Murmur

Take this album and play it for anyone who is not a super R.E.M. fan and I doubt that they would be able to tell you what it was Murmur. Still a good album but very much R.E.M. being R.E.M.

while this was better than i thought it was going to be, i can’t make out if i was bored by it or if i actually enjoyed parts of it…….. i guess another listen is on the horizon

7,5

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

A surprisingly modern-sounding album for 1983 - there's a lot of different vibes here, with elements of post-punk and new wave as well as the seeds of future 90s indie rock. To its credit, it also supremely ignores all the stupid gimmicks that were fashionable in the early 80s music industry. I find it intellectually interesting, but the music itself doesn't excite me that much. I enjoyed Michael Stipe's very peculiar voice, and the album as a whole kind of grew on me ; it was quite pleasant to listen as background music. However, no song really stood out or blew me away, and I'm not sure it will leave a lasting impression. A laudable effort, but not necessarily something I'll listen to again. 5/10

A suprising nice discovery.

I'm not a big R.E.M. fan, but I readily admit they have a recognizable sound and voice... but I didn't hear anything particularly memorable on this album.

Merry Christmas! I’ve always liked this album without really knowing why. Maybe it’s just my contrarian side. It feels like the more garage-rock, alternative face of R.E.M., far from the band’s smoother 90s period, when everything leaned more toward synths. The bass is great, and Michael Stipe sounds perfectly balanced between post-punk edge and pop ease. Like a good The Smiths, it grows on you slowly and then sticks. No real hit, nothing spectacular, it just works to me.

Worst album yet by far. I hope the restaurant don’t like this. This is terrible.

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.

Smara

Didn't like it as well as Automatic for the People. This sounded earlier and like they hadn't really started to take chances to write interesting songs. But could be wrong about timeline.

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

I’ve never been an REM fan, and apparently I still am not.

I liked this one quite a bit. I had never such early R.E.M. It's hard to describe, but it lacked the annoyance factor I feel listening to later R.E.M. music. I think that came from the saturation on MTV and local radio stations at the time. Too much Stipe is just too much Stipe.

Perfection

Five songs, five stars. This is a great EP.

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

Rem can be so good and then so bad

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

Okay y'know what, I am starting to get on the hype train for R.E.M., especially after their very weird and one of a kind debut album Murmur. This album feels just as weird and off-center as their debut EP Chronic Town, but feels much more polished and clear in what exactly the band is trying to do. Lead singer Stipe doesn't feel as under his breath as he did before and I'd argue the writing is much more compelling on this project. It isn't anything I haven't heard before, but for the time when this was released it was pretty ahead of the curve. R.E.M. showcases a very charming and fun soundscape on this project that always leaves you wondering what is next for the band, but I don't ever feel they absolutely embody the sound they are crafting here. They always make a good showcase and never much more. Again take it with a grain of salt as this is their debut studio album but I really like how collected they feel right out of the gate. Excited to see what else this band cooks up as I am quite happy with what Murmur had to offer myself.

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

Not the best REM that I have heard and certainly not the worst

Actually enjoyed this album, I've never listened to this before, even though I'm familiar and like their hits. Some of the tracks were quite catchy, need to listen to the whole album again.

Didn't really love this one, "Radio Free Europe" was okay but the rest just kind of blended in and overall felt really repetitive.

was ok

i already loved rem but listening and discovering this album might have opened doors for me. rem is so good! so many cool songs and interesting themes explored the melodies are so enjoyable. i really love laughter !! amazing song the lyrics of talk about the passion speak to me a lot and i think they represent a beautiful mirror for the state of the world right now “who might leave you where i left off?” WOAH WOAH WOAH??? perfect circle might become one of my favourite songs ever im not even joking catapult has something really endearing and cute, i like this song a lot we walk is funky and puts me in a good mood! i love the guitar work in the chorus

Great band

Oh so close to 5 stars…other R.E.M. albums get there for me. This comes so, so close.

Listened to this on a very rainy drive home from work. 2.5/5

Found Michael Stipe's voice pretty boring. Think I would like this if I were an 80s dad. Highlights: Moral Kiosk.

yeah, I enjoyed it, it was nice to have on in the background, nothing stuck out but I mean that in multiple ways. nothing was awful but nothing was amazing. i liked it! Laughing was probably my favorite.

Not bad but not particularly memorable

i thought this was fine. the R.E.M. songs i knew weren't on here, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. i enjoyed having this on, but nothing really jumped out to me to make me feel like i gotta listen to it again. i might in the future, but it's not begging for it.

The beginning really convinced me that I was not going to enjoy this album, but the second half really saved it for me. I think I’d need to give it a thorough redo sometime in order to have a completely accurate score.

Not much more to say that I didn’t already say for Document. REM just isn’t my cup of tea. Stipe’s voice is maybe even more unimpressive here, and I feel like a lot of these songs build up to nothing.

When you see REM albums ranked, the top spot is essentially always Murmur or Automatic for the People; I prefer Murmur by a pretty wide margin but it’s actually my second favorite REM record; I prefer Reckoning, which is so slept on by everyone who isn't me. If you like Murmur, I strongly encourage you to listen to Reckoning. Also if you hate Murmur, I encourage you to listen to Reckoning. You'll probably still hate it but you'll be wrong. Anyway, while this is not my very favorite REM album, it is still so deeply impactful to me and very comfortably in my favorite albums of all time catalog. Radio Free Europe marks the exact moment that college rock transitioned into “alternative rock.” It’s also catchy as fuck, along with every other song on here. Michael Stipe is often accused of being mumbly on the old stuff (Oh look, they called the album Murmur) but I think he's usually fairly clear and enunciative but buried in the mix. The fact that they refused to include lyric sheets in the albums furthered this reputation of “what the fuck is he even saying? When you do hone in on the lyrics, they are cryptic, with Stipe wearing his Patti Smith influence proudly. Tying that to a more personal note, I don’t know what “standing too soon, shoulders high in the room” means but it makes me cry every time I hear it. When I hear “Perfect Circle,” I feel like I’m in that hazy space of late summer, early fall. The end of summer vacation, as it were. And I can basically see the face of everyone I’ve ever cared about. The best friends I text every day and the best friends to whom I haven’t spoken since 8th grade alike. Deceased family. And the thing about it is I know the words don’t really have that literal meaning. There’s no real reason that song should conjure those, or any, specific images in my mind. It’s just acoustics that my brain translates into feelings. There’s a lot of songs that I associate with particular people and memories but not another one I can think of that makes me feel like my life is flashing before my eyes. Any piece of music that can elicit that level of vivid emotion in me, I cherish but I also keep at a distance. I don’t just throw it on a playlist for the hell of it, lest overexposure rob it of its power. So, Jesus Christ any time I do hear it, I’m a fucking wreck.

There’s such joy in experiencing a new flavor of music, one that breaks the mold and defies labels, but is also fun to listen to. Delightful, complex weirdness: that’s what this REM debut is all about. For me, Murmur didn’t conjure that reaction of “woah, I don’t know what the heck this is but it rules” — since I’m in 2025, have heard REM’s other hits, and bands inspired by them. But Murmur is still good, and it did remind me how I’ve felt listening to other new, odd artists for the first time. I only got one cursory listen in for this record, so I plan to revisit and possibly bump this up a star.

I think the biggest issue is several of the songs sound like Radio Free Europe. And I kept humming that song during the choruses of other songs. Luckily it’s a good song

2.5

Not my type of music

Previously rated: #123 - Document (4/5) #285 - Automatic For The People (3/5) #351 - Green (3/5) ************************************** Album #993 I guess this was their debut album. Michael Stipe's voice sounds different on this one, less nasally. I don't think it was amazing, but it was good enough that I let it play again a second time.

Most of the songs were a background noise with nothing interesting going, maybe except Talk About The Passion and Perfect Circle. 2.5/5

Yup. This is REM. Enjoyed it.

REM - I actually like this first song - The sound isn’t bad, I’m just such a lyrics girl and idk what they’re saying - Moral kiosk was pretty good - Same with sitting still - This is an album I’ll prob never put on again but if it were to come on I’d jam to it

JAg gillar REM men detta albumet var för långt, 28 låtar!?

Its okay but absolutely nothing is catchy or exceptional.

I think I like this more than Automatic For The People, which has already been served and reviewed here. However I care less.

disnt stand out in any way

Murmur? Shout, please!

My mom fucking loves this album (and so do I) Best Song: Radio Free Europe Rating: 8.0/10 Stars: 4

REM are the godfathers of indie - Beloved of serious musos ( spelt serious but pronounced pretentious) Lots to like about this surprisingly well formed debut for their sound . Jangly and catchy, but not exactly memorable A couple of nice songs on an album that sounded more like Elvis Castelo than I would have thought . I don’t own any REM on vinyl, and this gives me no reason to change that so 3/5

Love. REM really can do no wrong. Michael Stipe could yell at his dog on a mic and I’d love it. Radio free Europe is one of their best songs, such a strong opener, such a good bass part. I think past that this one won’t be as popular with the class but that’s okay. It’s a little sleepy, no hits other than the opener, but it’s just so beautiful and so good. Killer debut album. Am I wrong to say this is a phenomenal bass album? Going to be hard for me to not give this a 5 but I see fully how it can be a four or even a three to someone who isn’t enamored with the band. I listened to this album no less than seven times today.

This was really good, I think I get more of why people think this band has such great guitar. So many cool guitar parts that fit together seamlessly into the song. My favorite track is Laughing. Now I’m excited for the next REM record. I’m feeling a soft 5/5

Not for me

Música de velho

In my opinion probably their 4th best album. I enjoyed it but moreso as background music maybe. Some great songs on their but not an album I would choose to listen to again.

A little dated maybe but still great. I had this cassette in my car for ages when it came out, great to hear it all again.

4,5

Solid album, not my favorite one from REM though. I like the 2nd half more, starting with Catapult.

Based on my specific demographics and status as a college radio DJ in the late-80's/early-90's, it would be sheer blasphemy to give this album anything less than five stars. Before they were global superstars, R.E.M. were a jangly little outfit from Athens, Georgia with a chip on their shoulder and something to mumble.

I like other albums more

Really enjoyed the listen. Not a whole bunch of notes. Just a really solid cool album. 4/5.

Really great Rough and ready Radio free Europe/complaint free album 4

Great album

Dug it at first, but got bored pretty quickly

I'd definitely listen again!

Best indie album ever? Maybe. Every song is so good. They started right at another level.

Decent melodies, but a lot of the same on here. I can see why this would be a lot of peoples’ favorite, but I have a hard time rating this in my top tier.

A thing of beauty.

Great first showing for a game changing band. Some of the lyrics are pretty batty. Marat’s bathing??? I love Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Sitting Still, 9-9. I’ll be listening to this one again.

Not bad, an enjoyable listen. I think I like the later stuff much better though.

Definitely still an REM album, but this one has a more bleak, post-punk sort of sound. I like it! Favorite tracks were Pilgrimage, Catapult, and the last three. This has always felt like an album that gets stronger as it goes on.

Y'know, I love REM, and I loved a few of the tracks on here. The lyrics are fantastic, as is always the case for this band. That said, on the whole this wasn't sticking with me today, even after a couple of listens. Probably a 3.5.

I liked this album, specifically "Pilgrimage"

This had the benefit of being a weekend album, which gave me time to play through it a few times and let it sink in. I think it would take this extra bit of investment to really appreciate it. It's definitely not an immediate top of the pops album. It's subtle. And a bit melancholy. The B side is weaker than the A side, but overall, it's still not bad.

This was a tad boring. REM just doesn’t do much for me.

I forgot how great this album is, especially for an initial album. The instrument play is great from the smooth guitar play of Peter to the very talented Mills who plays multiple instruments.

For a 1st album, it is a banger.

The fact that this is their debut is nuts to me. I like this a lot more than Document I'm kinda shocked by. R.E.M. is such an interesting band. Peter Buck with his jangly little Rickenbacker has such a unique sound, Mills on the bass is just fantastic. And then there's Stipe. Sure you can't understand anything he's saying, and even the things you can understand don't make any sense, but that's part of the draw I think. It's interesting to see how much of an idea and a feeling a band can get across with the lead singer mumbling a bunch of nonsense with his very distinct voice. I think it makes this album so much better. However, I think a lot of people try to read too much into the lyrics and view them as something profound and prophetic when they aren't (much like they do with Bob Dylan). Don't try to make this into something it's not. It loses its magic if you do.

crazy to realize this came out same time as Thriller (light years better). great debut album-their sound is already distinct, just like Stipe's vocals are mumbly.

Okay, I finally get it. I never got into REM. But I knew their hits. I knew Michael Stipe's voice. I knew the jingle jangle guitar. I knew some of their albums are considered some of the best ever, and Murmur is considered perhaps their best. Yes, this album rules. There is not a weak song here. Any song could be a single, truly. What really stood out to me is the rhythm section which complements the bright guitar and Stipe's mumbles so well. The bass is so bouncy and melodic, and the drums propel you straight ahead. With the guitar dancing so far on top, it all comes together so well. I'm really almost speechless after the first listen. It's great start to finish, and I want to listen again.

Slightly off-kilter jangle-rock. Debut full-length from the band that's basically the godfather of college indie rock. Quality stuff, but I actually like their following release Reckoning better - the songs that stand out on that one really stand out more, I think. You can hear Byrds and maybe some Talking Heads and Elvis Costello influences here in places. Good grooves and pleasant but unconventional song structures. The interesting thing is that except for a few albums later in their career, their sound never strays too far from this formula. Not to say they didn't grow and experiment, but they seemed to always return to their roots and strengths. In all, a solid set of songs. Favorites: Radio Free Europe, Sitting Still

I’ve tried, but I just can’t get into R.E.M. I fully recognize the talent—Murmur is finely crafted, the musicianship is there, and the band’s influence is unquestionable. But even with all that, the sound still hits my ear as pop-polished in a way that doesn’t quite land for me. It’s not that they’re doing anything wrong; it’s more that their particular brand of “effortless” feels a little too effortless for my taste. I can admire it, but it doesn’t call to me.

The sort of album that makes you want to write some indie rock songs

Começa divertidinho já. Começou a ficar um pouco repetitivo e sem alma pra mim. Nada mais a comentar, bom, ok. 3*

There were a couple songs I enjoyed, but the rest seemed like the predecessor to emo music. It was middle of the road, boring.

I've only ever listened to mainstream songs from R.E.M. and I have to say this as a first album to get more into their discography was super enjoyable. I think one of my favorite songs was Catapult.

Really one of the best debut albums

I wanna be REM when I grow up

Used to really like this, sounds a bit samey now

Pretty solid debut album that established their sound and gave ideas of the history that were to come. I didn't hear any catchy songs that I'd add to my favorites but it was a good experience.

I was expecting to love this, as it’s an album I’d not heard by a band I like, but it kind of passed me by. Pleasant but forgettable.

I used to quite like some of their tunes back in the day and even saw them live, but I am reminded of how much I always kinda disliked Stipe's vocals and tbh this didn't do much for me although there's nothing technically bad here... I'd given the Haircut 100 album 2 stars and I liked that better than this. As I said in that review, there were things I enjoyed more from the 80s, and this album was a bit of a snoozefest for me. Reckon my R.E.M. sleep stats will be good tonight!

3/5

The sound of a kudzu-covered Southern dream whispering cryptic poetry into your ear at 2 a.m. Rating: 4.7/5 Short Review: A jangly, foggy, beautifully murky debut that feels like someone recorded a folk-rock album deep inside an overgrown forest. The guitars shimmer, the vocals blur like watercolors, and the whole thing feels strangely intimate — like a secret you’re not totally supposed to understand, but you keep leaning in anyway. Favorite Track: Perfect Circle, because it’s devastatingly gentle, painfully nostalgic, and feels like remembering something you never lived.

Aww this sweet ol record with the oddball intros and the open hearted sophomore poetry workshop lyrics and sound effects still sounds great. Makes me want my old bike and busted Walkman. REM was at their best when they could just barely reach the music in their heads. So many great tunes but the one I always come back to is the wistful “We Walk.” It has a hold-hands-in-the-parlor romance to it.

A strong debut album, even if the band clearly grew more confident and self-assured over the next few albums. Really like Mike Mills’ bass playing on this release — it’s a key element of their propulsive sound, though I don’t always love his voice on backing vocals. R.E.M. sound especially quirky here, especially on left-field tracks like “Pilgrimage,” “Catapult” and “We Walk,” an odd slice of jangle psych that presages a song like “Shiny Happy People” several years down the road.

I like R.E.M. a lot, they were my favorite band in my teens, but, like, how many of their albums are on this list?

They influenced thousands of jangly college rock bands and still managed to get huge enough to play arenas when Stand was a hit. Influence is enough to get a 4, but the melodies still hold up as something unlike the other music being made at the time.

radio free europe is nostalgic. its ok lol 3/5

I listened to this album while out a stroll and i kind of forgot it was on. Not really sure if thats a good or a bad thing. Each song just kind of rolled into the next and there were very few stand out moments for me. I suppose it does need to be considered easy listening on that basis though! When i did lock in to the music, i found the songs catchy enough without being particularly exciting. Vocals have never really done it for me and the guitar sounds are okay but not really my cup of tea. I do think there is something to be said about the simple, melancholic nature of the songs and perhaps its one of those albums that needs another listen to fully appreciate. I think ill give it another spin. For now favourite track - Radio Free Europe. 7/10

This was really dull and repetitive. Never did get the popularity of REM

5/10 - it all melds into one track

Not only is this a great album, but Greg Calbi's mastering is absolutely stunning. It sounds incredible 45 years on.

Average. Nothing outstanding, pleasant background.

Tomek daje 3 z dużym minusem, tak jak to panie nauczycielki naciągają oceny w szkole. Zosia bez minusa!

Pretty good

Better than I expected, almost a modern 60s sound.

Pleasant enough

Good

I’ve never gotten the hype on this album. There’s maybe two songs I’d put on their top 20. Drums are unfortunately robotic 80s vibes

Not my favorite REM but its got some good songs and indecipherable lyrics so that's good

I like this. It's fine, good listening while I work.

Eh, it was alright.

Lovely album

Some nice pop rock, but I couldn't get particularly into it on this day. Nice enough songs. Nice enough sounds. On the day I listened it just didn't really strike me as particularly interesting or particularly appealing. Don't feel myself in any rush to try again with this album either.

Best REM album

Bleh 2.5/5

No complaints, guitar heavy alt rock, noticeably of the 80s

Grungy as hell. I like how it reflects the lack of godliness coming in the 90’s. Michael Stipe is a god tho.

Really good listen! Pretty much exactly what I expected an R.E.M. album to sound like, so this is a positive example of expectations being met. Faves: Radio Free Europe, Talk About the Passion, Shaking Through

I like their later stuff a little more.

I know R.E.M. is considered "important," especially in Georgia, but I've never really gotten it. This release is clearly influenced by British post-punk, which I don't like, and folk music, which I also don't like. The album isn't offensive, and even has moments I enjoyed, but overall, it's not for me.

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Shaking Through, Talk About The Passion Pretty middle of the road, but I can definitely understand how R.E.M. paved the way for the alternative rock scene to really take off. There's not much else to say. It's wholly cromulent.

I love REM but this album is very mellow. I like it, but do not love it. I will hold them to a high standard and rank this as a 3.5 but on the three side.

A bit meh to be honest

Another album of many albums that I never got around to listening. But some of them the generator has helped with getting me to listen to it. This one right here is debut album of the iconic rock band R.E.M., Murmur being a seminal album in alternative music. A fair chunk of the songs are straight boppers and are quite anthemic and upbeat, whilst the mesmerising album cover - that I've definitely spent too much time looking at - gives off opposite vibes. The singing tends to be quite slurred together, making it a challenge to figure out the charming-sounding nonsense lyrics. The guitar parts are jangling out the wazoo. The bass is fairly melodic and doesn't fully stay in the expected range of a bass guitar. Highlight Song/s: Radio Free Europe and Laughing

For a debut album this is excellent - it's like they emerged fully formed. The production is a bit rough, but that's just part of the vibe.

Excellent. A perfect reference to a whole generation of indie/alternative artists to come Highlights: Radio Free Europe, Laughing, Sitting Still

R.E.M.'s debut album. With my music taste, all indications should point to me liking R.E.M., but alas, I am not into them. I find Michael Stipe a tad annoying. With that being said, I do believe that this is their best album, with their best song, "Radio Free Europe". Solid, but it doesn't move my needle in either direction.

This was one of the more boring albums I've ever listened to. I tried so hard to pay attention and within 30 seconds of each song I already lost concentration. There seems to be talent in the music, but just so boring and monotonous.

Same melody song after song

Do conder myself an R.E.M. fan but I am a fan of this alblum

I absolutely love REM, but they have better albums than this one. I actually own this one and really enjoy it. REM is one of those bands that I think most people either really like or despise. Regardless, it’s a solid album.

> The Beatles

shimmering, mysterious, an album whose charms slowly unfold

Maybe it was rubbing me the wrong way or something but I feel like I liked this one less than Green? Not that I remember Green well, but I felt periodically mildly irritated listening to this. It could be just another 3, but right now it's getting this 2.

Another solid offering from R.E.M. - I don't think the highs on this one quite reached the highs of Green for me, but this album was much more consistent throughout.

Not a single song stood out to me as being a 5/5 HOWEVER this was some very good listening and I certainly didn’t dislike any of it. I’m thinking a 3.5 for now. Might go back and listen one day and bump it up to 4.

R.E.M. still isn't making my favourites list or anything, but this is a MUCH better showcase of their style than Green was. Quite a fun listen, and with all the sauce I expected from the band that brought us Losing My Religion. High 3 for me, could be a 4 on a good day. Standouts: Laughing • 9-9 • Shaking Through • We Walk

This is their best album, in my opinion. They have the jangle, they have the lyricism, and they never fall off midway. A pleasure to come back to this one and enjoy it again. I wish the rest of their catalog was this good.

The musical brilliance of humanity on full display here.

Took a couple listens but I think this is my favorite REM album on this list yet (man there’s a lot of REM albums on this list, this has gotta be it, right?)

crazy

Yup. That sure is REM

Faggot mould

A masterful album. Sure footed and a sign-post to future more commercial approach without losing the appeal that got them noticed. Excellent.

Great debut by them; good introduction to the band, but also to that indie sound in general. Albums and artists had come close at that point, but that College Rock sound wasn't really identified until these guys came along. The songs hold up well. Another one I will save for later.

Is R.E.M the best band of all time? I’ve certainly heard it said, and by some pretty well considered music lovers too. There’s a whole lot of “what qualifies a band…” kind of questions we’d need to ask and answer first, and honestly could you imagine anything being any more tedious than that? Murmur is full of thoughtfully crafted, patiently simmering pop songs that recalls the art rock of Velvet Underground as much as it does the angular, angsty thrust of the Wire of “Reuters” or even Orange Juice. It also anticipates a lot of what’s to follow in the 80s, perhaps most thrillingly The Smiths – close contemporaries I’ve always thought of as quasi-equivalents (I doubt I’d be alone in calling REM the American Smiths). “Radio Free Europe” is the sort of romping pop punk that’d get a room moving no matter what; “Laughing” is a meditative, oneiric drone punctuated by stabs of lively arpeggio and bright bass; “Perfect Circle” houses a gloriously honeycomb ostinato and features the most quintessentially Michael Stipe sounding Michael Stipe on this record (imagine getting to know your voice, finding its strength and then realising it’s that voice); “Shaking Through” has an almost sophistipop angle about it, in a very pleasing way; “West of the Fields” is a very, very good slice of upright art pop with an undulating chorus that lingers in the back of the mind long after the album’s issued its last murmur. Would the best band in the world have a debut album this cohesive, convincing and clever? Maybe. They’d also have to follow it up with a succession of increasingly more focussed pop rock masterpieces, though. Can’t wait to see how they go.

Love REM. This isn't my absolute favourite, but it's in the era I love.

I like other REM songs, but these were all like nails on a chalkboard To me. perfect circle was ok. 1.8 / 5

I grew up listening to Document and Green (which were among the first CD's I purchased!). I'm a little bit ashamed that I hadn't listened to this album before now.

Founders of the North American Jangle. Album starts with a bang with Radio Free Europe. Then....the rest of the album feels like they forgot what they were trying to say. Not sure what happened there. The rest of the album is flat as a pancake.

Some good bops and a good listen overall. Not the hits one would associate with REM, at least for me, but a cohesive listen through and through. Flowed really well, and made me listen to the songs everyone knows and loves, so it gets a ratings bump for that. Will give another listen in the future, most likely.

Indistinguishable from every other REM album. Felt like it lasted hours.

Not my style of music. I added pilgrimage to my playlist but I didn’t really enjoy much of the rest of it. That’s how most albums are though.

Album Nr. 85 Gutes Album zum überall hören mit kleinen schwächen.

I liked Document a bit more, but this one is also pretty good. This one actually sounds even more ahead of it's time, ready to usher in a new era of indie rock. A little more subtle but still nice and melodic.

Tenk at R.E.M. helt fra starten av har hørtes ut som æ har forventa? Greit å ha sin egen stil, altså.

Pretty good, but also nothing spectacular. Nothing about this album really pops for me, and there are better REM records.

Easy listening for music snobs. This album, along with their next few, is far better than their 90s slop, and it's a shame they'll be remembered for the latter. That being said, while their sound, writing, and production was original and innovative in 1983, it's been done a million times since by a million other bands. That's a testament to REM's influence, but influence alone doesn't carry an album for me. Listening to Murmur, I was reminded of one of my favorite bands from the same era, one that also featured a unique and charismatic singer floating over bittersweet riffs on a jangly guitar. But The Smiths had a personality. There was dark humor, pathos, unrequited love, shifting English politics. Listening to this and REMs other college radio albums, I can't really tell what they're about or what they're wanting the listener to take away from the experience. Maybe it's just positive vibes and an hour of good company. Which is about all I got from this.

Can’t think of a witty thing to say about this album. Definitely comes out the 80s stronger that hairspray rock and leggings tho

I don't really get REM

Fine, my least favorite of the REM offerings.

I really enjoyed the bell line in pilgrimage. Other than that the album was pretty generic and didn't push me towards anything else.

Alt rock

Interesting to hear some early R.E.M. but a weak effort overall.

Great album but it definitely felt repetitive at parts

Nice vibe. Seems ahead of its time.

My first impression of REM. Clearly ahead of its time. It’s got a great sound but the songs all sort of run together, especially through the middle. We’ll see how the other albums measure up; it’ll at least be interesting to see how this band progresses with time. 3/5

About what I expected. Not bad, not great.

Solid classic.

Nothing on the album got me excited. Too slow and too boring.

I'm less and less impressed with REM as this challenge goes on. They are fine. Jangle rock, but still not impressing me

This is our first album randomly selected for our group. So there isn’t a deadline on the listening or rating, it’s not school where we have to write up a book report or finish the homework due tomorrow kind of thing. The only rule we have Is that the album deserves the front to back play through and you decide on the stars for a rating. We may disagree on that all the time or not who knows? But we can also discuss what we liked or disliked. And what songs we were feeling and we can maybe find some hidden gems or just straight up bangers. So yea the fist album we got is REM- murmur. Listen to it whenever is optima and it could be fun if you are intrigued with this idea

A phenomenal album. High 4s.

Forgot how much I like this.

Not too enthralling for me

I'm sure it's good, but didn't stand out from other indie rock

It’s hard to find a band that was this fully formed right off the bat, no notes, with a fully realized sound. The only fault of this album is that it’s barely produced, but that doesn’t take away from what a great record it is. Not a wasted moment or filler song - except for “We Walk”, which is much better live.

What happened to this band later on? This is a great album by a hungry, young band. Songs and playing are great! Sure, Stipe is singing in his boring way, but he is trying to use more than 5 notes, compared to Automatic for the People later on. A strong 4/5! If you want to listen to REM, this is the album, not the "acclaimed" Automatic!

Think I liked it more than Document. It's a great album, one of those for the long car rides I felt. Michael Stipe said R.E.M had put out a few stinkers in their career. This is not one of them.

R.E.M. are such a part of the fabric of my musical life that I can't be impartial. I don't universally love everything they do, but they got me through some hard times, and for that reason alone anything I hear them I feel a certain affection and gratitude. Murmur is good enough. Like lots of albums, it peters out toward the end a bit. It's more a document for me than a direct emotional tie. I'm not sure I get why the wiki places them in relation to punk other than needing to differentiate them from bigger rock acts. I don't hear the animus of punk nor the scrappiness, and the compositions feel too tight. But whatevs.

One of the ten or so bands that has meant the most to me over the course of my life. Murmur is a self-assured debut with catchy and jangly songs. By nature of when I came to them -- Out of Time and beyond -- I prefer a slightly darker, fuller, and warmer REM sound, but most if not all the seeds of their greatness are here.

Was eagerly awaiting a new album and saw R.E.M pop up and was immediately disappointed; an audibly sigh. Thinking to myself, alright let's plow our way through this. First track pops up, Radio Free Europe. Was pleasantly surprised by the jangly guitar and upbeat vibe of the track and tight composition Pilgrimage, Laughing, Talk About Passion were kinda let downs. Went right back to the mindset at the beginning before playing this album. This is just a whinny band for the dorks of the 90's Moral Kiosk kicks in, back to that jangly guitar tone, with fun, catchy harmonies. Perfect Circle, eh, alright it's doing it's thing. Catapult, second favorite track on the album. Back to that jangly guitar tone, tight drumming and the funniest harmonies on the album. Catchiest thing on the album. What a fun track. Sitting Still is solid. 9-9, my personal favorite on this album. Dark, gloomy, bass is just riffing. Sticks out as a artistic endeavor on this album. They should be proud of that track. West of Fields is a great closer. Does the fun jangly guitar with a pinch of what 9-9 is all about. Dark, gloomy, tight drumming. What a debut! Glad this medium made me listen to it with a different ear because at the beginning wasn't expecting much but there's a lot of heart, energy and tight compositions. Enjoyed the back end of the album more than the first half. Wish they would do more of the jangly guitar. Favorite songs: Catapult, Moral Kiosk and 9-9 3/5 stars

Ganz cool, etwas düsterer als die Automatic for the people aber nicht so viele hits

Nette Musik, die während der Arbeit im Hintergrund vor sich her dudeln kann.

Irgendwie egal

Homogener als "Automatic For The People", teils schon so ausgefeilt, dass ich echt gestaunt hab, dass das ein Debüt ist. Michael Stipe ist noch nicht in seiner finalen Form und ist im Mix auch weiter hinten. Das Album hat für mich einen angenehmen Charme. Konstant gut, aber für mich nie überragend.

Endelig et REM album der ikke er lort

Markant bedre end de andre REM plader vi har haft, jeg kunne virkelig godt lide den her. Sangene var generelt bangers og den har en ret distinkt lyd.

It surely is an R.E.M. album.

Very middle of the road indie rock album. A fine example of an album that I’m going to listen to for 1 day, and immediately forget about the next. This was good, but nothing particularly stood out. As far as first albums go, it’s really good though. I know that a ton of people absolutely love this band, so for that reason I have a fun opportunity to see how they evolved over time. I am largely unfamiliar with R.E.M., but this was a pretty good start. Again, it wasn’t amazing, but it was still pretty good as a whole. Nice little peaceful album to get me through the long day, served its purpose. Never really grabbed me, but hooked me enough to let me still feel actively engaged in the music. Love the singers voice, even if this album was a bit too light for my liking as a whole in most places. At least it was easy to listen to. Another very middle of the road 3.5/5 on this one. I really liked the energy and funky guitar playing in “Moral Kiosk”. Easily my favorite song on the album. That one was really fun and ear wormy.

R.E.M. is a solid band for me, but I can't really say they are better than background radio music. They don't give me the certain emotions they clearly invoke in other people.

Enjoyed the album. A smooth sound, and its very interesting to hear the similarities to more modern indie rock albums. None of the songs really stood out, but overall a good listen

While I have heard a lot of R.E.M songs most from this album were new to me which also shows in the amount of plays compared to their bigger hits. That said I enjoyed the album as a whole. It feels less pop-ish than what I had heard before. I will probably add a few songs to my playlists after listening it over once or twice more today. Really fun hearing new songs from a band and enjoying them this much even though it has a different sound.

Well-crafted music. And yet, this album seems to be rather uneventful and boring. So this doesn't do much for me.

82/100. Murmur by R.E.M. is a good, ambiguous alt-rock album with a mysterious and atmospheric feel. The pacing is smooth, and the sound is unique and intriguing, making for an engaging listen. A strong debut that captures R.E.M.'s signature style early on.

Yeah, enjoyed this. 4/5.

They have better Blended together a lot and was just not the biggest fan

J'ai eu ma phase R.E.M. et je suis porté à écouter entre Murmur et Monster. Mon groupe chouchou de Athens est par contre Pylon: Gyrate 1980 et Chomp 1983 = deux bijoux.

J'ai pas vibé du tout et je l'ai écouté 2 fois. Je reconnais certains trucs intéressants proto-grunge dont Catapult qui vont définitivement influencer des bands comme Pearl Jam. Ça peut aussi très bien se mettre en ambiance en repeinturant son railing, ce que j'ai fait, mais sans plus.

Adoré! J’avais un a priori un peu négatif de REM, de rockers alternatifs un peu drabes, mais ce debut album m’a fait changé d’idée. J’y retournerai certainement. (Je pense ma moins préférée est Radio Free Europe. Ça part en force après ça avec Pilgrimage et Laughing et Talk about the Passion)

Generally fine but nothing that blew me away

4. Hands down. Not their best though.

Very early in their career. Can hear the seeds of what they will become, but nothing really stood out to me. Not a bad album, far from their best. Decemt middle of the road fare.

This album seemed really good, I need to listen to it again though I wasnt fully paying attention.

Have heard this album so many times and I still cannot remember a single song off of it. A shame cus I do really like their poppier hits.

I started high school the year after this album was released and all my best friends owned the CD. It was a major part of the soundtrack of my youth largely because people it jived with almost everyone. My 15YO daughter was listening with me tonight and confirmed that this music still sounds amazing, even by today's standards. With the release of this album, R.E.M. became among the first important "alternative" bands (college rock at the time). While essentially a pop album, by combining influence from 60's folk-rock like the Byrds with elements of post-punk bands like Gang of Four Murmur presented Americana music for a new generation. This was all evidenced by Rolling Stone and other magazines picking Murmur as the album of the year. Quite the accomplishment for a debut release, especially considering it was up against albums like Thriller and War. While I still enjoy R.E.M. today, it had been years since I listened to the album in its entirety. There are so many great songs on this record. The jangle guitar combined with bass carrying much of the rhythm is just so cool. Stipes voice is amazing, even when you can't understand what the hell he is saying. My favorite part of this project is discovering new music, which I'm also learning includes rediscovering old loves. The nostalgia is nice, but more interesting to me is the fact that the music sounds different due to the accumulation of different musical perspectives over time. I have a newly refreshed love for R.E.M. thanks to 1001 Albums and they will be back on regular rotation for many years. 9/10, only because it is not their best album.

The album felt much more recent than it really is.

Some good, some forgettable.

first REM album I actually enjoyed

It’s like finding that denim jacket that you seldom wore in college, but now find it familiar warm and becoming a new favorite 3/5

bangers top to bottom

Classy as ever, but not their best.

I’d not listened to this before and really enjoyed the sound. Will go back.

Enjoyed this. Compared to Green the REM sound is coming into focus. A much more sophisticated blend of musical genres and more interesting lyrics from Stype.

Album de rock en live chanté par une femme ? À la voix enrouée assez sympas

Dette ble litt vel monotont, samtidig druknet vokalen. Mulig det var anlegget i bilen, men uansett kjedelig...

takes me back to high school in atlanta.

I actually do get the appeal, even if I didn't like it that much. You can tell how influential this album was by how much sounded like it even decades later.

I feel like based on my taste in music I should like R.E.M. but I just don't really. Not sure what I am missing... This is one of the better R.E.M. records I have listened to though.

some 2/5 moments, some 4/5 moments, lets split the difference

Great album

REM is so bland to me. Like yes they are important to alt rock history and everything but most of their stuff is just boring and inoffensive that it's hard to have a strong opinion on them one way or the other. 5/10

This is definitely a classic album, especially with its strong jangle pop vibe. When it comes to R.E.M., I feel like this would’ve been a really fun album to discover when it first came out. It has that post-punk rawness, but R.E.M. was one of those bands helping to shape the early alternative movement.

Excellent song writing that has the punk sensibilities of early U2 without the edge, (pun intentional). Ahead of it's time with its early indie rock/college rock vibe. It saddens me that these guys disappeared off of the face of the earth right after their height of popularity in the mid-90's.

Meu conhecimento acerca do grupo R.E.M. é bem limitado; eu tenho o álbum Out Of Time na minha coleção e foi o único deles que já ouvi. Não sabia ao certo o que esperar do disco de estréia deles, mas fui pego de surpresa mais uma vez por uma banda que eu subestimava. A sonoridade deste disco é impressionante, não há palavra melhor pra descrever. Dá pra ver que todo elemento do grupo está afinadíssimo. Amo todos os aspectos destas canções. Os vocais de Stipe são inigualáveis, tanto o timbre da sua voz quanto suas letras beatniks e a forma com que ele às entrega. O baixo pulsa cheio de vida, mantendo as canções em movimento junto com a percussão, e as guitarras me lembram o estilo Jangly dos anos 60, o que dá até um toque dançante à algumas das faixas do álbum. É tudo muito gostoso, é o tipo de disco que assim que acaba você já quer ouvir novamente. E convenhamos que este é um disco à frente de seu tempo. Sempre associei R.E.M. com os anos 90, logo, paguei papel de trouxa quando percebi que este disco é de 1983. Ele não cai em nenhuma das armadilhas comuns da música popular de sua época, o que o torna atemporal. Chegar atrasado pra festa deste grupo me fez perceber o quão influente eles realmente foram nos anos sucessores em gênero que adoro como Rock Alternativo e Indie. Antes tarde do que nunca, daqui pra frente procurarei me aprofundar melhor na discografia da banda, e isso é um grande sinal de que o álbum foi extremamente agradável. 5/5

Painfully boring. Only reason it's not 1* is because of the vocals on a few songs were great

dull

R.E.M. is one of those bands that I was aware of, but never really checked out. That was a mistake - this album is great. Lots of earworms, and obviously a precursor to a lot of the alternative rock that came later, which I'm partial to. Fantastic.

I've never listened to this album (34). Enough! No more Mr. Bald Guy!

Like R.E.M., but this wasn't my fav

This is probably my favourite from REM and arguably their best from a band that don’t do bad albums. Up until about a year ago I had never bothered with this one since it didn’t have any of the big hits on it. When I finally did give it a go it blew me away. That actually made me think about what else I had been missing with other bands and that coupled with my growing boredom with Metal is what led me to doing this list. Turns out I was missing a LOT. Top Track - We Walk

Prefer their later stuff but still solid

8/10 My first listen to this was in the background while I was in the kitchen, and I was ready to write it off as a fairly uninspiring debut. 'Radio Free Europe' as the lead single and album opener, didn't exactly fill me with hope that I was going to be blown away by the rest of the album, and I proceeded to not pay much attention. Having finished the washing up and switched to headphones for 9-9, I promptly realised that this album deserved a proper listen. I have always had a soft spot for R.E.M., but that has mainly manifested as a love for 'Automatic for the People', never having got any further into either side of their discography than 'Green' and 'Out of Time'. The jangling sound that defines R.E.M. was clearly present from the start, and I've always enjoyed Michael Stipe as a vocalist even if I have no idea what he's blathering on about on this album - I'm not convinced that these lyrics are necessarily that poetic but I don't think it really matters much, I've never been one to concentrate too much on lyrics over instrumentation anyway. Speaking of instrumentation, it's pretty remarkable how well formulated the R.E.M. sound was on their debut, the drumming and creative guitar riffs are pretty stellar in places. I do feel like the second side of the album is substantially stronger than the first, some of whose songs blend together a bit, so not going any higher than an 8 for this record. Standout songs: 9-9, Shaking Through, We Walk, Moral Kiosk Listens: 3

Not a huge REM fan to begin with but I do like their main hits sparingly. Honestly, found this album pretty boring. I get why some people might like it, it’s just not for me.

I love the simplicity and the propulsive energy in the more uptempo songs on this album, such as Radio Free Europe, 9/9, and West of the Fields. Not every song is a winner for me, and I’m still trying to figure out if the lyrics are profound but obscure, or just complete gibberish. But more important than anything else with this album is the sound. It’s striking how ahead of its time this album was. REM released this when Springsteen, Journey and Van Halen were topping the charts, and the difference is incredible. This spiritually paved the way for most of rock music’s evolution in the 90s and aughts.

I think I'm more of a fan of their later work. It's good, but they dialed in their sound in subsequent albums. I can definitely see why their sound got picked up by college radio back in its day though. 3.5

Beginning was rough because I am use to the hits but as the album went on I enjoyed it more and more as I recognized the REM I love. Solid

Enjoyable tracks in the front half but felt like they were running out of creativity by the back of the album. Unfortunate too because I think their distinct sound is actually really pleasant, and shines in a number of places on this record.

Really liked this, nice harmonic rhythms, varied sonics, tuneful melodies . It's no "Out Of Time" but it's still very nice

Mid REM album

Not really keen on this particular album. Does not compare favourably with some of their other work. Disappointed

First, a confession: I presented my Paul Simon review yesterday as though I had given the album a careful listening. Truth be told, I had it on in the background and kinda just assumed what I was hearing was "okay" because it was Paul Simon. But when Jason said "Cars are Cars" sucks (paraphrasing), I had to revisit. And I can confirm: It sucks. Anywho . . . On to a subject matter that I'm an expert in: REM being boring. I wasn't exposed to them until Green, so I'm much more familiar with their latter material. I had never consciously listened to Murmur in its entirety, so I was hoping "their early stuff" might be better. No. As per uush, there are a couple of engaging songs on an album that's generally, zzzzz . . . .

Yes! Yes! Yes! I take back all the 5s I have conferred so far. THIS is a five-star album. And, not only is it a wonderful piece of sonic art, it marks the beginning of a remarkable 6- to 8-album run of some of the best American rock and roll ever put to vinyl or tape or whatever. And that's not just my Georgia chauvanism talking.

Really enjoyed it. I have heard a lot of REM growing up and have always appreciated it but have never listened to a full album. Played it on repeat studying for my midterms (I kept getting distracted maybe not the best study music)

When this popped up I thought I'd give it a 4, because I think REM really hit their stride at Fables, and I wanted to leave room to give it (and probably almost everything following it, at least through New Adventures in Hi-Fi) a 5. But then I listened to it, and realized it's another Revolver. Man, it was great to hear all of these.

5/5 - I've listened to Murmur countless times in the last 35 years, and I listened twice more yesterday when this came up on the list. It's an all-time classic for me. I wouldn't change a single thing about it. This sets the stage for everything that follows in their amazing early career run of albums.

Okay, was pleasantly surprised by their first album on this list, having not known old REM. Let’s see… I don’t particularly dislike them, but I just find them a bit wet and twangy and a bit over earnest 🤷🏻‍♂️ it just never grabs or surprises me. Yeh, really pretty sick of this by the end. Twangy guitar, whiney vocals. Urgh.

I only know REM from their big 90s hits, do this was a really fun record to discover. Now I love me some jangly guitar, so Murmur made me very happy. I'm going to live with this album for a long time, I'm certain. Standout track: Pilgrimage

I fear I just cannot bring myself to be overly excited about rem. I’m so sorry to the xers and millennials out there. Cool tunes though I guess

A good one

pretty good. gives the vibe that if you've heard one REM, you've pretty much heard em all, and most aren't as good as ones i love.

Strange to hear R.E.M doing jangle pop. I could never get into Out of Time or Green but this was really solid. Lots of fun. Fav Track: Moral Kiosk 7.8/10

A band that I never really took the time to get into beyond the big hits, I for some reason didn’t expect their debut album to show them as fully formed as they would end up. Yes we’re missing the big pop hooks that would define the later hits but the music is probably better for it. I can see why they had the broad “College Radio” appeal and were just seen as a cool band despite obviously being pretty nerdy.

I wish I liked them. But I could barely make my way through them. Good thing they are from Athens and not Atlanta

It's OK I guess. Probably too much REM on this list. 2/5.

Hey man, I couldn't record an album half as good as this. I'm not sure why there is a subtle aversion to REM. Maybe I heard ITEOTWAWKIAIFF (It's The End of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine) one too many times?

There are some okay tracks on this - I don't love REM but this wasn't bad. The last track was a fun one.

meh

Nah fuck rem

One of the greatest debut albums of all time .

This would have blown my mind in 1983. Its a shame that it's 2025.

A bit samey. I like their later albums better. Pure jangle rock.

A perfect album! The I.R.S. years of R.E.M. were classic. Loved this album since High School. Buck's jangly rhythm, Mills' melodic bass, Stipe's indecipherable singing, and Berry's tastefully expressive beats were unique. Mitch Easter's production is immaculate and open. The piano and occassional cello complete the arrangements without ever being too busy. The album is at times mysterious but never morose. Often joyful and danceable. Peter Buck, one of the finest rhythm guitarists in the world, leaves space to fill. Mike Mills, using his bass as a lead instrument, fills it beautifully without ever getting in the way, taking the spotlight, or neglecting his bass duties. That, paired with his high backing harmonies makes him the secret weapon of this classic combo. Very difficult to pick a favorite song. Favorite high points: "Talk about the Passion," and "9-9." Rating: 5/5

not bad not great

Might ruffle the feathers of most fans, but I prefer early-to-mid 90s, chart-friendly REM to early-to-mid 80s alternative pioneers REM. Not that this is a bad album or anything, it is just a bit low key, a bit lacking in some overarching vision tying everything together, and a bit lacking in character.

Yeah, this one's been my favorite for over a decade now, with no signs of anything replacing it any time soon. Hearing "Radio Free Europe" for the first time was just one of those moments, you know? The ones where your conceptions of what music can be are forever altered? Add in that one time I listened to it like 20 times over the weekend in high school while being totally anxious about a crush I never had a chance with, and it's not only been the album that singlehandedly had the most impact on how I listen to music, but also the one that I've read myself into the most. Like, yeah, the lyrics are hard to make out, and even when you know what they are, it's hard to know what they mean. But that's not really the point; the real thing is that the snatches you pick up here and there end up leaving you feeling like you're at a party, and the person you *really* want to talk to is having a conversation across the room, and you're only just barely picking up a phrase here and there while you try to work up the nerve to go over there.

I’m a fan of quite a few REM songs but I’ve never listened to a whole album before, and what a great place to start. I really enjoyed this one, and it’s hard to believe it was their first album.

I got another REM album recently. My reaction is about the same. It’s good but I’m not very interested.

everything i want from an 80s album, diverse enough in sound while still sticking to a general style

I don't really have much to say about this album, honestly. It's not bad, it's not my thing. Even going through the tracklist a second time, I'm at a lost to things to say. It's alright, just very forgettable. The whole album doesn't ask anything from you and then leaves without leaving a mark. Here's an ascii face instead: ._.

I am basing my rating of Murmur mostly on the first side of the album. I really like "Pilgrimage" and "Talk About The Passion" and think "Radio Free Europe" is a truly great track. "Catapult" is a good example of how I feel about the rest of Murmur. The first verse and pre-chorus go by and I am thinking this sounds like solid R.E.M. Then we get the "Catapult (Catapult)" chorus and I am taken out of the song. It sounds like it was grafted from a cheesy 80s sitcom.

i'm a casual REM fan and like them well enough to have revisited this album a year or so ago when stipe was doing their 40th anniversary tribute tour for this album. weirdly enough, i like these songs more now than i did a year ago, though i feel the same as i did then with my main gripe with REM being: they sometimes sound... kinda hokey. their hits are, undoubtedly, transcendent, but listening to this album there were stretches where the jangly guitars and indeterminate accent weren't doing anything for me. still☝️there's great stuff here, and i'm happy to admit i was too hasty to write off this album the last time i listened to it a year ago. highlights - radio free europe, moral kiosk, 9-9, shaking through, we walk, west of the fields

cool

A pretty decent I would say solid album.Filled with very engaging guitar riffs and sounds the vocals are also the icing on the cake.Overall,a pretty solid first listen and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Rating- 7/10

Some good moments but most of the album ended up ended up blending together.

Not a huge fan, but it got an extra star for letting me make the connection between Talk About the Passion and The Decemberists' Calamity Song

I was one of the Johnny Come Latelys who only got into REM via Losing My Religion - my excuse is that as a five-year-old living in Yorkshire, US college rock wasn't really on my radar in 1983. When I did hear them though, I loved them so much, I bought all their earlier albums. I can't quite agree that Murmur is their best (Automatic for the People and Life's Rich Pageant both edge it out for me), but it is an incredible debut that still sounds striking. And Perfect Circle is so lovely, even former British PM David Cameron claiming it's one of his favourite records can't put me off it.

A little boring and samey. No REM bops here.

Very solid. 8/10

Hard to believe that REM’s first album came out n 1983. Their music was definitely 10 years ahead of its time. Great album.

I didn’t realize how old this album was. I guess because I didn’t know about it until the 90s. Definitely set the stage and tone for what happened with 90s alternative.

Way back Then, i didn't pickup this music

Long been a fan of R.E.M. but only through their most famous songs via compilation and greatest hits albums. I had Monster on CD, which was the only album I'd fully heard and even then only in passing. I was interested to find that this was their debut album, back in 1983. Several songs were familiar, the opener (Radio Free Europe) is great. The rest, well it varied. On the whole I enjoyed it, some songs had some interesting aspects however it was a bit drab overall.

Not gonna lie, this album was a nothingburger. Nothing about this one stood out to me. Very soft and repetitive. Just bland all around.

2.75

Probably will give it another go. Something to work with musically and I like that it is more raw then their better known material

Åtminstone, ska lyssna igen. Klassisk debut, men jag brukar ofta gilla andra tidiga plattor med R.E.M minst lika mycket

Couldn't finish it, but even those few song were better than the albums before Will finish it today!

This came out during the Punk/New Wave era and you can hear it pretty well on here. To me, they dont have what I would consider their signature sound or voice here. That's not bad, its their first album but to me it plays out a little tame. I did enjoy most of the tracks though.

Amazing album. One of their best.

Alright

OG alternative rock

Hard to believe this is their first album as they sound so fully formed - hard also to believe it came out in 1983. It sounds so unlike anything before or since. I’ve always thought Radio Free Europe is the odd one out here - it was released a couple of years earlier on the Chronic Town EP where it sounded far more at home. It sounds weirdly clunky and out of place here; it’s an odd choice for the opening track given the strengths of the others. We Walk is another oddity - much as I like it, it does sound like a B-side, albeit a great one. As for the rest of the tracks, it’s hard to pick a favourite. I’ve always thought of Murmur as a kind of blueprint that they stuck with until 1989’s Green when they took a slightly more adventurous turn. Much as I love Green, and the records that followed, the IRS years is the REM I fell in love with, and this record still sounds great.

Off the cuff remark: this album seems to typify my feelings about REM - there are some really great tracks but a lot that is perfectly good just not particularly special. Standout track: Talk About the Passion and Radio Free Europe are fantastic tracks Revisit?: not the first REM album I would choose to listen to, but perfectly happy to listen to it repeatedly.