Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Like it 3/5
nice
To release on of your best albums as your first album is pretty astonishing.
I really like R.E.M. I often forget they exist and then stumble upon them and have the realization that their music is very, very good. Murmur is where it all starts. It's jangly, mumbly, and excellent. It's not my favorite R.E.M., but it's a relaxing listen. Nice way to start the week!
Would have loved them if I was in college in the 80’s, great music to lie in bed and listen to while having a mental crisis.
This is a very bland and forgettable album. It's like the greige of music. 2/5
Good, classic REM. I don't think I'd heard any of these songs before, but they were super distinctly REM's sound, which I like a lot. Four stars.
Not bad; just kinda classic rock almost.
An album that feels quite outdated by today's standards. It's possible this is a Beatles/beach boys situation where their sound is copied so much that it doesn't sound as special anymore, even though at the time it created the opportunity for sounds like this to exist
Very different to their later stuff. I like this!
I super indifferent about this whole album. It really just felt like background music the whole time. Didn’t hate it but never need to listen to it again.
I didn’t dislike it but I just couldn’t get into it
Honestly surprised I liked this one. REM has never been high on my list. Losing My Religion, Everybody Hurts, and Man on the Moon are immediate station changes for me, but this was pleasant enough. 2.5 ⭐️ rounding up for the unexpected enjoyment.
3.5 stars. Not bad - can definitely see this as "alternative" when you look at the landscape of 1983's music.
90's AF
OH MY GOD??? Why did NO ONE introduce me to R.E.M. before??? Murmur could've been released this morning for how modern their alt rock sound is, HOW is this album 43 years old????? Also Lynyrd Skynyrd WHO???? THIS IS TRUE redneck music, like if the cure was southern gothic instead of just goth. oh my god. it's giving South, it's giving apocalyptic, it's giving religious trauma and it is, dare I say, giving cunt. Loved it.
A little too garage-y.
bass intro on Laughing is fun Shaking Through has a nice kick
This sounds very early 80s and very early 90s all at the same time? Somehow Stipe's voice sounds younger in their 90s stuff (with which I'm more familiar). Enjoyable, probably won't listen to it again. REM was founded in Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia, a school that once had Justin Fields in their QB room, but he transferred to Ohio State after some of the UGA baseball players called him an n-word. Kirby Smart eat shit O-H Brœthers.
bass intro on Laughing is fun Shaking Through has a nice kick
This was better than expected. I had 3 other R.E.M. albums on this list before, with some mixed results. So I didn't expect much of their debut.
I love this album, obviously. Murmur isn’t just R.E.M.’s debut—it’s a whole vibe. Mumbly, jangly, mysterious, and completely magnetic. It’s like tuning into a late-night college radio station and hearing something that sounds both brand-new and ancient, all at once. “West of the Fields” is the forgotten gem here—my personal favorite. True story—at an R.E.M. show around 1987, my college boyfriend hoisted me onto the stage, where I danced with a clearly terrified Michael Stipe for a whole 60 seconds before a bouncer politely but firmly uninvited me from the stage. When they released Murmur in 1983, there’s no way R.E.M. knew they were creating a record so good it would eventually inspire a flannel-wrapped freshman to launch herself onto the stage like a woodland creature in a dream-pop panic. This isn’t just a debut album—it’s the blueprint. Long live the kudzu.
Classic REM sound
This was … fine?
Recognize how influential they are and their radio hits are fine, but have bounced off of any of their albums I've tried to listen to, this one included. We Walk was the standout track.
So wild to hear their distinct sound in such mundane songs.
I skipped through this pretty quickly, familiar enough with it that I know I don’t need to listen to it again before I die.
Really good album - I enjoy the early REM catalog. Radio Free Europe is such a great song. It’s a good snapshot of the potential and a framework for everything to come. Great bass sound, jangling guitar work, muffled, indecipherable lyrics… Good but not quite there yet. This is a 3.5 star for sure.
Inoffensive but not interesting to me. I understand that REM has lots of fans and has influenced many people with their music. I don’t happen to be one of them.
Did R.E.M. invent jangle-pop? No. But they became the definition of it, starting with this record. "Catapult" is one of my all-time favorites and this album is instantly identifiable as R.E.M. which can be good or bad depending on your perspective. Full of great weirdo lyrics, some of which you can understand. There's a reason it's also known as Mumble. Great classic R.E.M. but not the most accessible if you're trying to get someone into the band.
Shit slapsssss
Radio Free Europe
This is another one from my past beautiful album. Still can't understand what Michael is saying in most songs, but I get it.
01) Radio Free Europe - 10,0 02) Pilgrimage - 8,5 03) Laughing - 8,0 04) Talk About the Passion - 8,0 05) Moral Kiosk - 8,5 06) Perfect Circle - 8,5 07) Catapult - 8,5 08) Sitting Still - 8,5 09) 9–9 - 8,0 10) Shaking Through - 8,5 11) We Walk - 8,0 12) West of the Fields - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,42 (84/100) Current ranking: 114/562
It’s crazy that no matter how many amazing albums R.E.M. has across their discography, it’s still tempting to call this first album their best. R.E.M. are simply one of the greatest American bands of all time, and their influence on the alternative and independent rock scenes cannot be overstated. And they really came out of the gate swinging. “Radio Free Europe” as their first single ever? And then track one of their first album? Genius. What a propulsive track. All of R.E.M.’s albums have amazing songs on them, but some struggle with consistency or pacing. Not so with Murmur. The energy and fresh approach to rock sounds carry all through this tracklist. That they were somehow able to bridge the gap between the shabby American punk underground scene and the more refined (though scrappy in its own way) British jangly alternative rock crowd, while sounding unlike either, is so impressive. Every time I listen to this album, I’m struck by a different deep cut, marveling how it lives up to the more recognizable hits. (This time is was “Laughing.”) I’m bracing myself to change my opinion the exact second I come to the next R.E.M. album on this list… but I think yeah, this is my favorite and their best album. Must-listen #147.
I am not a great fan but a few of their tracks on this album got my attention.
Dosad nisam bila svjesna koliko je utjecajan ovaj bend. Prije više od 40 godina zvučali su kao bilo kakav trenutni indie rock. I naravno, još malo bolje. Album nije spektakularan ali jest dobar.
I wish I liked REM a little bit more but I’m sure they’ll click one day, I think they have a great, consistent sound and this record is a lot of fun!
These are some of my favorite guys and songs
undoubtedly one of the debuts of all time
really really nice to listen to. but kinda boring. idk
Makes me feel like I'm on an adventure that's not too crazy but just a little out there, ja feel?
Blasé… and I say this while zooted. So that makes my 4 a 3.
05.25.2025
A wonderfully melodic and intimate debut album. Perhaps a couple songs too long, but really impressive on most every other level. 4/5
I love the way that it's saying it's OK to feel sad and lonely sometimes. Michael Stipe is as good a therapist as he is a singer.
A little boring but ok.
Pretty unassailable REM album. You can argue for their later more jangly or more epic albums but this is hard to beat. 4.25/5
Oh, ok this is what all the indie rock bands are trying to sound like. Thought it might get old quickly, but imo the album actually picked up momentum as it went - some of my favorites were towards the end. Standouts: Perfect Circle, Sitting Still
I can see how 'Murmur' can be dismissed listening with modern ears, but in its time there's no mistaking this was a helluva debut. Garage band vibes with a pop underbelly. Lyrics that make no damn sense whatsoever. It's no wonder this was the grandfather of Indie Rock. 'Moral Kiosk' has to be the most underrated unreleased radio track on an album ever!
2.3 Of the REM albums we have gone through this one id be most likey listen to again
Most albums take me a few listens before I really start to love them. But this one was an exception. While I was familiar with what aired on MTV in the mid-'80s, I hadn’t heard anything from this album before. When I finally did, I was blown away. I must have listened to it daily for weeks. I still love it and it remains my favorite R.E.M. album to this day.
Love, love, love this record! One of the top 4 (5?) REM albums. Which is really their first 4 (5?) in a row. And every single song on here is fantastic. OK, We Walk isn’t a favorite but still, amazing record.
This was great. I should listen to this album more often. Radio Free Europe is a favorite of mine.
I'll be honest, I haven't listened to a lot of the early R.E.M. as much as I probably should. And man, should I listen to it more, this is a great album start to finish.
Enjoyed this one more than Automatic For The People. Must admit I listened somewhat peripherally; I was playing Minecraft
R.E.M back at it again with a kind of mid rock album
So, the best of indie pop? This is terrible. Michael Stipe's voice, while technically good, is worse than a prepubecent teens. Grating is an understatement. The music - every song - is now one of the 8 default settings on a Casio keyboard. I award it no stars, and may God have mercy on its soul.
One of those bands that I should have liked better when I younger. This album is such a classic time capsule of early 80's alternative record and will influence so many other bands.
Awesome album!!!! Particularly love the opening track and Catapult. Solid dad-rock-road-tripesque album.
Legendary debut
I listened to this several times, simply because I liked how it sounded. There in lies the downside of this album, it sounds terrific but non of the songs are particularly rememberable.
6.5/10 This was nice but not great - clearly a very good band, but finding their sound still. Lots of REM-ness but with more of a raw edge than later stuff. Best: 9-9
Alternative grandfathers, influential to the genre, "Radio Free Europe" +1
Honestly sounds like the same song over and over. Don't get me wrong. It's a good and easy listening song, but still. The same song over and over. Radio Free Europe is a bop though.
College rock classic. Early REM albums were my gateway to American alternative music and have been huge inspiration younger alternative generations in different genres. One of the greatest debut albums of all time.
This album was just plain jingling, although fairly decent at that. Stipe’s sound isn’t as irritatingly nasal as it is on the later records. It also got a lot better after a lousy start. Still, it doesn’t really earn many points.
I've not heard these early R.E.M. records at all, I think. No idea what to expect, outside of "80's college radio music". I noticed that since it's friday and lots of new music is released, I couldn't wait to be done with this album and move on, so I just did. It's not bad as far as music goes, not as whiney and nasal as the music of latter day Mike Stipe. Just didn't raise any feels, at all.
Good album and glad to listen to it again. Definitely not their best work but still an enjoyable listen
Jangle Pop! My dad's a massive REM fan, but I've somehow never heard a song from them. Thankfully, It was great. Jangle pop as a genre is just so nice to me, and this is just a great example of everything it does well. I'm glad to have something new to connect with my dad! -9/10
There will never be the time where I'll say "ok I'll go and listen to a whole R.E.M. Album now" yeah it's ok.
I somewhat enjoy it, but it all just mixes together, it doesn't feel super distinct to listen to.
I can see why this was an influential album. It's one of those albums where I wouldn't be mad about it playing, but I also wouldn't seek it out by any means.
REM debut.
Dårlig og kjedelig
Didn’t like this one as much, kind of all blended together and nothing really stood out. Good background music
Ihan jeba
Like early U2 but more dull
albumi muiden joukossa.. indiekö... ei ole..
Maybe it’s the comparison to garbage from previous albums, but I like this. It’s not spectacular but it’s nice. I can see how they’re seen as the pioneers for a lot of the indie alternative rock. I don’t think we needed three REM albums on the list though.
Leuke sound maar wel vrij eentonig. En duidelijk wat gedageerd.
So far my favorite REM I've listened to
The first REM album I got on this generator was on repeat for over a week. I was so excited to see another in their discography…since I’m a new FAN! I didn’t initially love this as much as “Automatic For The People,” but knowing this was their debut record is pretty astounding. They were already dialed in to their sound. I, once again, absolutely love Micheal Stipe’s voice. It’s good, in a bad way, or it’s kind of bad for a good voice? I dig it, and I dig this band. I will definitely be listening to more.
Hört sich an wie the smiths in boring… keine Einzigartigkeit
im sure some people enjoy it, i dont. Punk bass lines with boring vocals. + nearly all songs sound the same cover: 3/10
only 100 albums in, 1001 has taught me that I am an R.E.M. fan, I guess. Not exactly what I expected, but I am not complaining
8.5 I forgot how great they were. They were funky and fun.
Liker. Men REM har aldri truffet helt. Føler ikke så mye
Decent, nice relaxing background music.
R.E.M are the greatest rock songwriters of all time (except maybe for the Beatles).
For an album which desn't get a tonne of views, I really enjoyed it
I liked this one. Sounds like a road trip in the summer with mocktails. It was nothing really special, but it was quite enjoyable to listen to
I love Out of stone and Automatic for the People, and think Monster is OK, but that was my range of REM. I had tried Green and didn’t think much of it, so wasn’t expecting a lot of this - and wasn’t surprised initially. It starts off slow and mediocre, but as it goes on it really improves and the second half of the album is really good. A definite surprise, and a pleasant one.
2.2 but pretty boring
107/1089 - It was alright. "Laughing" kinda reminded me of The Police so I really enjoyed that song over most of the album.
It appears I like R.E.M.’s past more than their future. This was way more my liking than Green. Having come to this after floating through Green it was the surprising grooves and instrumentation and melodies that sucked me in.
I didn’t know a single song of this album, but I enjoyed them all! REM became such a huge influence in the late 80s and early 1990s, it was interesting going back to the early roots and seeing their evolution. I vaguely remember Radio Free Europe, but aside from that I don’t know anything else on here. Key songs were Sitting Still and 9-9, mostly because of Mike Mills great bass work …and it’s a great song. Where REM was taking on the working later albums, this one feels like REM having fun. I am coming back here again
Random thoughts: * Listened to this passively on a Saturday morning. * Radio Free Europe is a great opening track. * The rest of it sounded a bit drone-y and similar. Nothing caught my attention. * I'm probably a more of the REM hits-only guy.
Saw an album by R.E.M. for the early 80s and got super excited. But nothing overly memorable 40 years later. I imagine this was pretty ground breaking and different at the time, but didn't really hold my attention.
One, I hope this list stops trying to make me like REM. Two, this is my third REM album....and I kind of like it. Mission accomplished I guess. My selections have been reverse chronological and this one is the best by far. It sounds fresher and more urgent that anything that followed it. Such is the case with many a debut. I also like the production a little more. It packs more punch, particularly the drums. The whole things seems more on point and to the point.
Production quality was top notch. Musically was much more interesting than other REM songs or albums I've heard in the past. For example liked it a lot more than "Green" which we have on CD because of "Orange Crush"... might have to check out the rest of the discography now! Grace listened to this one on the nightmare plane trip to Baltimore so might not be as positive experience or memory associated with this one...
Looks like the found some butter to put on that unbuttered toast. Watch out, if you're not careful they may even discover seasoning next.
Enjoyable listen, ahead of the curve with great riffs, didn’t pay much attention as was working through it. 6.5/10.
I’m absolutely a sucker for a jangly guitar, and this hits the spot. I’m not entirely sure how frequently I’ve listened to this as an album before, maybe not at all or only a handful of times. There are some bits that don’t quite work, but there’s enough good stuff to make me come back again. Debut albums are rarely absolutely top of the pile, and this is no exception. But a solid 4 stars and it’s difficult to deny the importance of this as an album.
Great easy listening alternative rock.
Good old rock. Interesting lyrics.
Mmmblm wzm mmmk.
5/1/2025: cool album
It doesn’t have any of the catchiness of R.E.M.’s hits but it’s still pretty good.
Good debut, and as expected, not as good as their later stuff, but nice to hear where they started. I spent a lot of time in Athens decades after REM, but they’ve always held a special place in my mind.
Decent.
This is like REMs 6th best album and it's still a five-star album. Boggles the g-damn mind.
REM doing REM I suppose. I’ve never been a fan, and this hasn’t changed that. It was ok to have on, but I’ll never look for it again.
2nd day in a row I feel a whole lot of nothing for an album. This one I should like more for sure though. Well the 2nd to last track was very good no I guess it's more than nothing. Surprised though
One of the best debut albums of all time and it’s probably not even their best album (i.e. Document). And from an unknown band from Athens, Georgia (Go UGA and Emory!!!) Great melodies, great harmonies, unique jangly guitar, amazing bass, cool driving drums. Just all around a fantastic album that cemented R.E.M. as the best college rock band of their time, and the originators of indie rock as we know it today. 5⭐️
Kurant nok, dette. Litt kjedelig innimellom eller?
Første R.E.M plata før de fant lyden sin, flere elementer her som videreutvikles på senere utgivelser, men for å være førsteutgivelse så havner denne midt på.
Ok for REM.
This album slaps. I think I get REM now.
There’s no mistaking Michael Stipe’s vocals. Don’t know about my religion , but I was definitely losing something here. Just warming up for their real breakout album I guess.
I get why some people who prefer the later are less keen on the early stuff ad vice versa but I think there’s room for both. Listened to this one plenty of times before and it does take some getting into initially but usually after a couple of listens I'm back into it. Not an album that really grabs you on just one listen. Some really good songs without any that really feel like the big hits of later albums but as a whole the album seems to work. As debut albums in the early 80’s go its a darn fine effort.
Wow 1983? By my RECKONING this album is way ahead of the trend for alternative music. Almost OUT OF TIME. It is AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE to say that REM are a little dull but I vote this one UP and would like to DOCUMENT my approval. I am not GREEN, I can tell that the production is weak in places and dig beyond the first few tracks and it does REVEAL some weaker tracks that I was happy to ACCELERATE past. Overall a MONSTER of an album and I look forward to more NEW ADVENTURES IN HI-FI as I discover new music by the band.
Come on list. I fail to see why you have to prove the point TWICE that early REM is pretty dreary indie albeit with small hints of where they’d end up. Let’s just move on to Out of Time and tick them as done.
I love REM, but this one just didn't hit for me.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
R.E.M. has been a staple in my life, I used to have Green on cassette and I would put it in my Walkman and ride my bike around listening to orange crush and pretend I was on a long journey. This band has my heart. This is actually an album I haven’t listened to in full… loved it. I hear tons of songs I love influenced by this album alone. It’s the birth of indie, left of the dial baby. Stand out songs aside from the hits are Laughing and we walk.
Overall: 8/10 I love this early version of R.E.M., it's very energetic and mysterious. After not loving Green, I kind of assumed they were one of those bands that I would only like the radii hits but this album changes my opinion on that. Pretty much every song is enjoyable. I think it all comes down to the guitars for me. I don't normally love that "jangly" sound but it's utilized to perfection here (mostly). I also love Michael Stipe's voice even if I don't understand most of his lyrics. Great album, so glad I gave it a fair shot. Fav Song: Radio Free Europe Least Fav Song: Shaking Through
A strangely flaccid band, as if some accountants and librarians decided to make some music but didn't want to be too loud about it. Listening to them is like writing your name with a wet noodle. You can do it, but why would anyone want to? Their rhythm is constant and busy, the recording is thin and trebly, Stipe's singing is weird and morose. But it's a strong debut record for its originality, even if I don't like what they do. I wish they had maintained this experimental spirit as they went on, instead of moving into a more mainstream-friendly sound.
Vinyl would be decent
That sure was an album of REM. 9-9 was the best.
REM once again fades into the background for me , nothing bothersome but nothing interesting , the beat in shaking through was fun but otherwise writing this off as early synth pop I didn’t vibe with
Didn't like this one so much, ambiguous.
Like the vibes, cool song to work with. But not sure that I'll go to a concert
when R.E.M. were good
Great early album!
Every time I hear Michael Stipe sing, it immediately makes me think of Gord Downie. There absolutely needs to be some Tragically Hip on this list! That would be a hard choice between Day for Night, Road Apples, and/or Fully Completely. Anyways, I enjoyed this R.E.M. album and have no major complaints. I'm feeling a solid 3-stars from me. Favourite tracks: Radio Free Europe, Talk About the Passion, Moral Kiosk, 9-9
bizarre mais j'aime bien
Honestly, I like REM but this didn’t do much for me. No match for their later 90s output.
Its definitely REM
Such a good album. I loved almost every song.
Really dug this. Repeated listens only made it even better.
Most mid shii ever
Have to start at the beginning…and this is it.
Repetitive. Cohesive, but a lot sounded very similar. Catchy choruses. Pleasant to listen to but not the most memorable.
7/10. R.E.M. is a great band. This is a pleasant listen, but I didn't find it very memorable.
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.
liked this a lot more than I expected to
Big fan of this album. Think it gets overlooked and underrated compared to the rest of REM's more commercial songs. Kept in rotation for a while when I first discovered it and still listen to it regularly.
I was never an REM fan and this album didn’t help. They have better songs than any of them on the sell for sure.
Foi uma agradável surpresa escutar este álbum. Não estava à espera de gostar tanto de o ter ouvido, principalmente depois de conhecer outros trabalhos da banda. Gostei particularmente das seguintes faixas: Pilgrimage e Catapult
Just inject that jangling guitar into my veins, it is so addictive. I have no idea what half the lyrics are here but they serve the pieces well in forming an enigmatic tone contrasting the brilliantly charming guitar and bass which feel like they came straight out of The Byrds. A foundational work in the indie rock scene and one that holds up well to this day. My vibes here are walking through a sunny, grassy uni campus, a sense of happiness but a small and underlying feeling of anxiety too. 16/04/25
This reminds me of the soundtrack of a coming of age movie, like Juno. I feel like I'm supposed to be listening to this with the music blasting, on my bed staring at the ceiling, smoking. Or maybe no smoking but dancing on the bed. Getting dexy's midnight runners vibe.
Meh
This has been my least favorite of the 4 REM albums I’ve been prescribed so far. I can tell that they didn’t sound like anything else at the time, and points for that, but nothing catches me in particular. The only track I find myself coming back to is “We Walk”, which is a bizarre outlier that manages to capture something not represented on the rest of the album.
I found this Album quite boring and the tracks sounding the same throughout. Obviously REM got better with time. 2/5
Honestly good album if I wanted to listen to music and not really understand the lyrics but that’s okay. The album has very consistent songs :) I’d put like a 7.5/10 cause they good songs but I think they missing a little something
Pretty good. Not to my taste, but still enjoyed it.
4.5 rounded down to 4. I’m embarrassed that I was today years old when I realized it was “Talk About the Passion,” not “Talk About Compassion.”
Wasn’t familiar with this outside of the two “hits” (Radio Free Europe and Talk About the Passion), but loved all of it. Weirdly, this and Automatic for the People are the only albums in surround sound on Apple Music, although others (Monster, Around the Sun, Reveal, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, Out of Time) were released physically on DVD-Audio, which I used to own and sold, making rips of them before sending off. Anyway, a great album — a 4 moved up to 5 due to the surround mix, which enhances the music considerably.
My first REM. Album was decent- definitely established a signature sound that was unique for the time. The songs did start to sound a little one note to me though. Overall- good albun
This is #day249 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… Murmur is both a hidden gem in R.E.M.'s discography and, if memory serves me right, the album that sparked the college rock movement. It's fun to hear the post-punk influences, which makes total sense for the early '80s. But even on this humble little record, there's already that signature jangliness that would become R.E.M.'s hallmark in later releases. The whole thing is a great listen through and through, but I particularly love "Radio Free Europe" and a run of "Moral Kiosk", "Perfect Circle", and "Catapult." This is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day250.
Who tf are these people why do they have 18mil monthly listeners and why do i have song of theirs liked?? I feel so out of touch when i discover popular bands that i've never heard of Yeah this is pretty great. I can see why they're so popular apparently. Jangle pop is always a green flag for me (except for when its the smith i dont get them)
Good early 80s indie rock takes me back to probably the most exciting period of musical discovery in my life. Great to hear these tunes by an iconic band.
Frábær frumraun hjá frábæru bandi. Ég er meira seinni tíðar REM maður en ber mikla virðingu fyrir soundinu og þessu mellow rock dæmi.
Geggjuð plata. Ótrúlegt byrjendaverk.
I think this is my 3rd REM album so far and they have been the beacon of consistency. So far none of the albums have been unbelievable but they have all been good with no drops in quality and they maintain a uniform sound without becoming repetitive, Favorites: Laughing, Talk About the Passion, Perfect Circle, Shaking Through
It’s like really good elevator music. 7.9/10
To my knowledge the 2nd R.E.M album I’ve done so far. This is a little better then Out of Time, tho not my much. A chill rock album never hurts anyone, esp one with a cool bass player
Even though I'm not as much of a fan of Stipe's earlier voice, this album delivers. It has some interesting components and enjoyable rhythms.
Meh, it was ok
Fourth album by R.E.M. on this list and definitely a weakest one. Guitar melodies weren't that interesting, bass lines were good, but forgettable and even though vocalist is as good as always, it didn't really work on this record. It feels like the band didn't find its rhythm yet. Unfortunately, no better than average songs in here make it a bit of a disappointment.
I never cared for R.E.M., and listening to this album confirms my point of view. The album is full of boring songs, perhaps useful for background music while you’re doing something useful.
Of all the R.E.M. albums you could listen to, this is certainly one of them. I like how all the wiki descriptions are like "turns out this song is super vague and nobody knew what it was about... if it was even about anything at all". A real English major album. I found it very comforting background noise, kind of like a Steely Dan for moms without kids (me). But none of the songs stood out to me as ones I'd want to hear again and again, even though I guess there's a chance that could change if I listened more. The album cover is interesting. Highlights: 'Laughing', 'We Walk'
The first track had me hooked, but then it completely lost me. It's a shame as there are some wonderful ingredients here. I can certainly hear the influence on a number of later bands.
Big fan
Love it
The birth of alternative/indie music (as we know it)? Either way, this landmark debut was at the vanguard of a new wave in a wholly American fashion - bright but indecipherable, vibrant but insecure and rooted in the great Southern Gothic tradition. They'd get bigger (and better) than this, but it's a fantastic starting point. Favourite tracks: Radio Free Europe, Pilgrimage, Perfect Circle, 9-9, West of the Fields
Sounds like REM
Listened in the background
needs a remaster but i rly like
I'm always a little conflicted about R.E.M. because I sort of like some of their music but it is a tad too generic for me. Like they are sort of 'standard 80s alt' no matter what they do. All of their records are really dated sounding regardless of when they were released. This record is no exception - straight down the middle for 80s alt/indie. They've always been a little thin sounding for me with the jangly guitars and Michael Stipe's high voice. I do really like the bass on this record, the tone is fantastic and the bass parts are really good, I wish it had been upped in the mix a little. 2.5/5 but going to round down because there isn't really anything here that makes me want to round up.
Vintage REM.
This must have been extraordinary to hear in 1983.
new to me, but I really liked it
I went into this one with majorly preconceived notions. I liked REM a lot in high school and college but have sort of gotten over them. I really thought the album was going to annoy me, especially considering this is a super early album I wasn't even familiar with. Turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Maybe it's time to give REM a chance for a renaissance? Highlights included: "Laughing," "Shaking Through," "We Walk," and "West of the Fields."
REM is overrated. I'm sorry, that's just the truth. This is like the 3rd album of theirs I've gotten and I've liked exactly 0 of them outside of a select few songs
One of my favorite debut albums from one of my favorite bands.
Never really "got" R.E.M. I wasn't really interested in the album and tapped out after 4 songs
Strange that a debut album is this mellow, given R.E.M.'s later arc. I enjoy their more driving songs a lot more, although this album holds up after 40 years.
Solid debut album, especially considering the music landscape in 1983
REM isn't bad, but I've also never quite understood the hype. 3.5/5
I'm glad that this exists because it's a precursor to the great albums that followed in the 90s However, this is mind numbing
It's almost a dead heat between this one and Reckoning as far as choosing my favourite R.E.M. record. I love the cover photo on this one so maybe it gets a slight edge.
Serviceable. I think whatever it is R.E.M. are trying just doesn't speak to me like it does others
I keep trying to get into REM but I just don’t seem to enjoy they’re music very much.
Couple of classics on this, the rest is solid….
Not as good as monster
Very easy to listen to, but no single track stands out to me.
This is pretty much the beginning of the entire college band/indie rock scene...and the influence on every indie rock band since. Also the soundtrack of my late high school and early college years. Favorite track: We Walk
Listening to this for the first time in 40 years, I am noticing is how slow it is--even the relatively peppy tunes kind of drag, so I can see how newcomers find it dull. They were clearly a work in progress, but nothing else sounded like this in 1983. (But yes, this and Reckoning are their best albums, and I am shocked at how long they kept it up as they got duller and duller.)
Kind of boring, but nothing particularly bad. Just okay.
Radio free Europe.
This is so boring I can barely form an opinion on it. If I was a film editor, I would lazily use literally any of these tracks as 30-second clip to ease transitions of a travel montage showing a protagonist driving to a new city in a low-budget romcom or buddy comedy movie.
REM can basically do no wrong with me. It was interesting listening to their debut album. It definitely sounds less refined than their later stuff, but still with their identifiable sound.
definitely not their best album but you see the backbone of a good indie rock band
3.5 stars. I wish you could give .5 stars
Ehh. Didn't really grip me.
Eh, not my favorite.
Excellent album, not a personal fave but still excellent
Decent alternative rock album. A few good songs, most of them felt the same, but never bad.
A really excellent debut album, loads of catchy choruses, jangly guitar work and distinct bass work. Not surprised I liked this so much. I do think Radio Free Europe is the best song here, but still a compelling listen.
Nah Fick dich is ja Tod langweilig
Хорошо звучит, прикольный
There's a sameness to all these songs, but the best ones — "Radio Free Europe," "Catapult," "Pilgrimage" and "West of the Fields" are as listenable as ever. R.E.M. didn't make bad records.
This didn't do much for me. The songs are by no means bad at all, but just felt bland. Sitting Still was the only one that stood out a bit. All in all inoffensive background music.
Fun! A fun time capsule into the 80s. Make me wish i was about to graduate from harvard and work on wall st and get married at 26.
One of my favorite R.E.M. albums! There are a few songs I feel kind of meh about, so I don’t feel like I can give it 5 stars, but it was close!
Enjoyable listen. Nothing earth shattering though.
I liked some of it.
It's a cheerful album and good bass, but it's pretty monotonous. 6.5 out of 10.
Listening to REM is like being offered a piece of cake as a little kid, except it turns out it’s carrot cake instead of the sweet chocolate or vanilla you imagined. It’s not terrible, maybe it’s even good, but all the adults keep going on about how delicious it is and you wonder if maybe you don’t taste the same things everyone else does.
60/100
This is a good album
Really liked this one!
it's always nice to listen to a known band first LP. Michael Stipe's vocals and lyrics are particularly good on this record. favorite tracks : "Perfect Circle" and "We Walk". The album has a nice melancholy and warmth. A great album. will probably come back to it on a chill sunny Sunday. More a 4,5 than a 4.
Well, I just really like this album (mumbling and all), but I'm not sure that it's a classic 5*... even if Apple Music claims that it redefined the college music scene of the time. It's damn good.
Pretty fantastic for a debut album. Although the album lacks my favorite R.E.M. songs, it's consistently well done and puts you in a good mood. I can almost understand Stipe on this one too.
Aaah...can picture hearing this while walking through the quad during our college years. Solid 4...but not quite enough diversity in the sound of the songs to warrant a 5.
I have heard a lot of R.E.M., and even the best tracks have a hint of boring. Just not for me.
Not bad and I like it more than I thought I would.
For me, there wasn't a single remarkable track on the entire album. Seems like R.E.M. and Michael Stipe was kinda atonal and semi-punky from the beginning, and this just doesn't do anything for me. Yeah, their hits are poppy, but this album has nothing hit-worthy on it. My Rating: 1/5
not the most sonically varied album is this R.E.M debut; they'd broaden their palette in the 90s- but it's got plenty of youthful energy and a couple of indelible songs (radio free europe being the standout). And there's not a bad track on it really, quite pleasant to listen to. the only downfall is the saminess of the track list. it's an auspicious beginning for a major band, and I'm glad to have finally heard it all.
Very easy listen. Definitely REM.
Även om deras nittiotal är bättre så är det ett sensationellt bra debutalbum! Jämnt och bra men det saknas någon riktig banger. Fyra plus.
Good album
Rock, 1983 -> 3
Indie music with great, innovative harmonies
Had not listened to REM debut previously - and found it more fun that had been expecting. I do like a lot of REM songs but had to admit that do find a lot of them fairly middling. Was therefore surprised by the energy of this record - would like to listen again - so sneaks a low 4.
Murmur Not sure I’ve listened to this, I get a bit mixed up with their albums from Murmur to Green. I do like REM a lot, but I’m nowhere near an aficionado, so I was quite surprised at how fully formed and ‘REM’ this felt stylistically, I had thought it might be an album of them feeling for their sound, but the jangly guitars, rhythm patterns, bouncy bass and melodic character are all in place, and it it feels reminiscent of their albums post New Adventures in HiFi, Perfect Circle for example sounds like it could have come straight off Reveal or Around the Sun. I suppose what’s missing is a really great song or two. Despite Radio Free Europe and Talk About the Passion being very good, and there being no bad songs at all, there is nothing that truly transcends as some of their later songs do. Having said that, it is still clearly a very good album, especially for a debut. And despite the lack of a killer song or two, as a whole 45 minutes it's a very coherent and enjoyable listen, with well crafted songs and the requisite amount of enigmatic lyrics and vocals. Not much more I can say, its a solid 4. 👁️🗨️👁️🗨️👁️🗨️👁️🗨️ Playlist submission: Radio Free Europe
I think this matches The Smiths and that is saying something. This is much more uplifting in places. It really nails a pop rock band downbeat upbeat sweet spot. And all for this for a debut at a time when everyone else had big hair is nothing short of miraculous. 'Laughing' surely one of their best tracks if the 80s - nay, ever. Superb.
Mostly makes me think of how I could be listening to a Replacements album instead. Probably giving them the benefit of the doubt since I know they're REM, but stuff that came later did it better. As usual, probably like a bomb exploded when this came out, it does feel about 10 years ahead of its time.
No thoughts whatsoever
Like if you swapped Stipe for Morrissey it’s the smiths US edition
THIS WAS MID
Not the best slap
Pretty good, if not a little dull in some places
Well, I certainly listened to that. Retained nothing from it.
Classic album by a class act.
03/03/25 As with all REM albums, they are non offensive.
Maybe the list needs a review? A couple of good tracks does not maketh a good album. Clearly a band learning their trade, with a few under formed tracks and ideas, production now sounds old as well.
3rd REM album but I am still not really buying what they are throwing down. I actually like a couple of their apparantly post peak albums - Monster and Up - but just not engaging with this earlier folky Rock sound..
Defines the reason I always considered REM to be a boy “meh”. No stand out tracks, no absolute duffers. Very twee and uninteresting. Middle of the road as it gets.
not my fave collection of REM music, still good. First song reminds me of a John Hughes coming of age movie
Debut album of a band which influenced the rock world with the following albums. Some of their later typical song structures are audible.
Invented college radio.
Nothing much to say, it's a solid play in the background rock album
I hadn't listened to this album before and was pleasantly surprised how consistently good it is. 4 stars or B+.
This album was just ok for me. Not particularly memorable. Some of the songs didn't really even sound like R.E.M. for me. I didn't mind hearing it but I would not seek it out again.
The most gothic music ever written in a major key. They wrote bigger hits later in their career, but this one is pure vibe.
Rolling high on these as I enter the final week. Little bit more boring than Document or Automatic, but I'm rarely unhappy to see R.E.M. come up
First time listening, pretty good. Wish I could understand any of it.
Good, but as with all REM, forgettable
A+. Then and now. Timeless.
a másik két album sokkaljobb volt ennél sztem
For their first proper album, I thought this was decent. Some real nice songs and a very enjoyable listen
I mean its REM and you can hear that. But no single track jumps out like hits from their later work. Not something I will listen to again.
It's whatever.
Once of those tracks that I enjoy but in a background kind of way.
Was ok, but wouldn't listen to again
The only R.E.M. songs I know aren't on this album.
Maybe it's a sign that this generator gave me two R.E.M. albums in a row because I quite liked this. After 'Green' I was certain I wouldn't like any R.E.M. album due to the lacklustre chord progression and Michael Stipe's monotonous voice. However on this these issues are not present, the chord progression is solid especially on tracks like 'West of the Fields' and on this record Stipe's voice is less at the forefront, rendering this no longer an issue for me. This album incorporates an Indie/Post-punk style with the album art evoking this Post-punk/ gothic style, this is especially noticeable with the drum beats on 'Moral Kiosk' and the great bass playing throughout. I am also hearing Math-rock present here on tracks like 'Sitting Still' and '9-9'. From what I have been told 'Murmur' was a blueprint for the future indie rock scene which is clear to hear on the latter half of the record, which is the better half in my opinion. On first listen I even considered the prestigious 5 stars but on re-listen the first half sadly doesn't reflect the stellar second. 8/10 Really Good. Top Tracks -> Radio Free Europe -> Talk About A Passion -> Sitting Still -> 9-9 -> Shaking Through
Murmur is a really cool, forward-thinking record with some fantastic tracks on it. I think within just the first few tracks, I really understood the R.E.M. "sound". Unfortunately, I think that hurt the rest of the experience, and by the end of the record I grew pretty tired of what they were doing. It's clearly post-punk and pop inspired, with hints of Television, Wire, and a heavy sprinkling of The Smiths. All of the performances were solid, the songwriting was tight, but the tracks started to blend into each other in a negative way. I still really enjoyed my first R.E.M. experience, but I can't help but wonder if they have records that are more diverse than this that I would enjoy more. 8.5/10
hm, ganz ok. Nothing special
Ich mag REM, netter Indie Rock. Für 4 Sterne reicht es aber nicht
Great melodies and performance, but overall, not my thing
Incredible debut album. Takes me back to 8th grade era. REM 1.0 (pre-Green) was a game changer for music. 4.5
i think i just don't like REM
I got my bit of jingle and a whole lot of jangle.
Rätt tråkigt, kommer inte lyssna igen
I tend to think of Murmur as has having a green cover, but look at those blues and browns! That just goes to show the extent to which my memory of the album is a little off. In my mind, it is one of my two favourite R.E.M. records beside New Adventures. There may be some element of effortful cool in that, but also, by favourite, I don't mean best. It came out two days before I was born and, later, I bought it in Germany on a school trip, but couldn't listen to it until I got home, which happened to be the day when the Good Friday Agreement was announced. It feels like it has to be special. Listening to it now, I think it largely is. Certainly for the first three quarters. Much like Chronic town, the legend that the band came out fully formed doesn't bear out: 100000 and Stumble aren't great. Niether are Shaking Through, We Walk, and West of the Fields. But they don't have to be for the album to act as an incredible introduction. An introduction to whom though? While each player is somewhat limited in what they can do, the band itself twisted and changed within those limitations. Michael Stipe improves as a vocalist over the course of their career, though parts of Talk About the Passion are bit low for him, aren't they? Peter Buck is never this interesting as a guitarist again. Mitch Easter and Don Dixon's production, which is playful here is more brittle on Reckoning and then we never hear from them again. The backing vocals that make the debut so unique become less important as the records go by or they signify the band less as it becomes a studio creation. That band, in a bastardised shape, would have a thirty year career, so these observations don't really affect an album that has, at least, two standouts from that career: Laughing and Perfect Circle. Two career highlights probably doesn't amount to a best or favourite record, but, having listened back to a few R.E.M. albums over the last few months, I think the career - from Murmur to New Adventures - is bigger than the records. There are highlights from every release of that period, but no one record comes together completely. Some come much closer than others, Murmur's one of them. But it is special because it shows a great band that is not formed and never takes a full form until after it breaks up. 4 Michael Stipe’s delivery struck listeners as being unforthcoming at the time and the effect is even more marked in retrospect knowing what a powerful, confident voice was a few years away from breaking out. Still there is nothing uncertain or coy about the melodies he sings here, they are odd and unexpected and very beautiful. The first four tracks are as good a start to a debut album as I can think of. Perfect Circle still mesmerises. It’s an uneven album but it is magical. 4/5
Favourite tracks: radio free Europe; perfect circle; we walk; shaking through; pilgrimage
Should've named this one Mumble...could not understand a word this man said
Shake Me Through walked so Take On Me by A-Ha could Run, similarity is a bit uncanny TF is happening in the end of We Walk? the sound of a muffled pool table game? Overall a boring album, I want to say its mainly because the lead singer's voice isn't unique, guitar patterns are a little repetitive and can easily get you into a lull.
R.E.M. always reminds me of my Dad as they were one of his favorites when I was growing up. I was unfamiliar with most of the songs on this record, but I really enjoyed it! Highlights: Perfect Circle, Radio Free Europe
I'm not a huge REM fan. They're cool though.
Just a fantastic debut album from one of the most important bands of the indie rock scene. Some may call this the best album R.E.M. ever did, for its rawness. The band were already well on their way to their signature style, but "Murmur" feels a bit more like an underground classic that was waiting to be found at the bottom of a postal crate full of promo records at a college station. It's instantly recognizable as R.E.M., but it's not quite as polished and radio friendly (outside of the aforementioned college campuses) as their later work. Depending on who you ask, that's either a good or bad thing. Regardless, most fans would agree that it's an amazing start to a hugely influential band and their career.
This is the sound of being 17. Around the time Green was released, it seemed like everyone in my year at my Scottish high school "discovered" R.E.M., and I played this and everything else in their catalogue at the time to death. "Document" is still my favourite of their albums, but "Murmur" is a cracking debut, kicking off with "Radio Free Europe". It all went a bit downhill for me with them in the 90s (just as everyone else was getting into them), so I've probably not listened to this album in 35 years. Thanks for giving me an excuse to dust it off again and remember how good they were at the start.
Not super familiar with Stipe and co. but enjoyed this album, especially in the back half. Standout was probably Sitting Still, but 9-9 and Perfect Circle are strong contenders.
6/10
Ughhhhhhhh yet again more R.E.M Whenever I see an album of theirs come up, a part of me dies inside This is my 4th R.E.M album and I can confirm I still don't like this guys whiny ass singing and the bland songs 2 ⭐️
great album
First half, while filled with quality songs, kind of runs together. But this leads to some indie dance pop fantastic-ness on side 2!
It's fine, have discovered I don't particularly like his voice
Unfortunately didn’t do a lot for me. It’s a shame bc I was starting to like them too
I don’t remember a ton about this, which I guess should inform my review
Great summer/cali/beach album! I enjoyed listening to every song
Esto en 1983 era entrar otra dimensión, por sonido, actitud, calidad, lírica, imagen... que a día de hoy no ha ha perdido vigencia alguna. Uno de los mejores debuts posibles, a galope entre Buck y Perry (más un excelso Mills en bajo y coros), con claros ecos de los mejores Byrds, Harrison, Velvet, Big Star... tonos limpios de guitarra y mínima electrónica o tecnología, no hace falta mucho para componer una obra de arte. Comenzar con Radio Free Europe es algo que muy muy pocas bandas se pueden permitir. No hay una sola canción que baje del notable muy alto. ¿No es Pilgrimage una maravilla de principio a fin?¿No brilla como un rayo de sol Shaking through? ¿No es We walk un encantador ejemplo de amateurismo? Otros clásicos son, obviamente, Talk about the passion, Perfect circle y Sitting still. Su continuación con Recknoning es otra joya, como practicamente todos sus discos (salvo Around the sun o parte de Reveal). Disco y carrera ejemplares. Imprescindibles. 5/5
Rare case of a band who I enjoy their later stuff better. Never realized how much Michael Stipe sounded like Morrissey with an American accent.
No gems, but this is the sound they stick with through the great ones. Rounding up because this is ‘83, and they seem to come out of nowhere sounding good.
It's difficult to imagine how this would have sounded to ears in 1983, but I tried. The music is great, but, yes, the lyrics are hard to decipher.