Murmur

Bought this years ago and never got around to listening to it properly into today. Really good, long before breakthrough success in the 90s.

i was not expecting such a good album - somehow sounded a lot like stuff that came later

Music production and album progression were top notch! But I couldn't understand the lyrics at all! The singer reminded me of Thom Yorke on anti-depressants.

I really like REM, though these early tracks are all pretty similar

Nonsensical lyrics that are catchy and strange, jangly guitars, solid and unique bass lines and a drummer that matches pace. What more could you want from one of the original "indie" bands of the 80s?

I think Document is probably the REM album I think typifies their most enduring work. Murmur is a close second.

Sublimely simple and complicated at the same time. I sought out this album when I was in college when I had a limited budget for CDs. I never regretted it.

Only R.E.M album I really know, but I love it. Another 80s band, like Talking Heads, that I think I genuinely would have been very into if I was old enough at the time. First half better than second half, but a lot of catchy lyrics and melodies throughout

he escuchado unas cuantas cosas de otros grupos posteriores aquí, me los volveré a poner, me ha gustado

4/5

Sounds like R.E.M., so if you like that, you'll probably like this. Didn't have any songs that I knew on the album, but it was still good.

Solid

Amazing first half but drags a little later on still very important as the advent of American indie rock

Always appreciate a debut. While this likely isn't the REM album I would choose were I to only pick one (I'd probably go Document or later), it's an enjoyable listen. The biggest sin of the record is just knowing what would follow. All the elements that make them great are here, they have such a unique sound, but outside of Sitting Still, I'm not sure most tracks ever kick into second gear the way their later, bigger hits resonate, and to my ear some songs end rather jarringly. That being said there's still plenty to love, and it sounds so far ahead of its time for 1983. What stands out to me on this listen is how good they immediately were at sustaining momentum - every shift between verse and chorus builds upon what came before it. Stand outs: Pilgrimage, Moral Kiosk, Sitting Still, Shaking Through (though that ending is bizarre)

Overall an impressive debut. I’m never dying to hear R.E.M but I never mind it either. Not my favorite of theirs that I’ve heard but really solid.

I think this might be my favorite R.E.M. album.

Hated then loved

Surprisingly enjoyable. Undertones of future R.E.M. hit-maker sounds with hints of punk rock sensibility, especially evident in the production techniques. Much better vibe than the later, seemingly more marketable, albums that everyone is familiar with.

Highlights: "Laughing," "Moral Kiosk," "9-9," "Shaking Through" It definitely increases my esteem to realize how early this band was and to hear them in a more enthusiastic, impulsive phase. I never made the connection between REM and '80s New Wave before, but that makes so much sense. It really works to bring a lot of acoustic instrumentation into an otherwise closely New Wave style album like this. It's wild to think that an iconically "80s" group like The Smiths was taking cues from REM. But there's plenty of diversity here, too. "9-9" has all the tropes of '00s instrumental bands. To offer criticism, even in this raw form they can feel sluggish because of the song structures. There's a deliberate choice to alternate between two (elaborate, thoughtful) sections over and over and over to focus on these minimal *lyrical* variations. I had to check online to make sure they weren't just repeating the same verses. That seems like their deliberate process, to slow psychy free-association down to a dreamlike crawl and elicit a sense of wonder, keep listeners convinced that they'll arrive somewhere ruminating on the words. I just read through a New Yorker interview with Stipe where he distinguishes two periods of the band's songwriting, between '83-90 and afterwards. He doesn't use the phrase "erotic irony," but he definitely talks around the theory with phrases like "useful obscurity" -- to try to nail down and define a feeling even just for yourself would actually rob you of its expression, and obligate you to cliches and sentimentality. Their sense of political frustration eventually threw that principle out. I respect the decision, but as a musical experience it doesn't pay off. Ultimately, glad to be proven wrong. Important for anyone who grew up in the twilight of their career to reevaluate them through this early work.

A consistently chill but fun album; good for dancing or at least tapping your feet. The lyrics don't really matter here. I guess this is what alternative was like before the whole genre, and R.E.M., in particular, got too weird.

album full of hits, simple harmonies but with a kind of nostalgia, interesting how the transitions and contrasts are made, sometimes with changing drums, sometimes with a change in harmony, great album.

Very interesting little record. Murmur sounds quite the opposite of its name, it’s very poppy and very high pitched. The guitar tones are very high but they kind of work for the new wavey, college rock this album goes for. It doesn’t really sound like anything else I’ve ever heard to be quite frank. The lyrics are pretty weird but they kind of fit, the bass and drums are pretty groovy, and the folk influences are pretty nice. Nothing really to add; just a nice collection of songs. I’d give it a 7/10.

I've never been a fan of REM because their singles from the 90s were played excessively during my childhood, and listening to them now evokes an unpleasant sense of nostalgia. However, I recently came across "Radio Free Europe" and found myself genuinely enjoying it. I particularly appreciated this album's simplicity.

An excellent debut from a band that deserves the hype it gets.

My 100th album in this project. Pretty pleased with this, have always liked R.E.M. but haven't done a deep dive on their discography. It's very clear how influential they were on indie rock that came after them. 4/5

Really enjoy Stipe’s voice and the jangly guitars. Just a bit repetitive at times and not my favorite record by them.

I don't think I'd ever heard of this REM album let alone heard any of the songs off of it, which is surprising. It makes sense in that their subsequent albums have surpassed this with better singles but this was still really solid and has a well-rounded set of tracks. They had a solid, distinct sound coming right out of the gate. I especially liked pilgrimage and catapult.

REM are one of those bands who are at their absolute best when really pushing for their sound, and this shows it. Full of clever production choices and moody atmospheres.

Different and a good few catchy and interesting songs

REM is always good

Any time I put on one of these early R.E.M. albums I think, "Should I be listening to way more R.E.M.?" I've never quite made the jump from liking R.E.M. to loving R.E.M. but they're such a good band. Lots of hooks and melodies in the songwriting and the performances are full of emotion. Top shelf alt-rock. 4.5

I have a soft spot for rem, my parents played them a lot when I was growing up. Although, I've never heard this album. I thought I would enjoy it much more than I did. I know some people consider this their best album...I disagree! Automatic for the people is way better than this imo, I'm sure that will be on the list. 3 feels too low, 4 too high. 3.5

It's like a warm hug in musical form. I want this album to tuck me into bed and tell me that everything's going to be alright.

Very impressive debut from R.E.M. I might like it more than Document. Favorite Tracks: Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage 4/5

I was surprised how much ahead of their time they were.

Really love the sound here. The jangly guitars can be a little thin, but they always give the bass a lot of room to pop and give the songs body. The band just sounds really tight. Good melodies. Michael Stipe’s voice is kind of an acquired taste, but overall really enjoyed this. Best song: Radio Free Europe

This is way different to what I was expecting lol. Fun, would listen to it again. I do find that a lot of the tracks are too long, maybe it's cause I'm just trying to get through it rn.

This is a good debut album from R.E.M. I like a lot of tracks on here and it's an enjoyable listen throughout. Definitely has the 80s/early 90s college rock sound down that they helped bring to the mainstream. Overall a strong album but at they same time I've never personally spent a ton of time getting into REM and I don't think this album will push me into more regular listening. Standout Tracks: Radio Free Europe, Laughing, Talk About the Passion, Moral Kiosk, Sitting Still, Shaking Through

It’s pretty good,there are few hooks there but it lacks energy for me.Album art is sick though.

What caught me by surprise is how very late 90s they sound despite it being released in 1983... just a very futuristic sound given the era. Really nice album. 8/10.

Very good album

One of the albums I always knew I should hear. Glad I finally did.

All songs flow well with each other.

This was a good album! But samey throughout but an enjoyable listen

It was good! R.E.M. is a great band with great vibes. Still didn’t have my favorite songs from them but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. 7.5/10

R.E.M. are #148 on my all time streams but I've never heard this album!

Not a bad album at all, easy listening Saved tracks: Radio Free Europe, Catapult, West Of The Fields

Jangly

very enjoyable listen, good songs

2nd March 2023 Listened while working from home. Bristol for dinner at Crofty’s in the evening. The first iteration of REM and what a joy. Not as expansive and philosophical as later work but just as interesting and engaging.

Michael Stipe commands a 4 star review

The legendary band

Kind of a landmark album, both for the band and for the music scene. It's pretty unique in the R.E.M. catalog in that it doesn't really sound like anything else they ever made. There's a depth to the music and lyrics that require multiple listens.

It's a great album that I have a lot of nostalgia for. Kinda makes me wish I grew up 50 years ago in some random town in the middle of nowhere in US. Still, I thought it was a little bit better back when I first heard it. 4/5

CLASSIC

Not my usual type of listen, but was enjoyable to have on in the background while I was building lego.

I've loved R.E.M. since I was kid, but sadly, this was my first time listening to one of their albums from start to finish. I've always enjoyed their songs that got a lot of radio play in the early nineties ("Stand," "Losing My Religion," "The One I Love"), and I've owned 'Document' since my late teens. 'Murmur' sounded very different from the R.E.M. that I'm most familiar with, but I really enjoyed it. The instrumentation was great, with it's jangly guitars, great drum beats, and piano melodies. It's wild to listen to an album like this and being able to hear how its sound influenced alternative rock's development throughout the rest of the eighties, and how it still influences bands today (I'm looking at you, The National). I didn't pay too closely to the lyrics, sadly, and I didn't have time to go back and read them before writing this review, but I definitely want to give this album another listen, and when I do, I'll be a lot more attentive to the lyrics. All in all though, I thought this was a great album, and I can't wait to listen to more stuff from R.E.M.

What I think Dookie would sound like if it was made in the 80s and couldn't have any songs about weed or jerking off

Damn good Jangle Pop. A nice debut for what would eventually become the greatest band out of Athens, GA

It was refreshing to listen to an album that contain an artist's lesser known music. I definitely will be giving this another listen through.

Very cool bass, I like the alt-y vibe, but it was kinda a blur

Noice noice

A fantastic debut from a band with a ridiculous amount of great albums. Not my favourite of theirs but an incredibly strong and assured start to the discography

Tämähän oli kiva. Mua häiritsee R.E.M.issä yleensä se, miten helpolta se kuulostaa. Tai niiden levyistä henkii sellainen ylituotettu ”no niin, tehdäänpä hittilevy” -viba. Ne päättää tehdä ihmisten sielua koskettavia hittibiisejä ja osaavat sen homman ärsyttävän hyvin. Mä periaatteessa siis ihan pidän R.E.M.sitä - mutta mua hiertää suunnattomasti se, ettei mulla ole ikään kuin vaihtoehtoa. Ne levyt tehdään harkitusti ja täsmällisesti juuri sellaiseksi, että minun kaltaiset tyypit tykkäisi. ARGH! Mutta tässä levyssä sitä puolta ei ole! Pieni epävarmuus tuo kivasti särmää, ja tätä pystyy kuuntelemaan.

альбом мурмур успокаивает меня своим рок-мурлыканьем напоминает где-то the smiths очень хорошие последние четыре трека, в их числе любимые с пластинки 9-9 и we walk кстати! лайвы больше понравились, так что советую и их слушать

Enjoyed this a lot, especially the instrumentals.

Old friend music, even with the impenetrable lyrics. Just treat Stipe’s voice as another instrument, enjoy Buck’s guitars, and the rhythm section (before they got old and dull).

Another one of dads best of albums that got a lot of air time on road trips. Their debut didn't have any recognisable tracks but it was way more post punk than I've heard from the before.

The debut from the guys who wrote "Losing My Religion". Their signature jangle pop sound rings clear with well-written songs. It's concise, nicely paced, and catchy! They're no Smiths, but who would want to mimic the Smiths? R.E.M.'s rock edge gives them a much more interesting sound to layer the jangle pop production onto.

I used to say that I hated REM, but recently I realized that isn't true. Michael Stipe's voice grates on my nerves after too many songs, so that's true. But the band & this album are pretty great. Radio Free Europe is catchy & the rest is just good stuff.

enjoyed it

fairly solid all the way through

i went into this album knowing absolutely nothing about REM but i enjoyed a lot of it!!

jó kis alt rock gitár nagyot megy lyrics elég cryptic és all over the place de a hangulat összességében solid 10/10 debut albumnak

Great debut album, really like the sound. Somehow I never heard this album of theirs before and I enjoyed it.

Super nostalgic. I thought it would be a 5 on the first song, but at times it felt a little monotone. I wanted more intensity and emotion and it felt more cerebral. Overall a fantastic listen!

Foot tappin’ awesomeness.

Where has this album been all my life? Can’t believe I’ve never listened to it. Genuinely excellent tunes - I usually need to listen to an album a few times to get into it, but this was instantly enjoyable.

Better than expected given other albums I know by R.E.M. would say about 3.5 but giving benefit of the doubt and a 4

обложка хорошо передает ощущения от альбома

I like the sound of R.E.M. The album has some ups and downs for me, but overall a nice and easy to listen album.

Riddles wrapped in enigmas, all presented in a melodic package that helped bring guitar-oriented music to the forefront again. The beginning of an illustrious run.

I like the atmospheric sound and the consistent mood throughout.

Expected this to be good, because I love R.E.M, never listened to this album before and it was really appreciable. It does sound like REM and the prod is really good as well as every title. 4.25/5

Not R.E.M.'s best album but still a great album. "Radio Free Europe" is certainly the highlight of the album. It is a lot more chill of an album, while not what I think of when I think of R.E.M. I enjoy their softer side.

I'm a fan of guitar led riffs, with strong backing bass. Talk about the passion is a good example of that. Good album.

I love old R.E.M., but this is actually probably one of my least favorite of their albums. It introduces you to the sound and the aesthetic of R.E.M., but i don't think the songs are as interesting as their other releases. Perfect Circle is probably the strongest here. Still, i enjoy the album and love the band.

One of their best in such a prolific catalogue.

A timeless album that wouldn’t sound out of place in the years proceeding it. R.E.M nailed their sound from the very beginning.

Great album.

One of the most impressive debut records and one of the most beautiful albums of the 80s, with a well defined sound which is very recognisable in every R.E.M.'s project. Maybe they will never top this LP, or maybe Green and Document are really close or even better than this, but for sure they set the bar very high.

Genuinely surprised how much this reminds me of The Smiths. It's good, just think R.E.M. would hit their stride on later albums. Favorite tracks: "Radio Free Europe", "Laughing", "Sitting Still"

I know this album a lot less than several of their other albums, so while I really only knew one song well, I really enjoyed listening to it today. Takes me back to my childhood.

slaps. very jangly guitar noises. kinda like folky rock?

Pretty groovy. I don't listen to a lot if 80s alt rock so cool.

Mumbly

OK - but Stipes hasn't found his voice yet. This isn't a patch on later albums..

4.5

I'm not a huge REM fan, but this one was not bad at all. Enjoyed the simple rock songs, Laughing and Shaking Through were solid tracks

Opening with Radio free Europe is a solid start. Good album

Bra

This was a great listen. I got to know REM in the early 90's, and have followed them ever since, but never really gotten into Murmer. Glad I did a couple of listens, because it definitely is a grower of an album. Great debut album from a great band

Pretty good. Never heard it before. Can definitely hear the influence it had on Radiohead.

Loved this one. Very upbeat, interesting all the way through. Liked the background vocals.

Un dels millors discos de college rock. Que en ple post-pospunk i en els primers moments dels new romantics fossin capaços de fer un disc tan original i ple de bons moments com aquest és molt meritori. No és l'obra mestra que molts volen veure... però s'hi acosta molt

Very good album with a lot of "happy" vibes despite some of the lyrics being less so. Musically an amazingly simple but complex with precise notation on all the instruments including voice.

It's sorta fun!

This is Good Music. I owned Document and Green, but never any of their older albums, and by time Losing My Religion came out I really soured on REM. But I'm at point where I'm a sucker for up tempo but mellow sounds, and combined with the lyrics it's just a great listen. Tempted to give it a 5, but can't give a 5 for my first album, right?

More fun than I anticipated

R.E.M. est un groupe très sympathique. Je vais maintenant vous dévoiler une anecdote assez cocasse. Alors que j'étais en entretien d'embauche la semaine dernière, se produisit l'échange suivant : « — Maîtrisez-vous l'outil Microsoft Excel ? — Oui. — Pour quel genre de documents en avez-vous fait usage ? — Principalement des générateurs pirates. — Pardon ? — Des générateurs pirates. — Vous pouvez m'en dire plus ? — Non parce que sinon Robert va envoyer sa milice me trouver, ça s'est déjà produit après l'épisode du karaoké quand je me suis enfui avec une gondole. — Je ne saisis pas bien ce que vous êtes en train de me raconter. — Croyez-moi, ça vaut mieux comme ça. — … — Restez en dehors de tout ça. — … très bien. — Chuis pris ou pas ? — Nous vous rappellerons. » Croyez-le ou non mais j'obtins le poste.

Never listened to much R.E.M. but am fully aware of their influence, and I can hear other bands sounds all over this record, clearly very important to formative year old budding musicians. R.E.M. doesn't do much for me though. Pleasant enough for sure.

Not my favorite R.E.M. but it's still hella good. This is Stipe's most primitive songwriting which means that it's so cryptic that it's nearly unintelligible. You can tell that HE knows what he's talking about at least. But the band member who really stands out here is Mike Mills whose basslines are utterly amazing. They carry every one of these songs on their back with ease and grace. He is a beast of a musician and proved it on this debut album. Here's what makes this album notable, though: when viewed in historical context, "Murmur" is a decade ahead of its time. You could play this next to albums released '93 or '95 and it would feel at home. But it's not a 90s album. It's early-mid 80s - right at the cutting edge of the post-punk alt/grunge movement. I love that R.E.M. released an album in '83 that had ZERO new-wave, fake-drum, synth bullshit. It's so delightfully different from its 80s contemporaries.

This is a good album and has a lot of good things going on, I am just not in the right headspace to take it in. 9-9 is a great song. This album was good, so i will throw a 4 on it so i can revisit it.

So I've never explored REM's back catalogue, and what a joy it is. No massive hits, but a unique sound. Special shout out to Laughing and We Walk .

Could be convincingly from any decade since the 1960s.

This didn't seem groundbreaking until I looked up and realized that it was their debut album from 1983 - by those standards it's an excellent slice of upbeat-sounding jangle pop.

Bass-y, depressing pop rock sound

Perfect debut for R.E.M. It really set the template for all the work to follow. Left of the mainstream jangle pop with a lot a heart and even more sensibilities

Hughlights: Moral Kiosk, Perfect Circle

Good

Sounds very ahead of it’s time and 90s for the early 80s. definitely hugely influential on alternative scene. Easy listen but hard to properly get into it. 4/5

Great listen, makes their evolution even more interesting to follow.

REM wiggles it’s way into my heart yet again. This is ALMOST as good as Document: Murmur is just missing a second iconic song. 4.75 stars!

Some nice and somewhat melancholic 'alternative' rock, the lead singer's vocals are quite captivating: I particularly like the circle-song, likely because it struck a melancholic vibe in me.

Turns out they were fucking great straight out of the gate, hey?

Pretty great album, that has aged well. Like many people, this wasn't my entry point for REM, which was prob Automatic for the People or Monster, by which point the songs we catchier, but there's something here that cuts a bit deeper and makes me want to spend more time with Murmur.

Green and Out of Time were iconic albums of my youth with iconic songs. I bought the latter on CD when it came out. As a fan of R.E.M., it was such a great experience to go back and listen to their beginnings. I didn't find any iconic songs standing out here, discovered or undiscovered, but there were 44 minutes of a really special sound, with truly, as was apparently intended, a timeless feel. It was quite exciting to listen to this grand beginning of an amazing group.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Catapult, We walk, West of the fields

Classic R.E.M.

Not their best (?) but still a great listen.

Can't imagine why I've never listened to this before, I guess I got into the band on their second release and just never got round to chasing this up. Great album.

Has some character

So influential. A massive impact on college rock/alt-rock.

it transcends vibes so much i cannot decipher what the fuck i just heard. think i liked it?

Niet de grote hits, wel goeie muziek.

Ended up enjoying this more than Document overall. Maybe the highs aren't as high (hard to beat End of the World) but the overall album is solid and listenable across.

I only really know the hits from this band ( everybody hurts, shiny happy people and losing my religion) so this will be interesting: Radio free Europe is good it the verses have strong lyrics and the chorus is memorable, it makes sense as the album’s opener as it sets up the sonic landscape of the album well. Pilgrimage is more interesting the verses are quite cool with the older sounding drums in the back. I like they choose a slower song off of radio free Europe. Laughing is alright but it’s much more boring then the first two and the structure is much more straightforward. Talk about the passion definitely has my favourite guitar riff so far and is a great single it has a repetitive chorus but it doesn’t effect the song heavily and I like how it just breaks off singing french. I like the overlapping vocals on the chorus of moral kiosk the guitars are also great ( maybe beating talk about the passion) could be a personal favourite. Perfect circle is great for closing the first half of the record, its a much slower song ( and this is in a not very fast album) the lyrics are good as well and the fade out works nicely at the end. Catapult is musically great at reopening the album for side 2 but the chorus is way too simple and repetitive. Sitting still has a great chorus and good lyrics but the fact that only 2 lines only ever change through the song makes it quite repetitive throughout but the song is quite instrumentally led so i’am still fond of this one. 9-9 might be my new personal favourite of mine everything from the speaking at the start to the guitars, the simple but effective lyrics and that inaudible bridge make this a great. Shaking through is really brought together by the piano in the background but I don’t think its one of the best especially compared to what we’ve had but the instrumental at the end was a good surprise. We walk is a very eh song by far the worst on here it’s so dull! West of the fields does share the repetitive chorus problem of catapult but it’s still really nice it’s one of those closers that could really go anywhere on the tracklist but it still works nicely. Wow, I liked this one a lot! Fine there is a bad song in we walk but if that song wasn’t there I would honestly consider giving it a 5. I said the repetitive choruses were a bad thing but it’s only a minor criticism.

Love their sound. Sometimes it’s too much of te same for me. But overall a pleasant album to listen to. Favourite songs: - Radio free Europe - Perfect circle - We walk

Muy buen álbum

A well loved REM album and much to enjoy here. I’m sure the REM heads will say this is their best album but for us casuals they really improved in scope and ambition. This record feels quiet and gentle and jangly and mellow and comforting but not emotional and thrilling as they would become. Radio Free Europe through to Talk About the Passion is a great sequence to open an album.

Little bit samey but Radio Free Europe is excellent. Will give this more listens

This was good

Irgendwas zwischen 3 und 4, aber eher 4.

I was surprised by how good this is. Great guitar work

4.5

REM is obviously iconic. This album was really good, and interestingly it felt more understated and consistent than their other ones. There were no standout tracks like their big singles later on, but that kind of made the album as a whole more listenable.

A helluva debut album that set the course of college radio everywhere. Strange considering I hear songs about speaking in tongues, martyrdom, and a meditation on the challenges in carrying one’s Cross. Sure, let’s talk about the Passion, but let’s live it, too, in our own little ways! After all, we’re not required to carry the weight of the world, just what’s been given to us to bear.

So exciting when I heard it first. Couldn’t understand a bloody word but what a great band

A great opening debut for REM. Classic college radio album.

legendary Sports Basemenet background music

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I remember when I first discovered Losing My Religion and would just keep it on repeat on my iPod. It tugged at something inside me and gave me permission to feel that something. Perfect Circle feels a little like that too. I can't believe this is a debut album.

Enjoyed this one.

:)

Very nostalgic, has quite an emo vibe. Good overall album.

A lot has been said about how good early REM is - and I do agree, there is a lot of good work in their catalogue. But, this album actually disappoints on first listen. Yes, the opening track "Radio Free Europe" is a major standout, but to me, the rest feel weak by comparison. There doesn't seem much to meet the album start, and it dwindles into a mix of jangly indie pop. OK, so there is lot to like, and you can see the genesis of what they were to become, but needs more time, and perhaps the right time, to appreciate. 3* on first listen

Not bad much better than I was expecting. Not a huge rem fan.

Great album. Notice ska influence. Love to hear early REM

7/10. Pretty good but so many of the songs sounded similar

8/10. As an album, I think I liked this a little more than Document even though there weren't as many stand-out favorites on here

This band started its career with the right foot. I had listened to this record before this challenge, but had forgotten the jewels in it. “Perfect Circle” is a magical experience, “Pilgrimage” is astonishing, and what to say about “sitting still”? Love this!!

Interesting to listen to.

8/10

never actually realised REM were anything other than stadium sized shiny happy people crap. decent album.

My mate Paul once sold me his mum's used dildo for a fiver. It certainly gave me rapid eye movement.

By far, the best REM album (and probably the only really good one). Nice balance of Michael Stipe's voice and the jangly guitars. 7-8/10

I was already familiar with R.E.M. by 1988, if not earlier. I eventually went back for Murmur and their other earlier albums, and I followed R.E.M's subsequent releases until 2001 I've seen R.E.M. in concert, and I own this album. It's been a while since I have listened to Murmur, but that may just be because of a limited number of CD players on hand. This is an album I regularly recommend to others. "Talk about the Passion", "Sitting Still", and "Catapult" are tracks I will most likely listen to again, but I can easily listen to the album as a whole.

I'm familiar with this album, 2nd favourite R.E.M. album to Automatic For The People. Always good to revisit.

Some goooood songs

Quite a good indie/alt debut album from REM. I can understand why at the time it would have been very out there with such a new sound and lyric style. In 1983 I don't really think anyone had a sound like REM and that is part of the reason they're a mainstay in the music industry. Best: Radio Free Europe Worst: We Walk Note: Spotify had the Deluxe reissue version of the album. Only listened to the songs on the original album.

Radio Free Europe sets the bar high for the rest of the album...Catapult brought my attention back to the album after things slowed down a bit

The more I listened the more I enjoyed. Easy to see how others were inspired by this album.

Some really good moments, excellent catchy choruses and great jangly guitar. No getting away from that classic REM sound I personally don’t really like but it has some thoroughly enjoyable moments. Laughing and 9-9 particularly caught my attention 4/5 - good album, but not quite my jam.

I never listened to their first album but it sounds pretty cool.

This wasn't as bad as I expected, it had some interesting songs and was more rocky than whiney

As always, R.E.M. is simply a good band. This debut sounds like they were still looking for their trademark sound at the time, despite already showing a lot of sophistication. I enjoyed the album, but it lacked standout songs for me or tracks that really grabbed my attention. The songs were a bit too samey.

Tykkäsin yllättävän paljon ollakseen R.E.M.iä. Jotenkin se laulajan ääni on vähän ärsyttävä. Ehkä tykkääminen johtui siitä, että tällä levyllä ei ollut niitä kaikkein kuluneimpia hittejä, vaan semmoista mukavaa perusrokkia. Positiivisen puolelle kuitenkin meni, niin tarjotaan nelosta.

I hadn't heard any of these songs before, and this album seemed a little boring upon first listen. However, it really grew on me as I gave it a couple more chances w/ headphones.

Pretty solid debut album

I know all the REM hits, but have never listened to a whole album, especially their debut. This was good and I’ve always liked their sound. It would have been nice to have at least one solid single on it. I see they have 4 albums in the list, so we’ll see if one of them makes it to a 5. 3.6

чиловый прикольный альт-рок, облегченный радиохед, интересно

A whole bunch of good songs. I didn't know the album, but I do enjoy other songs by the band. 0RS

Definitivno nešto odlično, u top 3 R.E.M. albuma, 80te gdje su oni rasturali. Imali 5 predobrih albuma zaredom, treba to moći. Album jako blizu petici. <3

Premium jangle

overall liked this quite a bit, though started feeling rather samey by the end

Slightly dull to listen to, but definitely good tunes, I can see why people love it. I don't feel like listening to this album again despite how nice it is, but that's just me.

dope

Pretty relaxing, easy listen. Similar to The Hip.

Honestly didn’t know REM was making music before document. Pretty decent early alternative.

Enjoyed. Proto-Grunge. So fun to sing along with.

gud

i have a fondness for REM and i think a lot of indie bands owe a huge debt to this album in particular. i guess i do take after my mama in some respects? radio free europe, laughing, sitting still, shaking through

Classic album with folk rock/alt sound.

Yet another im familiar with, full of rly fun bangers, i specifically like catapult, laughing and radio free europe. Gotta listen to this more, its rly solid and i dont appreciate it enough

It's a good listen

Снова альбом с жёсткого диска. Вроде бы просто, а вроде и не очень. Мне в целом нравится звучание, эстетика альбома. Она подразумевает, что в ней может быть создано нечто охуенное. Но вот самого охуенного будто не довезли. Talk About The Passion, Perfect Circle, Sitting Still и Shaking Through могу назвать внятными балдёжными треками. Остальное напоминает какой-то саундтрек к подростковой комедийной мелодраме. Которую я мб не без удовольствия посмотрел бы, но которая не оставила бы явного следа в моём сознании. Тот случай, когда не хватает десятибаллочки, было бы 7. А тут гадай. Пока антресоли разгребал, раз 10 с тян прослушали, вроде сильно воротить не стало. Значит, неплохое музло. Четыре всё же ляпну.

I definitely liked it, but it isn’t my favorite I’ve heard from REM. Fantastic atmosphere though!

This album was really easy to listen. Nothing fancy or any particular song stands out, but as a whole it's really pleasant.

Really liked the sound of this album, very cryptic and fits the feel of the cover. Flipped between a 3 and a 4 but ultimately think I enjoyed this more than a lot of my other 3's Saved: Radio Free Europe, Sitting Still, Shaking Through

Saved Prior: Radio Free Europe Saved Off Rip: Laughing, Moral Kiosk, Perfect Circle, Sitting Still, Shaking Through Cutting Edge: Catapult, We Walk Overall Notes: My biggest gripe with R.E.M. has always been that they sound like everyone else, and even though I know that they influenced all those other bands that doesn't change the fact that I liked some of those songs better. This album went pretty far in showing me that R.E.M. still have merit. Really really good record, and though they all sounded kinda similar I was tempted to give this album a 5. Gave it a 4 because nothing knocked me off my feet (other than Radio Free Europe which has quickly become my favorite R.E.M. song) but I get R.E.M. now.

I don't think I ever had this album but know many of the songs. The guitar playing is a highlight as lots of intricate picking is incorporated into the rhythm. I recall an article saying they were one of the first bands that had a major label secured for their debut album but still managed to tell the suits to go fuck themselves when it came to their sound. There are some gems in this album. Quite the debut.

Great. Hadn't heard this in many years.

Good!! Some great songs here, will listen more

I've missed a lot of REMs early stuff. Glad to have caught this.

Fijn plaatje!

Fris! Maar nu weer tijd voor een zangeres in dit mannenbolwerk!

A 7/10 album, closer to 8

Class! Big REM fan so this was highly anticipated. Been a while since I listened to this in full, but amazing early REM sound 👍

One of the all time best debut LP's. They only get 4 stars because IMHO, R.E.M. released better albums later in their career.

Was good, some great songs. But long time since i listened to it, some songs were a bit bland, not as good as I remembered it.

The songs are well-written and the melodies are catchy. It’s a bit mellower than I was expecting. Peter Buck’s understated guitar playing is great. I would compare him to Johnny Marr of the Smiths but the Smiths debut would get a higher mark from me because Morrisey is a better (bitter?haha) singer. Michael Stype’s voice and cryptic lyrics make give the album a moodier feel.

An excellent sound, still not quite pushing 5 for a real sense of sameness which becomes all the more pervasive in the gloomy sound this album creates.

Everything I love! Melodies, harmonies, dance foot tapping drumming, and cool guitar sounds. Something about them is so alternative yet exactly traditional old school rock n roll. And in 1980 too! True pioneers for the 90s.

Right out of the gate this album is more fun and more well-crafted than yesterday's. It's worth noting since both are debut albums! REM has already solidified much about what makes their sound unique by the time they got into the studio the first time. I dig R.E.M.'s vibe at all times. Even though none of the songs on this album became hits, it's still nice to listen to. This probably doesn't deserve a 4, but I've got to give it higher than Teenage Fanclub.

Really good, I enjoyed it a lot.

Not a fan of the singer, but some nice jazzy moments

Great debut album, although the sound is a bit muddled. I prefer some of their crisper-sounding albums from their middle years, like Green and Automatic for the People, but this is still great. 4 stars.

Jingle jangle city, but it all goes down smooth.

Enjoyed this more than I thought. A lot of the songs sound kind of the same and not all of them were super interesting, but there were some good ones and I appreciated the generally upbeat songs.

Good album. Acted more as background noise for me than anything, though. Some songs stood out and made me take notice but it feels like a rainy day album, which worked for me today.

Was Alright, Kind of Boring

Alright! 4/5

Best R.E.M. sample, displaying their style at their best. Nice listen.

I enjoyed this album

Not for my tastes exactly but it's good

Very good album. I never have really listened to R.E.M. aside from their popular songs, and this album had a completely different sound than I was expecting.

Interesting to hear REM before the 90s. Much more accessible.

decent . will listen again , but not intentionally

Great Album, really like the voice and the composition. Although not a masterpiece, it's definitely a very good 4

Interesting instrumental and a pleasant voice

doesnt have any of their hits, still great

Good album. Forgot how much I like R.E.M. However, docking it one star for not really being my genre of music.

really excellent

really good!

This is some dad rock. But good.

En fantastisk debut!

Prefer their more mature sound

Standouts 9-9

Enjoyment: 6 Replayability: 7 Cohesion: 5 Flow/Pacing: 6 Artistic Merit: 5 Weighted Average: 5.95 Review: I have only listened to a few R.E.M. songs in the past, so this was the first time I've listened to an entire album of theirs. If they're as good as this one, I'm looking forward to more. Liked Song(s): Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Catapult, 9-9 Disliked Song(s): (None) Recommend? Yes

Radio Free Europe is the keeper. Fresh, raw early REM sound from the era of the Chronic Town EP and Wolves,Lower and Carnival of Sorts (Boxcars) and stylistically skews towards XTC. On par is the slower number Talk About the Passion which presages the musicality of their later work.

Not much to say REM is often very bland , no bangers on this album.

Quite enjoyed this and was tapping my foot a few times, surprised this was their debut, very assured sound considering

Surprised that REM has 4 albums in the project and I’m just getting my first one at #907. This was good, but very similar to their overall sound elsewhere and lacking in any big hits. Overall 3.25/5 we’ll see how their others fare

This held my attention better than the previous R.E.M. album we listened to. Some of these songs are definitely catchy, and there are some interesting harmonies in addition to the sharp for I mentioned on the first track. I think it deserves a stronger three than the other one.

this is the most I've enjoyed REM, but it's not that much. the singer's voice is devoid of expression. it's very 80s sounding I think "Laughing" is the first song I like by them. I see all the talking points: tight rhythm section, tasteful bass and supporting vocals, weird lyrics, etc. But I don't feel it. The rhythms are too straight. I suspect I would feel differently if I hadn't grown up with all the alt-rock that followed them

it’s upbeat and jangly, but just okay overall

chill but good.

Cool album, some songs with pretty daring instrumentals and other that feel like nirvana ripped them. Not what i was expecting at all !

It’s ok, but nothing special - it’s easy listening to REM

Give a band credit where credit is due. This is a sign to stick to what you like to do because it’ll eventually work out. This came out in 1983? 1983?!? Owner of a Lonely Heart by Yes (Luke’s favorite) came out the same year as this. How can I call this ahead of its time if it’s carving the time ahead of itself!

Reminds me of Nirvana but more pleasant, not as anxious or guttural. Imagine how surprised I was when I found out this came out 10 years before Nevermind.

Mumbly baritone Romantic poetry in Elmer's glue (ingredients: nuthin but sticky sticky guitar & bass). Could listen to this shit for hours. 1983...are you sure you don't mean 2003? I hear the unborn spirit of Cobain too (did not expect this). Listened two times through while strolling, and then realized I was majorly lost and over two miles from home...pressed play for a third time without thinking.

Decent album from a legendary band. Starts off instantly recognizable, and then there's a bunch of tracks that aren't in the R.E.M. greatest hits rotation, but are a solid offering nonetheless.

Muy bueno, pero sí senti uqe me gustan otros más de rem

As minimal as a band can really get. You've got your drums, guitar, bass, vocal and some piano. It's very raw, but not in a visceral way, but in a pure and unadulterated way. The music itself is quite light and jangly, with very melodic basslines, and some nice vocal harmonies. In many ways the album lives up to its title, 'Murmur.' There is nothing special about the production at all and that gives it a very humble sound. If anyone has ever played in a band in high school or something, you'll know how bad that can sound. This album kind of has that sound where your entire band is 100% on top form and actually sounds good for a change. The big difference is that this is for the entire album, and not just those 10 or so seconds. This makes the album sound quite relatable. You wish your band sounded as good as this even if it's not your prefered style or the perfect, polished, virtuoso artists you love. R.E.M.'s Murmur is a testament to the importance of getting the basics down; it's what you could sound like if you simply stopped making excuses and actually practiced. It was a pleasant listen, jangley and fun, but nothing really stood out. 3/5

Jangle jangle

tal vez en los 80s esto era innovador, pero ya no màs 3.6

It was alright

I like the unique vocal sound of r.e.m. I knew some stuff from the band but nothing of this album. Nothing off this album was immediately catchy as other stuff they'd be known for

Despite putting It's The End Of The World As We Know It as my senior yearbook quote, I honestly am not that big of a fan of R.E.M. They're fine. I don't think there's anything wrong with them. I just don't feel that strongly about them. Murmur didn't change that. Radio Free Europe was solid, and I don't think there was anything else here that caught my attention, good or bad.

Not my favourite REM work but a decent listen

3.5/5

It was fine. Nothing too exciting about it.

Нууу норм

It’s ok as a background

3/5 meh

Bättre än förväntat. Jag tänkte ge 1/2 men det blir 3. Fortfarande inte min smak, men kul upplevelse. Lite mesiga låtar bara.

not as good as automatic for the people but still pretty fine.

Just a little something to take the edge off after a few disappointing ones. Once upon a time, this was what “indie” and “college rock” sounded like. When I went to college it sounded like Dispatch. I'd take this any day. The thing of course, though, is this is their first. The production sounds like a few college kids instead of the commercial juggernaut they would become. The songs are fine but they haven't yet really become REM. One might argue that happens at Document. But still, lower-fidelity or not, Radio Free Europe still has glimmers of all of it. The harmonies, the jungle, the Michael Stipe style of song craft. I don't know that this is important outside of the fact that any album REM debuted with would be important because they themselves are important, but it's a proper genesis album, something that arrives less than fully formed but with lots of promise, and what it lacks in the big songs it makes up for by being consistent, which isn't always REM's forte. I'm kinda surprises how often the sound and production of this feels like early Meat Puppets or Flaming Lips, bands that were coming up at around the same time but probably wouldn't have crossed paths often. Obviously REM has always been doing something a bit more tuneful and normative, but I was surprised to hear shades of that at all. Again, no idea if this would be as charming to a newbie to REM as it is to someone who can trace what's going on here to those huge albums at the turn of the next decade, but I think a 3* is fair.

The seeds of what REM would grow to become are here and plain to see, but it maybe doesn’t match their highest highs for my tastes. Wouldn’t begrudge anyone saying this was their favourite of their work though. More of their unique sound starts creeping in towards the back end of the album, and I’d personally prefer to put this at a 3.5 if I could.

I have no idea what they are singing about, but perhaps neither do they. Decent album but I feel better and more consistent was to come...

This is good because it's REM but unfortunately it's another victim of this band having far, far greater albums that deserve a spot on this list and makes me think this one, which is... Fine, probably could have been cut so another artist could get a spot and bring some variety to this list.

Not my fav

this one surprised me. kind of classic punk vibes but chill? considering i only know of their most famous tracks which i hate, i was not looking forward to this but it was decently enjoyable.

Listened

Project 1001 #2 R.E.M - Murmur Pre thoughts - I know of R.E.M obviously but again never fully sat down with an album. I like the song Losing My Religion. Is it like that? Post thoughts - I think if really enjoy this if I found it earlier in life. It’s a good album. Just, lacking a bit of creativity for my modern ears.

AGAIN?! Okay. Well, I guess this gives me a chance to give REM another go and see if it was just an off day yesterday or if the band isn't really for me. Nice, rollicking album I liked more at first listen than Automatic for the People, but kind of ended up liking Automatic more on the second. The tracks slightly blur into each other, and I'm even more at a loss as to what they're going on about but the vibes are great. REM feel like the kind of band I'd enjoy hearing on a playlist at a house party, or on a road trip. And then gradually become more and more familiar with them, go over the song lyrics in my head and develop attachments to little moments in particular songs. But they're not an instant classic with me. Standout tracks: Talk About the Passion, Sitting Still, West of the Fields. I don't know, they slightly blurred into each other for me.

This album won Rolling Stone's award for Best Album of the Year in 1983 over Thriller, War and Synchnonicity. I find that very surprising because I always see R.E.M. as being somewhat peripheral to the major trends in music. While Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots were taking over the airwaves, R.E.M. was just off to the side singing about Kenneth. I don't think I had even heard any of the songs off Murmur before this project. Album of the year? Anyway, maybe it is a testament to the influence of this album that it just sounds so normal over 40 years later. I like the trademark harmonies but I prefer R.E.M. after they got a bit weirder.

Fairly dull, but inoffensive.

307/1089 much preferred this over Automatic for the People fave: West of the Fields 62/100

Enjoyed this one more than I did the last REM album on this list, although I felt like it did get pretty same-y in the back half.

The album blasts off with radio free Europe and then the rest is just a bit meandering. Sometimes stipes voice is lost in the mix. Deliberately or not this takes away from the experience a bit. However the overall feeling is that there is something worth pursuing.

Another time I had a whole thing wrote out, but lost it. Gotta remember to keep saving as I type. Long story short, instruments and lyrics were often great, but there are a few times the song feel outside of my expectations in a negative direction; biggest example is the vibraphone sections in "Pilgrimage" not capitalizing on the tension it built and fizzling out towards the chorus each time. This happened on more than a couple of occasions, but there are songs I still enjoyed: "Radio Free Europe", "Pilgrimage" (yeah, I still liked it), "Talk about the Passions", "Moral Kiosk", "Shaking Through".

This one was good, but didn't stand out in the same way Green did for me. The songs didn't have a ton of differentiation, and the vocals aren't quite as refined. To be fair I was also a little distracted while listening, so I may need to revisit it at some point. 3/5 from me.

Losing my religion is one of my dad's favourite songs

A strong offering that serves as the groups breakout but far from their best

nada mal pero no me vuelve loco

Enjoyable listen, hard to be mad at jangly guitars.

I enjoyed it. Vocals were a little bit cobain-y. I keep on getting surprised by the album choice from the artists. A lot of the time I would assume that it would be a different album from that artist.

Thought this was a super nice work day vibe. Liked it more than I expected too 3+

More like a 3.5. I don’t know if I was just in the right mood for Dad Rock but I really enjoyed it

Another good one from R.E.M.

This album made me go and lower the rating I gave the other R.E.M. album. It’s just so much better to me. Almost almost a 4. Most every song was either a 3 or a 4 on it’s own. Season: Late Spring Favorite Song: Radio Free Europe

I am sorry, I had higher expectations of this. All songs are pretty much the same. Radio Free Europe was at least a bit more energetic.

Really a 3.5: I appreciate why it was innovative at the time and I like REM, but could never drum up strong feelings for them beyond a few of their stronger songs.

This guy's voice is incredible. This album is such a vibe. Or do I thought- Sort of ambled along towards the end and when I woke up again it was finished.

For me the perfect "wakeup-album" -everything sounds similar, but in a good way -songs aren't complex -uplifting

This almost earned a 4 from me, but the songs all sound just a bit too similar. By the last song I was glad it was over, which is a sign that an album can’t be higher than a 3.

Me gusto! Pero no me attapo

Just okay, the lyrics don’t do it for me. I like impressionistic lyrics but not so much these.

alright, like other albums by them better 3 stars