Murmur

Solid album. I never cared for this band when I was in school. Now they remind me of different times with a bit of nostalgia. I am able to appreciate what a great band they were.

Love Michael Stipe's voice. Forgot about this album

Already love this album, as an REM fan.

Awesome 80s alt rock

Had never listened to this album. The more I listened the more I realized how much I like their music. Every bit as good as the later stuff that got a lot of radio play.Cutting edge but easy to listen to and appreciate for its musical creativity and integrity.

The jangles are poppin’ on this one. Love the songwriting. Love the mumbled vague lyrics. Love the rhythmic beat that flows throughout. An indie rock trailblazer.

done. 9/10

Enjoyable

Having just listened to and reviewed the album Document I have to say that Murmur is a superior album and much more to my taste. This album combines the great sounds of the 60's with a slight folk edge, when you add in just enough punk energy it is a very solid album. I love Peter Bucks guitar work (every jangly note!) in particular and the harmonizing. Stipe's vocals and the rest of the bands work make this an excellent debut album. While I have my favorites on the album, I could easily interchange some of these picks with other songs on the album. This may be my favorite R.E.M. album. Favorite songs: Radio Free Europe, Talk About the Passion, Sitting Still, Shaking Through

forever tickled i share my initials.

'Murmur' by REM is a bit forgotten in their 25+ years long career. It was the band's debut album in the early 1980s and they already had a very characterestic, recognisable and unique sound. They were the first indie rock band, too, because no one had a sound similar to theirs before them and it's just so easy to hear the influence they had on many bands later. Excellent debut and a really influential album.

I tried to be objective about this because I know it’s not even my favorite REM album, but I loved it. Not a skippable song (tbf, maybe the last 2) and a very remarkable debut.

Very nice !

Love it

Great

Don’t love REM but this album was outstanding. The Moral Kiosk is my favorite track

beautiful!

talk abour the passion

Banger after banger

8/12, 67%

Classic. Wildly influential and unique in it's aesthetics. I'm not sure of another album that captures so well the eccentric world of adolescence and grappling with feelings of inadequacy while also feeling mysterious yet deeply personal. For those who enjoy this, check out Pylon, another Athens Georgia group from the late 70's and early 80's, who influenced this album's punch and unusual nature.

Great. Jangly and nice. Reminds me of some Dunedin sound bands

Good

Not a bad song on this album and has aged so well. Incredible to think that this was released in '83 - around the same time as bands like The Cure and The Police were peaking.

In their debut, REM releases an album that is unlike anything else out there. Sure, it has some punk / New Wave beats and basslines, but there are no synths or guitar solos. Instead, you have a series of fun and bright jangly pop songs to sing along to. Stipe is notorious for his recognizable, grating, barely audible mumbling singing style. You don't have to understand what he's saying to groove along to the happy jangles and random percussions. Their debut is arguably their best. Their first three albums all have a similar consistent sound, but this has the most recognizable and non-forgettable tracks. Every song here is catchy and melodic in their own unique ways, and you couldn't confuse any two alike. Some are louder, and some are quieter. Some will argue the last 4 dip in quality, and I agree they don't hit as hard as the ones before them (except "We Walk", I have an unusual crush over that bubblegum tune). But I love them all, and at no point do I get tired.

I don’t know why, but I got a lot more out of this than Green. I mean, for that one I wrote a joke review because I didn’t know what to say and I’ve done a ton of reviews where I just said that. Review was lame, anyway. Whatever, I like Murmur. It’s just nice and jangly, and all the songs are great. I guess I don’t really have anything more to-DAMMIT

Classic alternative album. Set REM on the path to stardom.

Cohesive, very nice

Debut album from one of my favorite bands and it delivers.

great driving music

Loved this album since I was young!

Really good moral kiosk super good sounds like xtc made the song.

4.75

Wonderful album good mix of the era. While I listened it I felt like I listen the mix of beatles and kansas/eagle.

The animaaaaaaaaaaaals. How straaaaaaaaaaaaaange. Try. TRY to stick it innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

As debut albums go, they don't get much better than this. It was new, its fresh, it's influences were clear for all to hear. Some called it jangle pop because of Buck's chiming guitar. Welcome to the world of R.E.M. one that was much better for having them.

R.E.M. has been one of my favorite bands for roughly 20 years so i was always going to like this album, but i confess i only knew the big songs off it. after listening through a few times, i think this album is a perfect encapsulation of R.E.M.'s sound in the 80s. jangly pop-rock guitars without the otherwise ubiquitous 80s synths, creative but obtuse lyrics that get muddled in the mix (so you really have to work to understand what michael stipe is saying), alternative rock drum beats, and driving basslines. all in all, a solid package of tracks that set the stage for their next several albums and some of their biggest songs yet to come. favorites: radio free europe, laughing, talk about the passion, catapult, we walk

I can feel the foundation being laid for some of my favorite 90s alternative acts as I'm listening to this. Did not come into this exercise expecting to love two separate REM albums, but I don't hate that I ended up doing so. The instrumentals are so damn good in this album--really, really interesting and gripping stuff. Favorite tracks: Catapult, 9-9

One of my all-time favorite albums by one of my all-time favorite bands. The impact this has had on the shaping and rise of alternative/indie/college rock can’t be ignored. There’s jangle along with some punk sensibilities, so it doesn’t come across as being toothless. I’ve heard Radio Free Europe countless times, and it still sounds fresh to my ears.

Another one I have committed to memory, with my REM phase following my Led Zep phase, appropriately enough - although I do still listen to this on occasion. As a youngster, I was amazed by the jangly sound and the clever melodies, and "Laughing" is still probably my favorite song of this style from anyone. So good, it seemed to me that REM were not of this planet, and they cast me firmly into the depths of the indieworld. I have never investigated the lyrics, so this album remains mostly a phonetic collage (probably for the better). Can't believe I never saw them live, stupidly giving away tickets to the Hollywood Bowl at the twilight of their career. Moron

I loved R.E.M. in the early 80s. This release (their debut if you don't count Chronic Town) displays the reasons why. This was different than 99.9% of the music out there. The combination of influences, rock (Byrds), folk and most importantly punk and post-punk are on display here. There is nervous energy here that was not present in their later (more mature works). Holds up for me today.

Genius

Great first album from R.E.M. I don't have a ton to say about it but I really liked it. I hadn't heard most of these songs before and they turned out to be some of the band's best.

flawless

If you didn't know when Murmur was released, you would have a hard time placing it in the alternative/rock timeline as the record sounds very familiar to fans of the genre (myself included). Releasing in 1983, it becomes clear how influential the R.E.M. sound was as traits of their music are still clear in today's scene. The under pronounced vocals, underproduced sound create an honest but mysterious vibe that draws you in. As someone listening to the genre in reverse, it feels like watching the prequel film to all my favourite bands. Highlight was Perfect Circle.

Basically my favourite band and certainly that growing up, this is most likely my favourite of theirs, although that changes frequently over the years.

Love the guitar work. Early REM is not to be slept on

This has been one of my top favourites of all time, there really isn't much for me to say other than sit down and give it a listen

good rock albumn

Hard to believe all this was on their first album. The IRS label years were really amazing in terms of content. the lyrics don't make sense until they do. everyone in the band really made a solid contribution to this album. stipe gets so much credit as the singer, and his voice defined a genre of music, but bill's drumming, mike's harmonies, and peter's jangly guitar bring it all together.

Greatest sing-along debut ever. It has been way too long since I last listened to Murmur in its entirety, so this was a nice album of the day. Mills' melodic bass is intoxicating and Stipe asserts himself as the voice of a generation. 'Radio Free Europe', 'Pilgrimage', 'Talk About The Passion', and 'Sitting Still' are all perfect tracks.

Easily one of the greatest debut albums ever. R.E.M. emerge on the music scene with a sound that came to define entire genres and influence many of the biggest bands of the 90’s. Mike Mills’ bass lines are innovative and melodic, almost taking on the traditional role of the guitar. Bill Berry’s drumming is extremely tight and playful. Peter Buck’s guitar is wonderfully expressive. And Michael Stipe is just a once in a lifetime singer - even when mumbling his way through anything but the choruses. “Radio Free Europe”, “Pilgrimage”, “Talk About the Passion” and “9-9” are some of the absolute highlights of Murmur. And by “Perfect Circle” it’s hard not to tear up - just a bit.

Listened through twice and just love the vibethe vibes

it's awsome

Amazing how little it feels like Michael Stipe’s voice changed through all the R.E.M. albums. Also amazing how good this is for a debut!

Brilliant debut record. R.E.M. jumpstarted what we think of now as indie rock. They have a lot of cool underground alternative cred because of their weirdly divergent yet catchy/poppy music. You're listening to real artists, people daring to go against the grain and see where it takes them. R.E.M. has always been an act with substance, that keeps me guessing. I've always appreciated what I perceive to be their deliberate oddball confidence and willingness to deviate from convention but still be accessible and open. They never cultivated or courted exclusivity in a way that so many other acts just trying to be DIFFERENT did. They just are, and we're all cool with it. The music of those who strive to truly enjoy what they enjoy while totally unencumbered by material urges or cares. R.E.M. fucking rules!

fantastic album start to finish

My third REM album and I'm finally starting to really dig this band. Really loved the sound of this album and see how it influenced so many other alt rock bands that came after it.

"The singer, he had long hair And the drummer, he knew restraint And the bass man had all the right moves And the guitar player was no saint" (portions of the review are originally found in Unseen Power of the Picket Fence. © 1993 Pavement)

I am a big fan of REM, but this album was one that had slipped by me. Given it's their debut, it definitely has a fresh sound but all the elements that I love are there, full of feeling, and Michael Stipe's voice is truly evocative.

Wow, I was incredibly impressed with this. I was familiar with REM's later work but this was like everything I liked about that without being as annoying. Loved it.

Murmur through Green — peak R.E.M. They put out like an album a year and it all started here with this one. It's not my all-time favorite of theirs but it holds up very well. It's a fine start from Radio Free Europe to West of the Fields. An amazing debut. I want to give it five stars because it sets the table for their career. I want to give it five stars because Mike Mills melodic bass playing and backing vocals are infectious. I want to give it five stars because Michael Stipe's lyrics and delivery are both equally expressive. I want to give it five stars because Bill Berry knows how to construct a beat that's effective in its economy. I want to give it five stars because Peter Buck's ringing tones and articulate arpeggios from this record haunt me to this day. Ok, I'll give it five stars.

One of the most striking debut albums of all time. REM here assert themselves with a fully fledged vision of what their "college rock" was already able to accomplish in the early eighties. Peter Buck's guitars jangle, Mike Mills and Bill Berry's rhythm section hop along, and Michael Stipe's vocals often reach sublime heights only him could reach. Mitch Easter and Don Dixon's production is pristine, with a lot a very special touches (a tibetan bell here, a melancholic cello there, a vintage saloon piano elsewhere...), but those special touches still manage to preserve a natural live feel to the recording, giving it its timeless atmosphere. There are so many highlights on *Murmur*: iconic opener "Radio Free Europe"; entranced "Pilgrimage": mystical "Talk About The Passion"--both lively and romantic--; that bouncing "Moral Kiosk" leading the way to the stellar ballad that "Perfect Circle" is--whose title perfectly encapsulates the haunting effect this dreamy tune can have on you. Opening side two, "Catapult" sends you to the sky with its straightforward hooks. A few tracks later, "9-9" channels Gang of Four's percussive use of guitars to create a cut that can even remind you of today's American post-punk acts... And so on... You'd be hard-pressed to find a 1983 release that has aged as well as this one (Violent Femmes' eponymous debut, maybe?). Under the light, one can easily forgive the few slightly less effective songs in this LP ("Sitting Still", "Shaking Through" and "We Walk"), here scattered on a second side that still ends on a triumphant high note with "West of The Fields". But even if some songs on the second part of *Murmur* are somewhat less catchy, there is absolutely no bum note in this LP. No wonder REM's idiosyncratic sound, somewhere between post-punk and folk music, became so influential during the eighties. With such a great headstart, it would have been very unfair if listeners looking for heartfelt and authetic songwriting had not taken the bait. REM later wrote other highlights that can be found in many of their great releases of the eighties and early nineties. But *Murmur* is the one album where their music sounds the most effortless and spontaneous. It has that special charm only perfect or near-perfect debuts can have. No hesitation: at least 4.5 stars for me, here rounded up to a perfect grade. Number of albums left to review: 666 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 163 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 78 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 93

Great poppy rock. Awesome bass lines.

Ai että. En ole bändin enkä laulajan suurin fani, mutta tämän levyn todellakin. Samalla tavalla introverttia ja herkkää kuin monet myöhemmät indiesuosikit. Kestää aina pari biisiä tottua lauluääneen, mutta sitten tuntuu, etten enää parempaa rockia tiedäkään. Ainakin kasarin osalta levy on ihan genren kärjessä.

A landmark album for sure. R.E.M. remarkably arrived fully formed with everything they would do and innovate already in place. There head nodding rockers, danceable boos, and beauty strewn through this album.

Anything by R.E.M is sublime !

Gorgeous. The perfect mix of musicians and the south of America. Landmark record.

I love this album. It is a quintessential indie record. Mysterious, beautiful, melodic. It still sounds great in 2022.

Well, we didn’t really know what we were in for, did we? And it still sounds fresh 40 years on. The enthusiasm and commitment and near-perfect integration of the playing make the record. The inscrutable lyrics only add to the charm. There are many winners, but the whole sounds of a piece, consistent in tone and mood, and executed with an attractive balance of precision and swing. “Radio Free Europe” still sounds like a call to arms, a new way to view the world through music or to do music. “Laughing” is criminally underrated and “Perfect Circle” just gorgeous, as elegant a song as REM (or anyone) would ever do. “Shaking Through” is pure delight. “Sitting Still” is an absolute gem, a personal all-time fave the inspirational ending of which (“I can hear you/Can you hear me?” with the hopeful bell-like up-chiming last note) can still bring one near to tears. One can’t be objective about this record as it has meant so much, having (almost literally) grown up (in Georgia) with this band – with this and Chronic Town on cassette and having seen them a dozen or so times, across most of their tours, going back to Reckoning (which should be on this list, as one of the great all-time sophomore efforts, and a better record than this one, IMHO). And as seminal and influential as this record was (for which it gets a 5), it’s important to remember how much better they got and how much more great music was to come. That the record apparently still means so much speaks to its rarely-paralleled excellence.

A perfect sort of album, the kind you couldn't distinguish as belonging to a particular decade but as soon as it's heard, you know it's timeless. REM on this album truly prove they have the hooks and phrases of any great songwriting group, straight from the get-go.

I very much enjoyed this album, it was engaging throughout, and would definitely listen again

Always a good idea.

This record takes me back to my early days of "new music" discovery. I was close to wearing out the grooves on my copy of the Chronic Town EP by the time Murmur dropped.

Much more country than I remembered.

I got pretty into this band when I was in college, saw them in concert first in '83 when they opened for The Police but that was a crazy huge crowd (70k+) at Shea Stadium and I could barely hear R.E.M.'s relatively brief set, then saw them again in '86 in support of the Lifes Rich Pageant album, and that was a better and smaller venue, so I could actually hear and see them. [Side Note: a band I'd later come to love through to this day, The Feelies, opened for them that night but I either showed up late or ignored them because I had no clue about them and hadn't learned that paying attention to opening bands can be a GREAT experience because I was 19 years old and an idiot -- a lovable idiot, I think, but an idiot nonetheless] Anyway, back to this album: I owned it and loved it. Still do. These are fantastic songs. Along with their debut EP, Chronic Town, the first few releases by the band are among my favorites of theirs. They put out some great albums for years to come, and I love how they evolved over the decades. I hadn't given this a focused listen in quite some time. It still holds up for me after all these years. I think Mike Mills is one of the coolest musicians and people, and Peter Buck is a severely underrated guitarist. He doesn't get mentioned a lot because ripping big solos just isn't his thing -- he's a refreshingly non-egotistical rock guitarist -- but in my own personal worldview, art that stands out for me in any medium is art that when I experience it, I recognize it as the artist's work without being told who it is. Peter Buck's guitar work has always been that way for me. That's rare and impressive.

1st

Easily one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Stonking debut album. One of the best. *****

REM’s debut album raises the question, are they a jangle pop band, a post punk band, or an alternative rock band. The answer is yes. REM deftly explore and blur genre later becoming the forefront of the alternative music scene as it was gaining popularity. Their influence is profound and this, their debut album, shows that they arrived on the scene with a unique and fully formed sound. The influences here range from the Beatles to the Smiths and are woven into something melodic and unique.

I got to hear this originally the week it released in Athens, GA as the first EP

One of the strongest debut albums I've ever heard, and one of the most influential albums ever made. I don't know if I can really express how special this album was when it came out. Nobody really sounded like this at the time, but countless bands did sound like R.E.M. when all was said and done. It was fresh and exhilarating to hear at the time and that feeling comes back one thousand fold for me listening to it again today. Murmur is a perfect album and remains one of R.E.M.'s best even after a career full of brilliant work. R.E.M. have a musical palette that's really enjoyable to listen to, with swirling melodies and gorgeous jangling guitars. Musically, there may never have been a band more subtly expressive and in sync with each other then Berry-Buck-Mills. On top of that you have Michael Stipe's engaging, bittersweet vocals. I know some people don't dig the lyrics, but you have to get that they were deliberately cryptic and strange, and that was very much part of the band's appeal. R.E.M. weren't trying to be a mainstream band, but the music was so good, they were a success in spite of it. This is really a perfect album, with not a bad song to be found. Hard to pick a favorite. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Talk About the Passion, Radio Free Europe, Sitting Still, Moral Kiosk, Catapult, Shaking Through, Laughing, Perfect Circle, We Walk, West of the Fields, 9–9, Pilgrimage

I haven’t listened to this staple from my college years in… years. I feel like I’ve just discovered R.E.M. all over again! I’m stunned to see that this came out in 1983. I tend to think of R.E.M. as a 90s band. It’s startling to think of just how on the vanguard R.E.M. was in the early 80s. Listening to this now I hear the massive influence R.E.M. would have on rock for the next decade or two. Really incredible debut album that is so wonderful to have back in my life after far too long a hiatus.

Already very familiar with this one.

I was pleasantly surprised by this record. I enjoy R.E.M., but some of their songs have missed me, depending on the situation. This record, though, carried a specific tone all the way through, and I couldn’t help myself from enjoying it. Definitely a buy, Leonard likes this post

Yes, very good album.

R.E.M. 5*

One of the best debuts of all time, REM came out of the gates loaded and ready to make incredible rock. It’s interesting to come back to this after decades of refining and expanding the indie scene, but the melodies are timeless and the production is charmingly limited. Radio Free Europe’s single version is better, though. A

Three in a row. Looking for a timeless sound and they found it. Crisp and focused.

It is still an incredible listen after all these years!

I am very familiar with R.E.M and their debut album MURMUR. I have the album and I’m a casual fan. I like the album a lot. After listening to MURMUR, this album is still a great album to listen to. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, with R.E.M - MURMUR, the subsequent albums are also listed: DOCUMENT (1987); GREEN (1988); AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE (1992) Rate Artist: R.E.M (5.0) Rate Album (Year): MURMUR (US 1983 Original) (5.0) Rate Album (Year): MURMUR (US 2008 Deluxe) (5.0) Ranking of R.E.M - MURMUR songs No. Title Length Ranking 1-01. "Radio Free Europe" 4:06 10.0/10 1-02. "Pilgrimage" 4:30 10.0/10 1-03. "Laughing" 3:57 09.0/10 1-04. "Talk About the Passion" 3:23 10.0/10 1-05, "Moral Kiosk" 3:31 07.0/10 1-06. "Perfect Circle" 3:29 08.0/10 1-07. "Catapult" 3:55 10.0/10 1-08. "Sitting Still" 3:17 10.0/10 1-09. "9–9" 3:03 09.0/10 1-10. "Shaking Through" 4:30 10.0/10 1-11. "We Walk" 3:02 09.0/10 1-12. "West of the Fields" 3:17 10.0/10 US 1983 Original Release 112.0/120 = 9.33 / 2 = 4.67 2008 Deluxe Edition bonus disc (Live at Larry's Hideaway in Toronto, July 9, 1983) 2-13. "Laughing" 3:51 10.0/10 2-14. "Pilgrimage" 4:08 10.0/10 2-15. "There She Goes Again" 2:43 07.0/10 2-16. "Seven Chinese Brothers" 4:15 08.0/10 2-17. "Talk About the Passion" 3:02 10.0/10 2-18. "Sitting Still" 4:11 10.0/10 2-19. "Harborcoat" 3:45 10.0/10 2-20. "Catapult" 3:51 10.0/10 2-21. "Gardening at Night" 3:33 10.0/10 2-22. "9-9" 3:16 09.0/10 2-23. "Just a Touch" 2:27 06.0/10 2-24. "West of the Fields" 3:06 10.0/10 2-25. "Radio Free Europe" 4:57 10.0/10 2-26. "We Walk" 2:55 07.0/10 2-27. "1,000,000" 3:05 08.0/10 2-28. "Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)" 3:58 08.0/10 US 2008 Deluxe Release 255.0/280 = 9.11 / 2 = 4.55

Very pleasant

Hard to believe this album came out in 1983, sounds so much ahead of its time. Can see the influence it had on alternative rock bands.

This is nostalgia in an album! I love everything about it- Stipe’s voice, his lyrics and the sound. Radio Free Europe is a brilliant tune.

I enjoyed it.

Outstanding first album!

Classic!

Algjör dásemd.

Great!

A true classic. Not a bad song on here as far as I'm concerned. And what an influential album. An anchor to the college radio music wave.

Awesome listen

Radio Free Europe remains one of my absolute fave R.E.M. songs, and the rest of the album is equally fantastic.

One of those few perfect albuns.

I listened to this album so much in the 90s that it was hard for me to fathom that it came out when I was 10 years old. "Laughing" is one of my all-time faves, and the rest of it is quite good as well.

Great

worth to relisten

Mi primer disco de R.E.M.

Groundbreaking - on many lists of greatest albums of all time for good reason

Not my first time hearing this - I love this album. They really started off with a bang - so catchy, yet infused with that unique sound that is unlike any other music out there. 5 stars.

определенно, R.E.M. - моя самая не любимая альтернативная группа. но я же сужу не по субъективным качествам. если бы меня попросили описать "Murmur" одним словом, я бы без заминки сказал "вдохновляющий". даже сейчас, слушая условных Arcade Fire, мой мозг автоматически проводил аналогии с песнями этого альбома. "Murmur" не блещет ревущими гитарами и надрывающимся от тягости исполнения вокала, что весьма интересно для альт-рока своих лет, но не это главное. основная особенность работы - это ее резкие переходы. на альбоме очень часто можно заметить полное отсутствие бриджа при переходе из куплета в припев, что совершенно взрывает мою голову, что, возможно, хорошо. подводя итог, как бы я не хотел убрать одну звезду за простоту вокала или постоянно торопящиеся структуры песен, этот альбом - бриллиант, из которого сложился современный альт-рок, который сам по себе звучит не менее актуально. будь он выпущен сейчас, произвел бы не меньший фурор.

#47 Very polished for a debut album, and sounds timeless; I couldn't believe this was released in 1983! Definitely a foundational album for alternative and indie rock that followed it, and a stark contrast to everything else on rock radio in its time. Pilgrimage, Shaking Through, and We Walk are my highlights.

Released in April 1983, R.E.M.’s debut full-length album Murmur didn’t just introduce a band from Athens, Georgia—it essentially mapped out the blueprint for American alternative college rock. In an era dominated by sleek, neon, synth-heavy British pop and bombastic arena rock, Murmur arrived like a ghost from the woods: mysterious, atmospheric, and completely out of step with its time, which is exactly why it remains timeless. ​Murmur is a flawless debut. By refusing to chase 1983’s trends, R.E.M. built an insular world that never ages. If you want to understand where indie rock came from, this is the sacred text.

I've never heard of any of these songs, but I really enjoyed this album.

7.0/10

Not even the best REM and still just a great album - scuh pitch perfect indie. Is it a masterpiece, probably not but is there a weak song here..no.

First repeat artist! So what i didn't say about the first album was it sounded so 90s I was shocked it was from 87 and I feel the same about this so far very early. Way more 80s but they were among the bands of the 90s so I think the r.e.m. sound just is 90s even if this album is 83!

My go to was Out of Time (which I like a lot better), but this is good too.

As with every other REM album I've ever heard (and I've heard a lot, as my wife is a fan), I like it, but I don't love it. I think every album they've ever made is a four star effort, and this is no exception. Consistently consistent, that's for sure.

Super nostalgic. Sounds like something my dad would put on on road trips

hört sich leicht weg

Solid work

And so began the college radio revolution…

Like the other REM albums I've gotten, I like it, I don't love it.

Gran ritmo, alcuni pezzi super.

I owned this album back in the day but didn't remember listening to it that much...right up until I played it for this project and was able to sing nearly every line.

Very good album

What is with 1990 cool voices

Solid introduction to R.EM.'s discography. I like a lot of their later more famous songs so hearing their early tracks was really interesting. Fav Songs Radio Free Europe Talk About The Passion Shaking Through Is it Top 1001 Worthy (is it essential)? Yes, is considered the birthplace of indie/college alt rock of today and is a very solid listen

I thought this album was really fun. Kept a really fun upbeat post prog rock beat the entire time. This album feels like it was in the transition phase from what we see in prog rock to modern rock. Beginning of set instrumentation of a drumset, guitar, bass, and a singer. No unnecessary saxophones. While I love the transition aspect of this album I don't think that it has reached perfection, 4.5 (4) Stars.

Surprising how little their sound changed over the years. Very good.

Great stuff.

# Album Name: Murmur # Artist: REM # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Probably the best REM album ive heard. Very enjoyable with plenty of good tracks. # Top Tunes: Radio free europe/ Pilgrimage / Laughing / The Passion / Perfect circle # Would I listen to it again? Yes

Super catchy hooks and riffs, surrealistic lyrics, and songs that don't overstay their welcome, all coming together to create a rather succinct debut album. Murmur is definitely a sign of good things to come, remaining strong throughout and very rarely dipping in quality. You can't beat a bit of R.E.M. Favourite track: 9-9 Least favourite track: West of the Fields

more upbeat

I like R.E.M. and I need to listen to them more. This was an enjoyable album.

I really like R.E.M. and I know this first album is sometimes listed as their best (not for me). In any case, this contains two of my favourite tracks ("Talking about the passion" and "Perfect Circle"). And, apart from those, a bunch of very good songs ("Radio Free Europe", "Pilgrimage", "Sitting Still", "West of the Fields"). So, definitely between 4 and 5 stars for me. It's 4,5 ;-)

Quality. We enjoyed this a lot.

It depends what you're looking for I think for this album. It's not flashy or engaging in the way some music it is. It's more just one of those albums that require a setting. Quiet. Maybe a snowstorm or rain. Definitely dark not bright morning. Probably a good listen with coffee or a three finger whiskey if you're more refined than I am.

Decent enough, still not convinced we should be listening to every REM album. Tav track: 9+9. Very generous 4

Not my taste, but many who I respect really enjoy it.

I had no idea that REM was active this early. Clearly they were early architects in the alternative rock sound and this sounds like an album that could have easily been released 10 or 20 years later. Love this genre - respect given!

Interesting to hear the start of a band that would obviously help define alt-rock later in the decade and become an MTV juggernaut by the early 90s. They're finding their footing here, but the songs don't grab me the way their later work does.

Athens, GA band

I like the sound, but was disappointed to learn the lyrics are meaningless

This has all the R.E.M. elements and sounds like a band with a realized identity. Crazy-good for a debut. Guitar on 9-9 is fantastic, as is the guitar everywhere else. Gotta give it up to Peter Buck. The whole band sounds great.

I’ve listened to over 300 albums at this point, and there isn’t another band that sounds quite like R.E.M. There is just a chilling beauty to the quality of their music. Between Michael Stipe’s voice and the shimmering guitar parts, they create music that is just a delight to listen to. This is an amazing first album, and it makes me think I need to go back and reconsider some of their other work, including things on this list.

These rem guys are pretty good

R.E.M. is what happens when four guys get together to write songs, but no one told them how to do it, so they invent their own, strange process unique to themselves and end up making something totally original. The influences are barely discernible. Is this rock and roll? Post-punk? Folk rock? People called it ‘college rock’, whatever that means. It’s emotional only in the sense that it doesn’t sound angry, but Murmur is never morose. In fact, it’s borderline danceable. The most interesting thing to me is how little the songwriting is anchored around vocal melody. Buck and Mills take center stage instead, creating textures and interplay that serve as the hooks. Stipe’s vocals come across as an additional counterpoint, not the focal point, and it works because he keeps the emotional tone at an even keel and never demands the listeners attention. Perhaps this is why Murmur feels so groundbreaking. A band that isn’t centered around a frontman, that asks the audience to consider them as a whole. No one was doing that because it’s not a commercial choice, yet by paving the way, R.E.M. unearthed a previously underserved demographic. Okay, I guess that’s why they called it College Rock. As a debut, Murmur is remarkably assured, and definitely one of the best entries in their estimable catalog.

Usually not super into dudes that sing like this but overall I thought it was a really cool album. Worth a re-listen

Quite enjoyed this one, it’s a bit more jangly and pop-focussed than the last R.E.M. album I had, but nice and upbeat, and the production was great.

Excellent, nearly a 5 for me. The band are so locked in on this, can’t believe it’s a release from so early in their career. Love the guitar riffs and tone, the bounce of the rhythm section, the hooks, the optimistic sound.

This album slaps! For a debut record this has to be one of the best of any bands career. For 1983, this sounds timeless. No wonder Radiohead loved those guys. Nearly a 5 but some songs aren’t as compelling as the rest such as Talking About Passion. Maybe it’ll change in the future.

Was not familiar with this album. REM's first. According to Wiki it drew critical acclaim for jangly guitar and cryptic lyrics. Having just listened to the Byrds some influences in that guitar sound and harmonies. Again hard to understand the lyrics on many songs, but it's a nice sound. 3/4 I would perhaps like one track to grab me to give it a 4 and low and behold the 11th (of 12) did that. Still didn't understand the lyrics 'tho.

Really enjoyed this album. I haven't listened to a lot of early REM, so I was pleasantly surprised by this one. There is a lot of hints of what is to come from them.

Straight out the gate with one of their great bangers in Radio Free Europe. Love the lo-fi jangle here and the fact that Mike Mills' harmonies are fully intact from day 1. The lyrics, the melodies, the cool factor.

This was a Perfect Circle of an album. Talk About the Passion of this one.

7 - GOOD

Durante todo el álbum me llevaba siempre a pensar en “lobo-hombre en Paris” de La Unión. Un álbum que escucharía para los días tranquilos y desconectados. Tema favorito: “talk about the passion”

Just slightly too repetitive and whiney at times, but there are some amazing tracks on this one.

Although I really like this band, I had never heard this album before. Not surprisingly, I really liked it. In fact, in a lot of these songs Michael Stipes’ voice was not so whiney, to the point where it didn’t sound like him. In any case, I enjoyed this one, and give it four stars.

Nice

Very solid debut album. Listening to this you can see the sound of the band was already fully formed. Probably not their best however a pleasurable listen

Early REM so like a new album to me, loved this. Little more rough around the edges and youthful than they aged into.

The first time I heard this album, I wasn't terribly blown away. But coming back for a more intentional listen, I really appreciate what this album accomplishes. Even though this is their debut album, R.E.M. already nails down a unique sound, which also happens to be very good. Still not my favorite R.E.M. record, but this is still very impressive! Favorites: Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Laughing, 9-9, Shaking Through, West Of The Fields

After buying RECKONING, my first R.E.M. album, I remember finding MURMUR at one of my favorite used-record shops, pulling out the inner sleeve, and cursing under my breath, "Damn, this one doesn't have lyrics either."

Classic R.E.M.—you can’t understand half the words, but the vibe is so dialed‑in you don’t need to.

A R.E.M. hay que considerarlos una de las bandas más influyentes del rock de todos los tiempos. Su aportación a esta historia viene definida por su magnífica capacidad de abrazar el folk americano y darle unas buenas vueltas de pop-rock, unas gotas de garage y la sofisticación necesaria para poder navegar cómodamente la new wave. La sofistificación máxima les llevo a subirse a la ola del mainstream más adelante y perder bastante frescura. La que tiene este primer disco, que podrá no ser el mejor, pero sí es todo lo seminal que puede ser. Michael Stipe ya ejerce de verdadero frontman aunque le noto algo tímido a la hora de llevar las riendas. "Talk About The Passion" me parece una de sus delicias. "Catapult" y "Shaking Through" hacen gala de buenas armonías vocales y en todos los temas no podemos dejar sin crédito la presentísima guitarra de de Peter Buck, sello de R.E.M. casi tan importante como el de Stipe. La pequeña joyita que personalmente destaco es "We Walk".

Previously known. It's a vibe.

Good album but not their best

Could be a 5 but saving that for their later stuff

It's REM, it's not flashy or experimental but it gets the job done when you need an indie rock fix

Интересный необычный рок по моему вкусу Чем-то отдает пост панком От этой группы уже слышала Losing My Religion

I /HATE/ R.E.M, but this is actually a really good album. Oldmates voice is not nearly as whiney as I was expecting, it seems only their later work does his vocals really drop off. I can't really fault this thing. It's not really my kind of music but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy my time. Good album.

3 * good b/g music

I've been meaning to listen to more of them, and this being their debut it definitely laid out their style so well and for being so early in the 80s it feels ahead of its time with more of a jangly pop sound that wasn't as common for the early 80s. Good album but I still prefer the later albums like AFTP, Monster, etc.

I’d never listened to this album before but loved Perfect Circle (and the story about it) from the REM episode of Bandsplain.

One of the best debut albums.

perfect circles is pretty top tier in album imo

While I'm not the biggest R.E.M. fan, my favorite song of theirs, "Radio Free Europe", opens up this album and it made me excited to listen. I do recognize their impact on all of the college rock I would come to love.

holy shit 1 hour 43 minutes

A fantastic debut for a band that changed music. Have listented to this many times before with Sitting Still always being one of my favorites from them. However, I never felt the sound was that polished so I give it closer to a 4 than a 5.

Classic alternative

Another example of an album that I had low expectations for, but they were easily surpassed. It wasn't all amazing, there were a couple of weaker tracks, but the good/great far outweighed them.

Enjoyable, yet not particularly artistically provocative

I liked this R.E.M. album much better than the last one I was recommended! I'm not sure what I like about this album that wasn't in Document, but better by a good margin.

Bueno

nice. first R.E.M. album i've fully listened through. i honestly don't have much to say. how bout that Hornets Heat game pretty nuts huh

a bit same-y but overall a lot of fun

I like REM, and this is a goid album - especially for a debut. But later albums are better.

I've never really listened to R. E. M. Before so maybe if I had heard their better stuff I would like this less but I thought it was pretty good ... Vibey

good starter of alt rock genre. Really solid. Some songs were a miss but overall amazing project it is a 4

Patrili k tým, čo som mal rád, ale v 90.rokoch, keď si M. S. oholil hlavu, akoby aj tie piesne niečo stratili...

Okay album that has a nic sound, though not many songs relly sticks out. Favourites: Radio Free Europe, Talk About The Passion

Honestly way better than expected. The blends were very cool and almost feels like Frampton-esque jam band. My only problem with it is it feels like it kind of molds together. All the songs are feel like the same rhythm. I still enjoyed it tho Highlights: Moral Kiosk, Catapult

Good for REM. A little boring.

Murmur funciona como un perfecto respiro rítmico frente a discos más densos. Es un álbum alegre y fácil de seguir, donde la estructura de las canciones invita a mantener el paso gracias a sus muy buenos ritmos y una batería constante. ​Lo más distintivo es el tratamiento de la voz: Michael Stipe utiliza un "balbuceo" que, lejos de ser un obstáculo, encaja perfectamente con la atmósfera del disco, convirtiendo la voz en un instrumento melódico más que en un narrador de historias claras. A esto se suma una guitarra muy agradable, con arpegios limpios que definen el sonido del rock alternativo temprano. Un álbum equilibrado que se ubica justo en medio de la intensidad y la crudeza, ideal para una escucha fluida.

Quintessential 80’s college radio album. I had always heard of the album but only knew Radio Free Europe from it. Whole album was a great listen. You can see why they were the fore front of Alternative Rock.

As much as i've tried throughout my life, I just can't get into REM. Don't get me wrong, they're legends and I love many of their songs, but none of their albums have kept my interest enough to listen back, except this one. Maybe it's their youthful demeanor since it's their debut, or it may just be my preferance for post-punk which they mostly resemble on their early stuff. I'll be generous and give them a higher rating because i like this much better than their next more famous albums.

I’d not listened to this REM albums before. I enjoyed it

A little rough around the edges but the fact they were this fully formed on their debut is impressive.

te amo

This makes me want to listen to more REM. I can see how they could have impacted other music going forward.

4.5

Not a lover of REM. But definitely like this one the best. Lots of arpeggios. They must dig those. I think I now see that’s the connection from them to Radiohead.

Hell yeah, a debut album that plays like a Greatest Hits. Well, leave “Laughing” off. But I could see Michael and Ric Ocasek laughing over beers and saying, man, how did we do that? The word that comes to mind is “timeless”. These songs stick around because they’re too good not to.

When side 1, track 1 of your debut album is Radio Free Europe, that’s just amazing. A great debut with many tracks that have stood the test of time. A bunch of forgettable stuff too though.

Pretty great, like most REM

R.E.M. is one of my favorite bands, and Radio Free Europe is my favorite song by them. That said, this is not my favorite album of theirs — the other songs just aren’t quite as strong in my opinion. Still a great listen all the way through.

Excellent debut and a few outstanding tracks such as Perfect Circle and Talk About The Passion. Great bass playing too. Always having to compare to their later great work though.

I am a huge fan of 90s REM but had never sat down and listened to this whole album before. I miss some of the darkness of their later stuff, but it's still very REM.

First R.E.M. album for me and it did not disappoint

eee classi fav tracks pligrimage, laughing, perfect circle and west of the fileds

I’ve been looking for something like this. Need to listen to more REM. This album is a good showcase for their sound.

Fantastic album.

Came to this album about 8 years ago having only heard the Warner Brothers tracks of REM. Absolutely brilliant debut, jangly, emotional, catchy. Perfect Circle is gorgeous. Made me listen to every album of theirs and I fell in love with the band.

90s alternative nostalgia rock classic

Best Track - "Radio Free Europe"

The highest 4 possible. Lovely

Murmur is important because it is an early example of Jangle Pop and the first in a run of near perfect albums. The playing and arrangements are first class but the songwriting is inconsistent at this stage.

R.E.M. may be the most 4/5 band to ever exist. I’ve never been completely blown away by them, but I still always have a pretty good time nonetheless.

It's raw and unrefined and it is certainly a band still developing their sound... but they are ALMOST there. The benefit of hindsight... shows us that pretty much every element here just got refined as their career moved on... catchy poppy alt-rock songs, his whiny nasal singing, great basslines and melody all day. It's here.. just not QUITE perfected. Still, a very good record that is enjoyable to listen to and has stood the test of time. The production brings out a little more of their alt side than their poppy side... which as we all know, reverses in the coming albums.

I had fairly high hopes for this album. While I'd only heard R.E.M's most popular songs, I liked all of the ones I have heard. I'd say that the album met my expectations. It was good, but I didn't absolutely love it.

Esoteric and different.

Warm Jangly guitars and some excellent vocals. Radio Free Europe is a must listen.

I enjoyed the guitar. It’s a nice album that’s catchy. Great for something alternative that’s coming out of the 80s way ahead of its time. This album can get repetitive but still a decent listen.

3rd REM album so far - one to go! This one might be my favourite one yet.

Fun

3.8 3x great debut -- not sure i'd heard this before

I've always liked R.E.M.—"Radio Free Europe" is one of my favorites of theirs—but I never shared the "this band changed my life" reverence given to them by some folks (particularly the heads a few years older than I am). Among them, Murmur is a sacred text. I like it enough to own it, but not enough to listen to it much. Revisiting it now, more stands out to me to ("Catapult," "Shaking Through")—nothing life-changing, but that's ok.

Standout Songs: Radio Free Europe Laughing Talk About The Passion Moral Kiosk Perfect Circle Sitting Still Shaking Through

Radio Free Europe and Talk About the Passion are the gems in this collection While the lest may not reach the same heights, this remains a fantastic first album and signals the greatness ahead

In a musical world that was dominated by Michael Jackson’s Thriller came R.E.M.’s first studio album. And they could not have been different. Michael ruled Top 40. R.E.M. rules college radio. It was truly a sign of what was to come.

I like the mellowness of REM. There is something engaging about their music.

la verdad volando

This is the first R.E.M. album I've ever listened to--not a bad introduction!

Listened to it on the perfect day. Imagined mom in college listening to it:)

A fave from back in the day

I enjoyed the album but I wish I could hear the lyrics. However, despite being very mumble-mouthed, Michael Stipe’s voice works with the music.

7/10

Fav tracks: laughing, moral kiosk, west of the fields Fun listen and deeper lyrical messaging than anticipated! this album lowkey whimsical…

i feel like an early 2000s teen movie

One of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Ive never listened to this album before but it felt like I had.

I loved it !! A really cool album, it felt like a 2000's coming of age movie soundtrack. Perfect for a contemplative road trip. None of the tracks stood out for me, but overall I really enjoyed it. Maybe in a different mood it can become a favorite. I'll be definitely listening to this again. 3,5 ⭐️

Jangle pop ligesom the smiths osv. Det er ringende guitarer og sådan bare lidt jingle lyd på en eller anden måde. Jeg ville beskrive det opløftende, men omvendt så er det også bare sådan lidt en glossy lyd? sådan lidt mørkt i en eller anden grad. Ellers er det jo postpunk som er attituden og energien fra punken men bare med mere finesse uden at være helt poppet. Men stadig meget med struktur i sangene osv. College rock som var sådan musik der blev delt igennem college radio, men det ikke var sådan dine klassiske radio numre, det havde sådan en diy, garage agtig lyd osv. Det følger altså ikke radioformler. Jeg tror jeg føler mig lidt ude af form på en eller anden måde, for da jeg lyttede til det var min første tanke ikke at tænke over hvornår det var lavet og hvorfor. Men det er jo start 80'erne så det er typisk post-punk. Men det er jo så en kickstarter på alternativ rock og hvad det helt præcist betyder det ved jeg faktisk ikke. Men det er der et eller andet sted i lyden. Jeg har det lidt blandet med R.E.M efterhånden, jeg synes virkelig det er sådan et amerikansk circlejerk band som bare bliver glazed fucking hard, men det er jo selvfølgelig også rigtig godt. Men måske er det de der virkelig jangly rock vibes som skinner igennem som gør jeg har det stramt over det. Men jeg synes det her album er bedre end de fleste andre jeg har hørt med dem.

Not my Favorite REM album but I was a little younger to fully appreciate it when it was released. It's such an important part of the New Age/ Alt movement.

I heard about REM in the 90's and mainly focused on that era for a long time. I still prefer that stuff. There's some great songs here, and some interesting stuff, but if I'm going to put in an REM album it's unlikely to be this one

rem c’est vraiment une dinguerie

Hadn't heard a lot of these, but I really enjoyed it!

Easy listen!

REM <3 Radio Free Europe WOOO

The kind of album that you have to listen to the whole way through rather than pulling odd songs from it. Really good, surprised it's as old as it is, you can really see their influence coming into the 90's.

I remember when an old housemate found out that R.E.M. used to be "underground". He was amazed. They just sounded too well-put together for that, and that follows in this album. I think you had to be there. Still good though.

An important album filled with catchy jangle pop anthems. One of the first bands to bridge the alt/indie scene into the mainstream. CLASSIC! 8/10

Eminently listenable and the DNA of what REM would grow into is almost entirely there. Whilst they hadn't found their pop sensinilities yet, the sound is there.

Classic REM

Good album with enjoyable songs! 7.3/10

Conheci esse álbum por causa de "Perfect Circle", que é uma das minhas músicas preferidas da banda, mas confesso que nao lembrava das outras músicas. Ouvi duas vezes como parte da dinâmica aqui do APP e fiquei positivamente surpreso! Sim, "Perfect Circle" continua sendo a melhor do álbum, mas acabei descobrindo mais musicas memoráveis. O som pode ser chamado de "Pop Rock" ou "Alternative" na nomenclatura genérica de hoje, mas acho que lembra de forma mais específica o que se chama "College Rock" ou "Jangle Rock". A sonoridade lembra os anos 80, mas nao naquele aspecto demasiadamente plastico (que nao acho ruim, mas não combinaria com o som do R.E.M). Para um fã incondicional do The Smiths, Murmur é facilmente apreciável. Destaques "Perfect Circle" obviamente como já citada. Uma balada que acho belíssima e com uma melodia no refrão muito memorável. As 4 primeiras músicas são uma sequência de ótimas músicas, especialmente "Pilgrimage" e "Talk About the Passion". Também vale mencionar as ótimas "Shaking Through" e "West Of The Fields". Em resumo, um ótimo álbum de estreia que para mim fica facilmente entre os melhores da banda.

radio free europe isch jo huuuere geil. aso im ernst s tönt geil, melodie super liebs. isch nochli z früe zum gnau beschriibe. polgrimage au suuper typischi rem zweiti stimm. laughing chli meh en downer aber schö. talk about the passion isch au chli ruhiger aber sie chönd songs strukturiere schöni riffs schriebe. und s goht immer füre irgendwie. moral kiosk au wieder eaasy intressant de schräg giti part isch suuuper. catapult sehr en moderne popsong wells im refrain afoch catapult! rüefed. aber isch no cool. he geg de schluss hets mi chli verlore aber e vieri ischs immerno. sehr krass wies ihren sound scho gha hend.

woah das wird wahrsch es 3! pilgrimage findi vor allem d strophe na cool, d gitarre isch..kei ahnig was genau aber ihprägsam uf jede fall moral kiosk macht na easy spass ahh und s cover isch HAMMER catapult findi funnnn und erinneret mich ahh van halen?? aso d gitarre im refrain? OHH ok also de refrain erinneret mich ah panama aber die gitarre?? weiss nöd hmm jaaa ich hans gfühl, das r.e.m. album hani am liebste gha aber langeds für es 4i? s het einigi cooli sache aber ener wenig womi mitgrisse het ICH HAN VERGESSE DAS Z RATE musses glaub nomal lose ok perfect circle isch scho au sehr cool

Not my thing but Its still good

Good debut album and a certain harbinger of the continued success the band would go on to have.

名前だけ知っていたけど聞かずにいたバンド。 初期のインディーロック、ジャングルポップのバンドということで、ここで提示した内容が後世に続いていることが実感できた。 ただ、後追いということもあり凄さははそこまで感じず。

Pretty good!

This one brought back some good memories. I lean more to this era of REM even though I dig everything they've done. This album is raw & not overly produced. The music to me is straight forward & to the point.

I love this album. Such a youthful originality that isn’t displayed in other REM albums. Not their best, but a killer debut nonetheless.

I like the band, I enjoy my Inide Rock. Overall I think it's a good album, but it doesn't feel like there's too much to it. A bit of a snooze fest. I'm rounding up and giving it a generous 4 because it's enjoyable. Favorite track: Laughing

Murmur Is an album that I've really familiarized myself with over the last couple of years due to seeing Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy performing it live a couple of years ago in San Francisco. It has one foot firmly planted in the post-punk movement and another one planted in jungle pop and because of that It ends up sounding like something completely unique. It doesn't have the coldness generally associated with post-punk But it isn't as poppy and catchy as something like The Smiths or mid-80s Echo and the Bunnymen. It's something truly unique, the kind of album that most other bands wish they could make.

Great album

Pretty nice sounding slower rock album.

I was a little kid in 83, the only album I cared about was Thriller. Forward to 93 and REM was blowing my mind with this wacky album. The clangy guitar, smooth eerie vocals, the bonkers lyrics.

listened to it while i cooked, danced around my kitchen while i chopped veggies and it felt like a coming of age movie

I liked rem around the time of green and document then started to find them tedious later on. This album though is like a breath of fresh air, it’s more basic and raw and you get the feeling of this band has a lot to offer and the rest is history. Don’t know why I didn’t listen to it back in the day

Not my favorite R.E.M. album, but still incredible. This would be an impressive album for any band, but this being R.E.M.’s debut studio album makes it even more so. Great sound - Stipe’s vocals and lyrics always come through. Instrumentation impeccable as always; I expect nothing less from this band.

It is their first one so it has some of those shaky debut album features. Nonetheless, this is one fine piece of first material, already showcasing what is to come.

R.E.M.? before you speak dont move cause i don't wanna wake up wake up wake up wake up amoo essa música da ariana KKKKKKK FAVS (top 3): pilgrimage, 9-9, west of the fields menções honrosas: radio free europe, talk about the passion, moral kiosk, perfect circle, catapult compraria o vinil: eh talvez definitivamente oq eu acharia q um grupo chamado R.E.M. faria nota final: 4/5

A foundational record of American indie music. The jangle pop is jangling on this one. Radio Free Europe has to be the best song here but I also love ones like Talk About the Passion and Sitting Still. My one gripe would be Stipe's awful enunciation, the album title is not a misnomer, and it makes a lot of these songs less memorable for me. Glad he went away from that vocal style on later REM stuff, because he has a hell of a voice

Cool beats

Kjent album for meg. Digger jangle pop, og R.E.M. regnes vel som pionerer innenfor sjangeren. Flere sanger med deilig driv her, i tillegg til noen virkelig rolige og koselige låter. Jeg foretrekker sistnevnte kategori her, da det passer vokalist Michael Stipe sin stemme utmerket, og sangene har nesten en hypnotisk kvalitet. R.E.M. gjør mye bra, men de har likevel aldri greid å bergta meg fullstendig. Lander derfor på nest øverste karakter. Top 3: Moral Kiosk, Pilgrimage, Perfect Circle

I didn’t really appreciate R.E.Ms music as a younger lad but I sure do know. This was the first time listening to this album

Algunas canciones me gustaron harto pero no lo suficiente para guardarlas.

Great. Train ride

I really enjoyed listening to some original REM, I’ve only known they’re popular stuff so this was a treat!

Solid easy listening, good vocals

Not usually a rem guy but I really enjoyed this. Soft, wandering

A landmark album that perfectly captures a cryptic and mysterious atmosphere. Its pioneering jangle-pop sound creates a pleasant and nostalgic vibe that is intellectually captivating. While the sonic consistency can feel slightly repetitive to a spirit craving constant change, its influential and enigmatic nature makes it an essential and rewarding listen. ★★★★☆

Stellar debut. Really flows well and the melodies really keep you engaged. Favorite track: Pilgrimage

Great record!

8/10

This is really quite good. I like REM's later stuff, but I haven't heard this one in decades and I must say that I think It holds up way better than I expected, so this is a nice surprise. In a world where there are half stars, this is probably a 3 pushing 3.5. In a world *without* half stars, where this is leaps and bounds better than the albums I've ranked as 3 stars in the last week or 2, this is a 4.

Good album

Has some great songs. One of the iconic debut albums. Memories of youth.

Not many bands can stay they kicked off their debut album with a song as great a Radio Free Europe

Upbeat and fun! I am a lover of some 'jangly guitar' and this did not disappoint in that regard. All the songs sounded super similar which I didn't mind - a good mood album.

Unmistakable sound of REM. More familiar with their later work, but this was the spark. Well worth a listen.

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: Sunday sofa surfing FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Off to buy it now DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 4.5

Outstanding songwriting

the second half of the album is much much better. changed my original review because of that

Cool

4.0 (Genre birth - College Radio/Jangle Rock) (44:11, 12 tracks, 1983, debut) College Radio (Jangle Rock) In 1983 REM took college radio a new direction and brought "Alternative" to the masses. No REM, no Radiohead. REM denoised the increasingly noisy punk scene which dominated alternative rock at the time. College Rock eventually became Indie. Opening with their magnus opus - Radio Free Europe - "College Radio" was born. Track listing - best songs ** ** "Radio Free Europe" – 4:06 * "Pilgrimage" – 4:30 "Laughing" – 3:57 ** "Talk About the Passion" – 3:23 "Moral Kiosk" – 3:31 "Perfect Circle" – 3:29 "Catapult" – 3:55 "Sitting Still" – 3:17 * "9–9" – 3:03 "Shaking Through" – 4:30 "We Walk" – 3:02 "West of the Fields" – 3:17