M. released a new album that they announced would be their last. I was tasked with writing the blurb that all the DJs would read and rating the best tracks to play. Having never really listened to R.E.M. at the time, I was a little intimidated. I knew that a bunch of music snobs who potentially love R.E.M. would be reading what I wrote and I worried I would seem like I didn’t know what I was talking about. So I gave myself a crash course in their catalog. I listened to a few early albums and a few that have big hits on them (including this one) — while simultaneously listening to the new album. It was fun and the new album ended up being really good! I got on an R.E.M. kick them that semester (and I don’t think anyone ever suspected that I’d never listened to them before writing my review). Anyways, this album isn’t exactly my favorite, but man, it’s beautifully produced and has a ton of classic songs. “Everybody Hurts” is incredible, and “Man on the Moon” and “Nightswimming” are favorites of mine. I appreciate the literate, wordy lyrics. I didn’t pay close attention to what all the songs were about but I love when surprising words, phrases and lines jump out at me. Michael Stipe is a great performer too. I love that moment when he laughs around 2:30 in “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite” (another great song).

Good album, no bad songs and some amazing too.

Like rem more each time I listen, including this album

3.7 - It’s REM - hard to get more alternative than this. Has its ups and downs, and definitely more of the former.

Fit my Monday mood well

A good album with great songs by a great band. Far from their best or worst album but the last one with any significant hits.

Favourites: Everybody Hurts Man on the Moon Find The River

Drive is a good album opener. It does have some "The Thunder Rolls" vibes. Just saying. Everybody Hurts... truth man. truth. Monty Got a Raw Deal is a really good song. First time ever hearing it. Ignoreland... not digging this one. Nor Star Me Kitten. Nor Find the River Man on the Moon. Love it and the movie was pretty good too. Nightswimming is my favorite song on this album.

Such a great album, Very underappreciated in my early years, and REM's Out of Time is what catapulted me into music. Early on I really like what was on the radio, when I heard the album for the first time I would skip to the songs I liked. Glad I get to listen to it with new ears.

Good.

Another band with a prominent frontman that I think we're culturally tired of, (I said the same of U2 with Bono). Michael Stipe's persona still grates me. That said, re-listening to this album, I'd say it is a classic. Many great songs, very much part of the 90s zeitgeist.

REM had a real winning streak in the late 80s/early 90s. This isn't as good as the album before it, but it's still an easy 4/5.

one for introspectively noodling around a dancefloor in a cardigan

I really enjoyed this album. This is my second time attempting to go through the 1001 albums and I had previously had this album as well. Not sure what I rated it then, but today I was really feeling it. The last two tracks, Nightswimming and Find the River were two that I liked the most.

I was alone in my year at school as a casual REM fan. This one surprised me in the re-listen, it fit like a glove. I like it.

REM manage to Pipette a hot ace roomful of tracks, particularly preferred the 2nd half more- some favourites- Man on the Moon and Night swimming.

don't love the middle of the album (new orleans instrumental no.1, monty got a raw deal, ignoreland, star me kitten) favourite songs - nightswimming, man on the moon, the sidewinder sleeps tonite, find the river, drive

Listened to 'Document' before this one and was really impressed! This album, however, blew me away completely. 'Everybody Hurts,' which I knew of but hadn't really listened to in full before, is a haunting, painful, beautiful song that just completely enraptures you. Add onto that 'Nightswimming,' and you have two really standout ballads that elevate this album to something special. A solid 4/5 that is almost a perfect score. I just felt as though some of the songs didn't click this listen, though that might change as I listen to the album again in the future.

I liked that more than I thought.

Muito bom.

Great album, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Best REM album.

Another thing I’m trying to keep tabs on as I go through this is stringing together influence points toward things I knew before going in. For some reason as I listen to REM, I keep thinking of They Might Be Giants, which is weird because the music isn’t exactly similar. Something in the attitude? I dunno.

I've always thought this band was somewhat overrated. I do like some of the songs a lot though; especially Nightswimming and Drive. I find Michael Stipe's voice to be a bit whiny. I do remember seeing them in the gym at college when their first record had just come out. I don't have any specific memories of the show, but I'm sure I enjoyed it. This another record where the half-star option would be helpful. I would give this 3.5 if I could, but since I can't, it gets a 4 from me as I think it deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Nostalgic album and some great arrangement including strings by JPJ on nightswimming

I haven't listen to this one in a very long time, I probably wore it out. Very good album but I much prefer the early R.E.M. albums.

I never got into R.E.M., but I tend to like everything I hear from them. They just don't make me go "I MUST HEAR THIS!" This album is a good example of what I mean. Everything on it is at least good, but I'm just never blown away. Can't explain why. Most of my favorite tracks are the overplayed ones like Drive, Everybody Hurts, and Man on the Moon, but I also really like Ignoreland, Nightswimming, and Find the River. I'm going to have to go with 4 even though there's really not a weak spot on the album. I'm glad to have listened to it, but I won't lose sleep if I don't hear it again.

R.E.M's greatest hits was often on rotation at our house growing up, but I've never listened to one of their standalone albums. I enjoyed listening, it really shows the baroque music and unique vocals that might get a bit mixed up in a compilation. My favourite track is 'Nightswimming', but my top pick is 'Sweetness Follows' because that track was new to me and I thought it was lovely but sad.

Good album, not my favorite REM album , but it’s pretty good

Always rated REM

This has one of my favorite REM songs on it. It's a great album but a little to melancholy for an everyday listen for me.

A great album, one of R.E.M.'s best. Some of the most memorable songs of the 90s, and probably since.

Not a bad album - I'm on the fence of whether or not I like REM's music but I think this is really solid. Two big hits with "Man on the Moon" and "Everybody Hurts". 7/10.

So it's not "Coming in Jamaica."

Ah tužna introspekcija.

Super album, prvi put cijeli poslušan, Čovjek na mjesecu still slaps.

initial thoughts: I’m a fan! I don’t think I have any really intelligent thoughts to say on it. And i’m kind of getting phil collins vibes fav off album: everybody hurts or sweetness follows

Just short of a 5 for me. Nightswimming is one of their best and its's very consistent throughout

Purdy good 4

RTL2 est la meilleure sfation de radio

le premier titre a su gagner mon coeur malheureusement le reste m’a laissée de marbre….je mets 4 afin de continuer une série qui mènera j’espère vers la note ultime

This is a great album from R.E.M, certainly one of the band’s best. What I really like is how Michael Stipe has opened up lyrically, with less of the opaque, muddily delivered lyrics he was known for on earlier albums. He goes darker in these songs, touching on themes of death, loss, and growing older. But still, the darkness is frequently tinged with sweetness and hope. "Everybody Hurts" is probably the best on the album. It’s so simply rendered, but still moving to me, even after all these years. I've listened to a lot of R.E.M. over the years, and this is the one song you can feel in your bones. It’s like Stipe is speaking directly to you. On that note, I appreciate that Stipe used two of his songs (“Everybody Hurts” and “Drive”) to address his fans quite directly. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but Stipe comes off as someone who really cares about his listeners. My other favorite song is “Nightswimming,” a bittersweet, gorgeously composed meditation on getting older. I was 21 when this album came out, and I’ll tell you, that song lands very differently at 50. Anther standout track is the hooky, wonderful “Man on the Moon,” which is simply a delight to listen to. I like to think Kaufman would have appreciated it. Fave Songs: Everybody Hurts, Nightswimming, Man on the Moon, Try Not to Breathe, Drive, Sweetness Follows, Monty Got a Raw Deal

I like R.E.M. and this is an album I've listened to many times. "Try Not to Breathe", "Nightswimming", "Everybody Hurts", "Find the River", and "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" are all tracks that have been on repeat, as I try to hear what the song is about or to try and figure out how to play a portion of the song on guitar. The album is full of intreguing lyrics and interesting backing vocals all in support of well written music. I had forgotten how good "Sweetness Follows" is. I would recommend this album to others. Most of the tracks on this album get 4 stars from me. "Monty Got a Raw Deal" and "Star Me Kitten" have always been my least favorite tracks, but they're okay. Maybe I've heard "Man on the Moon" too many times.

Good throughout!

Will always be a sentimental one

Another album that saw heavy personal rotation for me upon its release. So much so that I only listened to the tracks here that I couldn't recall, which surprisingly was only 3 of them. I had a ticket to this tour but sold it because I needed the money back. Add that to the long list of regrets.

This album has stood up!

Track 01 - 4.25/5 Track 02 - 2.75/5 Track 03 - 3/5 Track 04 - 4.25/5 Track 05 - 3/5 Track 06 - 3.5/5 Track 07 - 3.25/5 Track 08 - 3/5 Track 09 - 2.75/5 Track 10 - 4.25/5 Track 11 - 3.75/5 Track 12 - 3.25/5 Overall: 3.5/5 Album Art: 3/5

Good album. Not my favorite rem music but still good. Everybody hurts is still one of the bests though. Fav songs: drive, everybody hurts, man on the moon

Really nice album. I really like Michael Stipe's vocals, and I think all of the tracks provide something unique to the album. Favorite Tracks - Try Not To Breathe, Everybody Hurts, Ignoreland, Find the River

The first half of the album kind of blends together, but the energy really picks up in the second half.

In homage to a former housemate, who was obsessed to the point of mania by this album, I played it very loudly in a room down the corridor to the one I was sitting in. I can report that the obvious MVP tracks retain their five-star ratings, while the filler remains filler.

Pretty good but not perfect.

Good alt rock album with many solid songs

great to relisten. Bought at the time. Stands up. 4.

This is one of those behemoth albums that seemed to be in every record store, and most people's music collections. Insane that it's taken me this long to listen - especially given its quality. But it ain't perfect, not by a long chalk - the music can be quite beautiful, and REM do a fine line in melancholy, but the tempos can feel a little samey. Minor misgivings though!

Really enjoyed it, particularly some of the iconic songs like Everybody Hurts

Really good rock with an overhang to different subgenres

Night Swimming <3

Full of classics

Prima, lekker om dit weer eens te horen. Destijds liet ik deze band links liggen..

Prachtig!

Twijfelgeval. Ik hoor dat het goed is, maar ik heb er niet altijd zin in. 'Nightswimming' is geweldig.

Pretty great. 4/5

Great album

They’ve got some good good songs this album had a few nothing bad at all to say would recommend. 4.4 / 5

This was pretty good. Rolled from hit to hit

Pretty good. There is something here that I missed… definitely gonna benefit from more listens.

Good music, good album. Wasn't struck quite as much by this one as by the previous R.E.M. album we've had. It just didn't quite feel inspiring enough for 5 stars. Favorite track: Man On The Moon

Full of hits, and even a couple more that probably could have been hits too.

An enjoyable album, with some favourites contained in it. Some slow and fairly misery inducing songs. But, that's what R.E.M specialise in.

From alternative to experimental, one of the band's best.

Solid

Buen disco

liked the album favourite tracks: man on the moon, drive and nightswimmming some of the songs lacked 'something special'

Having grown up in the 90s, this just about sums it up. It's somehow depressing to listen to, but leaves me feeling hopeful - not sure how they pulled that off. Great instrumentation, really well-produced. Stipe's vocals are haunting and unmistakable. Everybody Hurts gets played a lot, but - dammit - it's a great song.

Just a great listen and an all-timer right here. The jams are pure gold and the lesser tracks aren't faster behind. Great record.

This album is a huge leap from Murmer which I recently rated a 3. Much more mature writing and performances here with quite a few very solid songs.

Chill. Creo que no es para mi. Es como... pos ta bien. Me gustaron Monty Got a Raw Deal, Ignore y Drive.

REM is one of those rare bands where I like pretty much everything they put out throughout their entire career. This album might be their most dramatic. Has some really iconic songs on it. This was one that was in the CD players of the cars I would ride in back in it's day. Favorite tracks are Man on the Moon and Nightswimming.

Lots of bangers, to be fair Great production, great songwriting Such a well rounded album 4 stars

Liked it

Obviously I know quite a few of the tracks. Drive - like it a lot. Try not to breathe - good too. Sidewinder sleeps tonight - as good as I remember. everybody hurts- yep. instrumental bit - why? sweetness follows - didn't thikn i knew this one, but it is familiar. I like it.! Monty gets a raw deal, passed me by a bit - very polite ignoreland - didn't know this one. Its fine, but nothing exceptional. star me kitten: slightly annoying. man on the moon - immediately recognisable. I like this one a lot. nightswimming - nice if a bit dull. would be nothing without Stipe being so good. Find the river: another one i didn't think i knew, but did. Nice! I really like this. Would have been 5 if it wasn't for the filler in the middle!

Drive, Everybody Hurts, Man in the Moon, of course. I was prepared for this to be just another boring REM album but am pleasantly surprised. Great feel, great performances. Some same-old guitar licks from Buck, but overall still sounds fresh.

Really enjoyed

-feels like a jog through a forest, no path in sight. carving your own way over rocks and through trees (as I continue listening this works less) -same vibe as brown stiff jackets -i really liked it! Very pretty

Love R.E.M. you always know it is them, but it is still a great variety of music. Michael Stipe has such a tender and soulful vocal. Perfectly captured in Everybody Hurts. If you aren't moved by that song, you have a heart of stone!

Brilliant album by great band. Played it to death in my college days. Best track - Find a river

Довольно неплохой альбом Рёма, но я осознаю, что он является таковым в основном на реактивной тяге открывающего сингла. Драйв — одна из лучших их песен, и некоторое время для меня была одной из лучших песен вообще. После такого ловишь настолько позитивный настрой, что остальные песни как будто становятся лучше. Но на самом деле ситуация такая же, как я и описывал. Первые три песни — годнота, Ignoreland и Nightswimming тоже. В Everybody Hurts я очень ценю посыл, наверное это реально хорошая песня, чтобы переживать реально не хорошие времена, но мне просто всегда было невыносимо скучно слушать её до конца. Man on the Moon вроде имеет хитовый потенциал, но бля, я просто не могу перешагнуть через факт, что это песня об Энди Кауфмане. Не то чтобы я не любил его, но бля, это же человек с одной из самых ебанутых энергетик на комедийной сцене. А сама песня звучит как сладенький попс с довольно раздражающими «е-е, е-е». Просто что-то не сходится в посыле этой песни и её звучании. Остальное — ну не говно, но и не западает никуда. Добрая половина альбома тянется просто как дженерик РЕМ песни, не вызывая эмоций и практически сразу же забываясь. Альбом не плохой ни в коем случае, думаю англоязычным людям он более понятен и близок. Но я едва ли могу поставить больше 7, хоть Драйв и охуенна.

Very good

Good Album - plenty of classics

Gorgeous arrangements aided by JPJ, the band at this point has ascended past punk, past alt rock, past pop rock, past acoustic pop, right into an acoustic art album that is as honest as it is grand. Not my favorite, as I'm partial to their more energetic enterprises, but an historical moment for the band and rock music (especially in the distorted, I-hate-my-parents 90s).

“Nightswimming” for me and Billie, but I think that Adubs is partial to “Find the River”

Production: 11/20 Songwriting: 15/20 Innovation: 9/20 Bangers: 20/20 Emotional response: 14/20 =69 Yeah pretty good I guess

I live REM, but this album is full of sad introspection and I’ve played it a lot so somewhat played out. Lots of really good tracks.

This album is an entire mood.

A lot of Nostalgia listening to this album. Good stuff

Always love me some R.E.M.!

lines about marching into the capital mirroring current day events was so weird

pretty cool, chill rock

Nightswimming is one of my new favorite REM songs

The singer has a very unique voice and I think its one of the best 90s band, this album I did not knew well but a couple of songs but it didn't matter I still enjoyed it.

I listened to the hell out of this at the time so I clearly loved it, but not my favorite. Just a little too poppy compared to some of their more complex stuff.

Rock alternativo. Muy bueno.

Me sorprende lo poco que conozco de REM, no tengo idea de sus tiempos, cronología, en qué disco viene qué canción... y a pesar de eso conozco muchas de sus canciones. Siempre se me hicieron como la alternativa al grunge, música de rock alternativo que mantuvo su esencia de sonido agradable y brillante a pesar de cómo todas las otras bandas iban hacia otro lado. Drive y Monty's Got a Raw Deal me gustaban desde hace mucho y ni qué decir sobre Everybody Hurts o Man on the Moon, el hecho de tener sencillos tan quemadísimos y sonados millones de veces, y que me sigan gustando habla harto bien del disco. Varias canciones que no conocía como Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight, Night Swimming o Fight the River bastante decentes, pero también se sienten un par de canciones que terminan medio de relleno sin mucha propuesta y que vienen y van sin pena ni gloria (sobre todo esa instrumental). En general me gusto el disco bastante, aunque sospecho que Out of Time me gustará más... ya veremos tampoco lo he escuchado nunca completo.

Man on the Moon es la mejor, seguida de Drive. Everybody Hurts es buena pero ya se me hace muy quemada. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite y Nightswimming merecen también mención especial. El sonido clásico de REM que estará presente el resto de su carrera.

Very familiar with this album, listened to it a lot around the time it came out. Great album. 4 Stars.

Solid. A little slow for me. I like a smattering of older REM

Wasn’t super into it at first, but really liked it by the end.

Very good early 90s that is able to sound like any era. Favorite songs were Drive, Nightswimming, Find the River, NOLA Instrumental No. 1. Least favorite, probably Marty? Still really enjoyed the whole way through.

Had to listen to this a couple of times and listen to the R U Talkin' R.E.M. RE: Me? episode on it to get into it a bit more. Outside of the hits, I started to appreciate "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" and "Ignoreland" on these listens

Very good rock album. Way better than Murmur, R.E.M. feels like a fully realised band on this one.

Tal vez en algún momento escuché un disco completo de R.E.M. pero seguramente no fue este. No sabía que conocía mas canciones de la banda y sobre todo de este disco, Everybody hurts es de mis favoritas y trae unas joyitas perdidas como drive, find the river Creo que es una banda a la que no se le ha dado el lugar que merece como exponente del alternativo

Curiosamente el sábado me dieron ganas de escuhar R.E.M. porque estaba platicando de Andy Kaufman y 'Man on The Moon'. No conocía este disco completo y las que no fueron sencilos o éxitos de algún tipo son también canciones muy buenas. En particular me gustan 'Man on the Moon', 'Night Swimming' e 'Ignoreland'.

Lyrically, it’s right up there with the best Michael’s ever done. At the time of release, it was certainly jockeying with Murmur for their best album. Now, I think it’s maybe fallen just a taste because “Everybody Hurts” just doesn’t thrill me. “Ignoreland” feels like an outtake, musically. Of course, we weren’t in the Clinton era yet, so I get it. And I’ve never loved “Nightswimming.” Yet every other song is Hall of Fame, particularly “Sweetness Follows,” “Monty,” and “Man on the Moon.” Its notable status firmly in the grunge era can’t be ignored either. This seems like a classic 4.5 situation if we could do halfsies.

Had lots of REM going on in the car with dad. Everybody Hurts and Man on the Moon are eternal classics but had never heard Ignoreland or Find the River which were also sick

Melancholy but hummable. “Sweetness Follows” alone is worth the price of admission.

Brought back good memories. Loaded with hits and big melodies dripping with pathos and sadness

Not bad. Familiar, but new.

Nice. I don't have much to say about it other than that.

Great album. Singles are amazing. Ahead of its time for the early 90a. Bet a lot of mid to late 90s bands got their sound from here. Listened to it on shuffle (by mistake) hoping to give it another listen as an album. Only thing keeping it from being 5 stars for me is some of the other tracks are just ok and some of the lyrics seem pretentious

Awesome album.

That was a good record. Sounds like REM

Ok - alot of tracks on the radio

love REM, great album

REM was the great counterbalance to grunge. Still feels very 90s and relatable today.

Own. Fave song “Nightswimming”

Usually I don’t like being sad. BUT NOT TODAY

Nice and chill rock music for the working student.

Solid album, with plenty of solid songs

It's 3.5. Favs: Drive, Man on the Moon

A good album, a few really good songs, but why so many REM albums on the list? There’s so many that won’t make the 1001 I’m thinking

This album came out when I was in my teens and it was far too somber for my tastes. Listening to it today, some 34 years later, their somber tone makes more sense, although I still find a bit more plodding than I prefer. I rarely, if ever, feel the urge to spin this record. Faves: "Drive", "Everybody Hurts", "New Orleans instrumental No. 1", and "Man on the Moon"

It might just be my modern attention span, but a vast majority of this album is very background music for me. It's not bad, but none of it really stood out as something I would listen to actively by itself. Still good mind you, just background good.

Ubiquitous.

Not bad, some overwrought songs here but some great darker tunes

It was pretty good.

Walking into this album, I knew two songs already. I despise "Everybody Hurts" and love "Man on the Moon," so this was gonna be fun. R.E.M. is a band I haven't listened to nearly enough, but I do enjoy their sound. "Drive" is a hell of an opener, with a (pun not intended) driving intensity that ebbs and flows. Overall, its alt-rock done right, and while not many of the songs were favorites, aside from "Everybody Hurts," they were all enjoyable.

Not bad.

Good listen.

Divorced Dad Music (?) I went into this album knowing absolutely nothing about R.E.M. Never heard of them. What I found was... well, it's music for dads. I know people love R.E.M., but I think they must be an acquired taste, because I just don't get it. The whole album is mid-tempo, stays in one gear, and doesn't really hit any peaks or valleys. The songs kind of blur together, all sounding pretty similar. There's not much upbeat energy and it just drags on. The only thing that really stands out is Michael Stipe's voice... it's unique and memorable. But overall, it's just tiring. "Drive" was pretty cool. Lyrics are nothing special. Kind of boring. 4-5/10. "Try Not to Breathe" sounds a bit folky. Weirdly upbeat song for somebody dying. Kind of boring for a while. I like the guitar singing a bit. 4/10. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" is much more uplifting and poppy. It's fine. A bit funky. Organ is pretty prominent. Weird little lyrics. Don't hate it but it's so repetitive and doesn't really build. 5/10. "Everybody Hurts" is so boring. So cheesy, like from a really white movie. Strings coming in is nice. It's literally just fine. 4/10. "New Orleans Instrumental No. 1" is a weird little interlude. Not bad. Chill. 3/10. "Sweetness Follows" – I like the themes of this song. Very relatable as someone whose family fell apart after dad died. Very somber. Decent but still pretty boring. 5/10. "Monty Got a Raw Deal" – Purely acoustic guitar for the first part. Then drums and synth/harmonica comes in. It's alright. Don't hate it. Kind of folky. 4/10. "Ignoreland" – I like this. The lyrics are pretty sharp. Still kind of only blames one side whenever both are equally complicit. Take a social democrat stance, not really punk lol. Definitely the most energetic track. Still it sounds just fine and not actually getting me that excited. Really do love the Reaganomics critiques tho. 5/10. "Star Me Kitten" – Whispered melancholic bs huh. Very minimal. So slow. It's fine. 3-4/10. "Man on the Moon" – Pretty catchy. Almost a country feel to this. Very acoustic. Kind of upbeat. Pretty basic. 4-5-6/10 depends on mood. Still just kind of okay. "Nightswimming" – Kind of sounds like Bo Burnham lol. Prob the piano. Pretty sad lyrics. Pretty cool song. Very melancholy and nostalgic. 5/10. "Find the River" – Melody instantly seems familiar. I've probably heard this somewhere. 5-6/10. This album is well-made, I can't deny that. There's a lot of care put into the mixing, arrangements, and songwriting, and I respect the craftsmanship. But I'm never coming back to this. It's not bad, just not what I was expecting. The guitars feel kinda thin, like they could have filled out the sound more. A lot to admire, but nothing that makes me want to listen again. Rating: 5/10

A fine rock album, some songs impressed me but not enough to listen to it again 3/5

Pleasant. Like R.E.M but I've always been a fan of the singles and found the non singles a bit slow. My Dad had this album growing up, never made it through the whole thing. Glad for the excuse, appreciate the vibe, enjoyed it but wouldn't listen again.

When R.E.M. began, they often had pensive and downbeat moments that made me want to give Michael Stipe, and I supposed the rest of the band, a comforting hug. They were not Smiths’ level depression, several songs explored the world and the past in a wistful manner. For much of Automatic for the People R.E.M. reached out to their audience like a deft counselor. They coupled this attitude with an embrace of nostalgia as references to childhood abound. While they do not quite get to the Sesame Street vibe of “Shiny Happy People” or “Stand,” Stipe and company channel a bit of Fred Rogers. I will admit that this approach would have been a major turn-off from another band. R.E.M. had built a level of admiration at this point to allow me to tolerate these moments. In addition, the songwriting, playing and singing manage to keep these songs uplifting rather than maudlin and cloying. Peter Buck remains in the background as “Ignoreland” has the bigger guitar sound of Document and Green. The chiming and murky sounds of the first four records also rarely appeared. Musical growth makes sense for the material on the album as the songs require understatement. The arrangements remind me of the less orchestrated ballads of peak Beach Boys. Gently keyboards, full fledged piano (“Nightswimming”) and stickless percussion give a new sound. This subtle touch adds pathos then allows some terrific choruses to shine during “Man on the Moon” and “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite.” Michael Stipe had also grown as a singer. Perhaps fully trusting his voice or desiring to give the lyrics a clear airing, Stipe gets pushed up in the mix, quite a shift from the Murmur singer. These changes allowed the lyrics to provide the comforting nostalgia that defines the record. I “Everybody Hurts” is as close to an anthem as R.E.M. was willing to release. It is not quite “Imagine” or “Help”, more at the level of a Carpenters’ song. Several songs make attempts to buoy the listener with a look at the past. “Nightswimming”, “Man on the Moon” and “Drive” with its nod to David Essex’s “Rock On” dip heavily into the members’ youth. Pleasantly sad, Automatic for the People lacks a true emotional wallop. Aside from the songs mentioned here, the tunefulness can’t match a similar record like Harvest, which keeps the record at a good, not great level.

Depressing, dreary, moany and whiney. But a very distinct sound! 3/5

Back half saved this one ngl

Lots of hits! Not really my thing but w/e.

didn't impress me i guess

Music for dads. Not bad though

non proprio il mio, molto orecchiabile e bella da tenere in sottofondo

Overall pretty solid - would listen again

Great album but a real downer

nothing special

Listening session: july 17th, while chilling at home Listened to before: listened to two songs before Thoughts: nice album with some classic songs but not something that really stands out to me as a whole Favourite tracks: Everybody Hurts, Man on The Moon & Find The River

Tiene un álbum mejor a este. Está bien

Second REM in a row and third in 48! This one is actually pretty good. 3.5/5 Top tracks: Everybody Hurts, New Orleans Instrumental

Generally a snorefest as most 90s alternative rock is, but there was some highlights and some interesting musical elements. Some chords took me by surprise and for that you get a bump, REM. Highlights: Ignoreland, Find The River

Intrigued to listen to this again, so an improvement on the other R.E.M. albums on this list.

Great album for easy listening. A little lacking when it comes to any deeper listening for me. Obvious highlights are Everybody Hurts and Man On The Moon. Personal favorite is Nightswimming.

Good!

A lot of samey ballads one after another, but enjoyable nontheless.

Some beautiful songs like Nightswimming and Everybody hurts. But overall just a bit unexciting.

it has potential in the beginning but after a little bit it sounds like a very ordinary Americana divorced dad album.

Pretty good, but didn’t have the standout hits I remember.

It’s just too much REM.

Not super familiar with R.E.M. other than their hits, but there are 2-3 songs on here that I initially thought were Losing My Religion. Imagine my disappointment...

Now that I have a more complete picture of this band, this feels like their peak in terms of production value. Big strings and loads of instrumentation create a more cinematic and emotional REM. I’ve always liked Man on the Moon and found a few new ones I enjoyed.

A bit too suburban mall for me, but there are some good tunes on this. I can’t help but think of that one guy on 60 songs who trashed nightswimming because he thought it was obnoxiously self-indulgent nostalgia. I kinda get that. Although I also identify with it a bit too. lol.

Not a huge REM fan but this is one of their best

danilo i ja smo pojeli brauni koji nam je uros doneo za godisnjicu useljenja. dosta je gadan. album je oke za sad stigli smo do pola, ne mogu da kazem da bih ikad ponovo slusala ijednu pesmu. znam samo everybody hurts. ne svidja mi se njegov glas, osim toga nije lose. znam ipak i man on the moon.

This album makes Foever Blue feel like Carnival. I kinda stopped paying close attention to REM after Out of Time, maybe even Green, but obviously they were unavoidable in the 90s. I've never listened to this album as I whole and I never will again. It's even sadder than I remember people being in the 90s

Banco, pero hasta ahí. Un clásico R.E.M. igualmente

Vorige REM Album had ik een 1 gegeven. Dit albums is wel een heel stuk beter. Het is meer sferisch en de arrangementen zijn beter. De stem is ook iets lager wat minder irriteert.

Decent but not my jam

Hey maybe the UK knows how to do something else than Beatles slop

Early R.E.M. >>>>>>> later R.E.M. Never like this album. They're brilliant, but I'd take any of their first five albums over this one. Too much piano, mandolin, and warbling.

I once had this on my shelves, but I dont recall why it's not there any longer. It was interesting to hear it again after many years, after which I can't be sure how I feel about it. The hits are clearly standout and over the intervening years have received plenty of radio airplay, but as an album it kind of loses its way in places. I may buy it again, just to reinstate it on the shelves, which afterall are my life in music. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit 🫳 ★★★☆☆(6/10) Total reviewed : 364 Already owned : 79 Purchased : 16 To buy : 7 Nope : 262

rock🔥

I've never really listened to these guys before. I recognized a couple songs that I've heard in passing but thats it. I really liked a few songs in particular, but the album as a whole did not invoke any strong feelings one way or another. I think this one might be an album that needs some time to grow on me. I'd be willing to give it another shot in the future but for now, first impression is that it's just alright.

not bad, to be honest, not my favorite album, but I did save one song. Find The River was my personal fave.

4 ottimi pezzi, il resto è dimenticabile

Nice, more chill than I expected, but I don't love the vocals. Solid 3 stars.

3.

Eh, not bad

it was more funky and british than other music i know by them

Our third R.E.M. entry on the list, and for a refresher on my general opinion of the band, see my review of Green last year: "I am notoriously (at least among my music-discussing friends) not a big REM fan, though I definitely respect what they did for alternative music/culture, and there are some REM songs I do love. If you care about why I think I don't love REM as much as some others my age, ask me about my Older Sibling Theory. All of that being said, the hits on this album are among the first REM songs I remember being exposed to on MTV (after the tracks off Document that got a lot of airplay) and I generally like them now. I like this album now but it annoyed me back then. I also like most of what REM did before this album more than I like what they did after it, so this was kind of an inflection point." This album was two albums after that inflection point, so in its time I was not a big fan - I thought the hits were overplayed on MTV, which was how I ingested a lot of music then. Listening now, however, I appreciate it a bit more. I do really like some songs on here, but it's still the era of R.E.M. that I like the least.

Not badly produced but SO boring

3/12, y like and its a good album, but dont make mi crazy i know 3 song of 12

This is the third (and probably my favorite so far) of R.E.M.’s albums that I’ve had so far on this list. I think I have a big enough sample size now to conclusively say that R.E.M. is good, I just don’t like Michael Stipe.

It's not their best, but still lots to love here

Some iconic songs that I can’t help but sing along too. Rest of the album was easy listening but not something I’d revisit

it was alright, folkier than i thought

a bit slow and perhaps boring. some bangers

A third R.E.M. album eh? This is probably their best one. It has a couple of OK songs (Drive, Man On the Moon) and a lot of forgettable ones. It's fine I guess.

An extremely well-written album with many beautiful songs. I feel sort of bad giving it three stars as it’s a solid album, but I think I just don’t enjoy it as much as some others. Just a bit too downbeat for me.

Honestly I did not mind the album it was a nice listen its not the typical thing I listen to but I did have a good time listening to it, it was giving me like old school redneck which is not bad and I did not know that one famous song was from this album I would give it 6/10

3/5

There's some pretty good songs on here. I like Everybody Hurts and Nightswimming.

I already liked some REM songs but hasn’t heard this. Liked it, didn’t love it.

Certainly some solid songs. But middle part of this felt like a lot of filler to me and not very memorable. Maybe deserves another listen but first spin I thought this was on the high end of middle class. 3.25

This was more of what I thought about REM compared to another album I listened to. I find it decent and has its place and need in the world, but just slightly bland

the sad slow songs here are much less unpleasant than the other r.e.m. lps i've gotten so far, the arrangements have more room to breathe and the vocals fit better.

Nightswimming is a genuine banger

Great REM album poss best but sadly band never got back to this standard

REM remains one of the few things to come from GA that I genuinely like. Although this is not my fav album of theirs-- i tend to prefer their earlier stuff. Nightswimming is actually poetry. Put on on a drive home after work. Goodbye Atlanta

Good

I don't mind some of their big hits, but hadn't listened to an album before

The hits on this album are some of REM's best, the rest of the album is somewhat forgettable with a few nice surprises peppered in (nightswimming). There is something about this band I just dont enjoy and I can't put my finger on it. Kind of boring overall and I don't love the vocals but I can see how people would really gravitate to this album. Probably a 4 but for me a 3.

Some good hits but you need to be in a somber mood for it to be a banger

Highlights: - Sweetness Follows - has a ton of cool instruments and guitar feedback all contributing to a very cohesive sound, big fan - Find The River - we finally get to hear some energy in his voice! This is much more cohesive than the other album of theirs that has come up, green. It still doesn't feel super special to me. He's got a nice voice but we don't get to hear it for most of these songs. His singing is low energy or monotonous. Which is probably the point, it just clashes with the instruments doing a ton of interesting things and his voice isn't despite it being at the forefront... High 3

didn't blow me away, the other one was better

12 songs Added to liked: -Everybody Hurts (already there) -Man On The Moon (knew the song)

Det er okay, men R.E.M bliver altid lidt for monoton whining for mig 2.8

Would I listen again: sure This is a high 3 for me. Cosplaying Ollie in the shower. Liked the instrumentation and a couple of good songs I already knew on here

Forgettable outside of the hits

Buen álbum, pero creo que no lo volvería a escuchar. Lo sentí muy monótono, pero esta bueno para tenerlo de fondo. Everybody hurts es conocidísima, Star me kitten y Nightswimming fueron mis favs. Es un cambio radical en la tendencia de la banda, porque ya eran conocidos pero hicieron un álbum más suave y sensible. Overall, va bene.

chato. não chato do tipo insuportável mas aquele chato familiar que você deixa rolar pq não incomoda. chato tipo tarde de domingo com seu pai recém divorciado

A little melancholy. I liked it, but I wasn't too impressed. Maybe it's because I like this genre of music I'm being a more critical listener, but this album just wasn't for me.

Nothing that really stands out to me but overall a solid album.

Sounds good to me, this album... 3 stars

nothing special

Moui

Jag trodde jag tyckte bättre om den här. Hitsinglarna är bra, Man on the moon, Drive, Everybody hurts. Men sedan blir det lite långtråkigt.

Jag tycker nog att detta är betydlig roligare än förra R.E.M.-albumet vi hade. Här finns ganska många i grunden rätt bra låtar som Drive, och förstås Everybody hurts. Däremot är produktionen inte den bästa. Lite väl svulstigt och radioskvalsanpassat på samma gång.

A bit of melancholic nostalgia

Yet another good album from REM. But no need for more than one. This album is fine but I still like Fables of the Reconstruction (or is it Reconstruction of the the Fables) better. Although they still made some some really good songs, the later albums seem more cut and dried and less edgy than the earlier ones.

Some really great tracks on here but at the end of the day, I can't bring myself to truly enjoy what REM offers. A good listen but probably won't be back for awhile.

Cool! Cool! Cool! Comme quoi, j’aurais pas cru. 3.5/5

Pretty good

Nice cover. The third keyword listed in the reviews for this album was "boring" and I think that's about how I feel about it

Not bad. Liked well enough

a marked improvement from murmur with some actual standouts, but suffers from an overly drab and slow middle act

Beste Rem Album bis jetzt

Klarer ikke å bli fanget, synest det meste av REM e bare helt ok. Sterk 3er

Liked

намного больше мелодии чем я думала, хороший, даже вроде не надоел, надо потом ещё проверить

I guess I just don't find most of R.E.M.'s music that compelling. Not an active dislike but definitely not a rousing enjoyment from me.

This came out right around the time I was shifting away from pop music. I recognize so many of these songs but was surprised to learn that none of the singles charted that high. There certainly are some truly great songs on here as well as the usual somewhat experimental folkish filler. It sure is great to listen to this band again and to hear the complete albums. I’ve gained a new appreciation for this band and am looking forward to listening to some more recordings by this band.

i once tried listening to this album when i was first getting into 90s music, i also had the CD at some point which i gave away. I like drive but the second song began and i decided that’s enough. for an actual first listen, it’s not as bad as i expected. you always hear “Man on the moon” on the radio and i used to hate that song a lot. but the album isn’t my thing but it was a worth while listen. it sounds like how i thought all 90s music sounded when i was a kid. definitely a big player in the soft rock that would emerge in the late 90s

Muy folky, slow para mi gusto. Los instrumentales son hermosos

I always thought Shiny Happy People was on this album. Glad it wasn't. This is a much better album than I recalled. Night Swimming is their best track.

This is moody REM - good but not great

I recognize the hits, but I don't really care for his voice. Nothing mind blowing with the music.

Muy depre y no en el buen sentido. Aunque me sirve Everybody Hurts. Nota: 3.2

Lindo álbum. Buenas canciones. Transmiten nostalgia y melancolía. Bajon del lindo. No me llegó tanto, pero se lo disfrutó a primera escucha. 6/10

Not one of my favorite R.E.M albums but it does have two great bangers on there. Just like I've never had a bad pizza I've never heard an R.E.M album I did not like.

Not what I usually go for but did enjoy

This REM album sounds like other REM albums. Some decent acoustic cuts, some annoying whiny piano type songs. Not really my thing but OK. Low 3.

Lot of bangers on this..

Came out when I was in college. Still remember how hot we all thought the girl in the Man on the Moon video was lol As an early fan of Reckoning, Murmer, DLO...this album kind of hit as pretty "mid" to me at the time. On relisten I am struck by how pretty a lot of the songs are (Everybody Hurts of course, but also Sidewinder and others) but its kind of "oh yeah that's nice" not "oh yeah let me slide that back in the rotation".

i think this is a great album, the problem is it took me 3 days to listen through...i don't know WHY it took me so long, but i guess this just means i personally didn't enjoy it THAT much.

REM cranks out some pretty solid hits, but I've never really been over the moon about their stuff. Although I've definitely listened to "Everybody Hurts" at a few low points in my life and made many feeble attempts at singing along with "It's the End of the World as We Know it." Also making a song about comedian Andy Kaufman was an interesting choice, but works surprisingly well.

The album was pretty good but I was in a bad mood for it.

Fav- everybody hurts 3/5

definitely something my mom would play in the car...

Pas mal. Un peu répétitif quand même c’est sympa en musique de fond

Not usually a fan of R.E.M., but this was a good one. Very nice sounds and the vocals were not as annoying as I remember. It has some bluegrass elements mixed with the quintessential soft rock sound that R.E.M. is known for. This was a surprisingly likeable record.

It definitely had good songs but not my cup of tea

Clasiquitos y tal pero flojea porque acaba sonando repetitivo, que no mal. Un poco condicionada por la racha que llevo.

starting to get really sick of rock ngl.. trying to remain objective bc songs are okay but had a hard time getting through it

very solid, beautiful writing. 3.5 stars

A little bit boring, vocals a bit whiney and samey, but not bad. Not as much punch as I might have hoped for.

boredom for the people. igual me gustaron los violines (creo q era un violin).

Ignoreland was... interesting. Hurt is a classic. Overall the album is a bit more sad than my preference. I did enjoy the orchestra and piano pieces.

annoying. best song is the one where he isn’t singing Fav tracks: Drive; New Orleans Instrumental No. 1

There’s some nice guitar tones in this album and of course ‘Everybody hurts’ is a timeless track but nothing else sparked much feeling.

Ascoltare l'album intero mi ha fatto (ma solo un poco) vincere la repulsione che ho per i REM.

Objectively, this is great music, but for the life of me, I just can't connect with it for some reason. The melodies are great, the lyrics too, I don't know. Maybe it's the singer's voice?

2.5/5 Can’t stand his voice.

losing my religi

2.5

One of the classic midlife crisis albums.

Esta bueno. Tiene temas muy tranquilos. Lindas armonias y la voz de el es espectacular.

Not a whole lot to say about this one, its pretty solid I especially like the instrumentation. Some of the songs were slightly annoying (everybody hurts) but in general I enjoyed the listening experience.

Rating: 3.5/5 Favorite song(s): perhaps Try Not to Breathe Review: I was honestly not very familiar with R.E.M. before this. I knew their hits, liked some of them, was annoyed by others, but didn’t really know what to expect from this album. In a lot of ways, it was better than I expected. The instrumentation was interesting, though the lyrics and vocalization sometimes came off a bit trite. There were some cool riffs and good musicianship throughout. I still dislike “Everybody Hurts.” It somehow manages to disrupt an otherwise pretty good rock record with a weird ballad that gives kinda vapid Peter Gabriel vibes. I’m kind of torn on the rating here. I feel like a lot of qualities of this album make it deserve a 4, but this is my personal rating system after all. I don’t see myself re-listening to any of these songs, despite whatever more objective artistic value they may hold. I just can’t give higher than a 3 to something I don’t ever think I’ll seek out again, but it is a pretty solid album. Listen again?: No

great álbum but not mi vocal vibe