Reviews (page 11 of 13)
This is good, though its a sound that is pretty played out to my ears.
Not a huge fan of the lead singer. His voice is kind of abrasive.
I don't know, kinda boring
Another banger from R.E.M
Poucas músicas legais
Alan lämpeämään tälle bändille enemmän. Minun mielestä tähänastisista levyistä paras kokonaisuus. Sopiva menevä mutta alavireinen tunnelma muutamilla hyvillä hittibiiseillä. 3/5
Jää kauas Murmurin taiasta ja bändillä on muitakin parempia levyjä. Mutta hyvä tämäkin, varma kolme.
Tässäkin taas hittirocklevy. Ihan toimivaa, ainakin niiden hittien osalta, mut kokonaisuutena ehkä vähän laimea. 3/5
Good not great
Great record and some serious hit singles. Really appreciated this listen.
Great start. I love the riff and syncopated drum part. Man is the master bus SLAMMED with reverb though. "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" and "The One I Love" are both absolute bangers, and the former is definitely one of the most well known pop rock songs of all time. But the rest of the album lacks really far behind those two. It's like R.E.M. have two modes- one that makes incredibly catchy rock songs, and another that makes really just "mid" level songs. This is a hard rate for me. I didn't particularly love any tracks besides those two that I mentioned, and usually when an album on this list is like that, I give it a 2-3 out of 5. But those two stand out tracks are just so good that alone they would be a 4. I think a 3 is the most fair compromise for me here.
Mostly not into it
Af 80er postpunk at være er det ikke helt mærkeligt nok til at være interessant, men der er en del fede numre alligevel. Huskede den som bedre
R.E.M. har aldrig helt fanget mig. Den her plade er lidt for soft-core, på rock skalaen til at jeg sådan helt kan nyde den. Men "It's The End of the world as we know it" er en objektiv mega banger.
Feel like REM steadily got less interesting over time. Loved their debut, liked their follow ups, but by now it sounds like they've run out of ideas. Still a good album, just definitely not a great one like their earlier stuff.
Gemiddeld plaatje Its the end of the world as we know it is wel echt lekker
Laat me je een scene schetsen, je ligt zondag ochtend in bed met een chick en het begint ergens naar toe te gaan. Jullie zijn 10 minuten bezig en ineens herinnert ze zich 'Shit ik zou met m'n moeder gaan lunchen!'. Haar kleren schieten aan en ze is binnen no-time de deur uit. Dat is de muziek van R.E.M; Wel leuk! Maar geen climax 'it's the end of the world as we know it' is wel echt een banger tho
3.5/5
i think i liked Murmur better overall but this was a generally good album
Similar to the other two R.E.M. albums I've gotten so far (and I can only imagine there's more) this album didn't leave too much of an impression on me. That isn't to say it's bad, it's just most definitely R.E.M, and that's the only way I can seem to describe it. If you like R.E.M. that's a good thing, but for me it just means that even though each of these albums sound somewhat different, they still blend into one homogenized glob.
I love REM, including this album! It has a couple classic REM songs, which remind me of car trips with my parents growing up. II think "End of the World" deserves a 5/5, but the rest of the album is a 3/5
Wasn't really jiving with it until End of the World came on. Most the songs were still not really my cup of tea, but easy to see how REM were so influential.
This album is just alright to me, I didn't mind most of the songs. I found that his voice was a little too nasally and high pitched for me. It seemed like the songs got better as album went on. I didn't mind "The One I love" and "It's the end of the world". These songs are the best of the album in my opinion but they're still not perfect. King of birds has some good moments but still could be better. I like his voice more in this song than any other song here. I wish I could give this rating more granularity, because I believe it deserves a 2.7 stars.
its the end of the world was great otherwise just good.
Good
It's like easy listening alternative rock It also feels like the malcolm in the middle soundtrack
Man, makes me think about high school. Dude named Matt King was a big REM fan. Gives me an honor roll music vibe. Album is good. Still stands up. lol. . .the song that autoplayed after the album as God's Country by U2. Funny cause I was in a play with Matt called God's Country back in the day.
Not sure why this is a must listen but it’s got a few good tracks
I know they know what they are doing and play their instruments well and the singer can sing and they clearly write music they care about. I just can't get into them. I feel like it's I'm missing something more than them. I can't think of myself ever wanting to put this on.
An okay alternative rock album
Het is niet een album die echt veel impact op mij maakt dat ik er nog een keer naar wil luisteren. Meer achtergrond bandje in een kroeg vibes
Really solid, upbeat album. Relatively unremarkable but very typical of what I would expect as a layman REM fan. Good to work to.
OK. A couple of well-worn classics. Not sure that I'd put this album on repeat.
P boring
REM gaining full momentum
Good, not my kinda music
Only getting a 3 due to the bangers.
Better than expected but still not an REM fan It's the end of the world as we know it is a classic Enjoyed The one I love and Oddfellows
I thought I would enjoy this more but the non-hit songs were underwhelming. The best of the songs that weren’t radio songs in my opinion is Lightnin’ Hopkins
If somebody took the band members of Pearl Jam and neutered them this is what I'd imagine their album to be. 2.5
I must admit that REM has always been a 'avoid at all costs' type band. I was familiar with their more well known tracks, and even like a couple of them, but the thought of a whole album was daunting. However, I was pleasantly surprised and after a couple of tracks found myself quite enjoying it. There were a few tracks that felt very similar, but overall a positive experience.
AAAND I FEEL FIIINEEEE
Didn’t make it through it, but what I listened to was decent.
I didn't realize I didn't l like Michael Stipe's voice that much. Some songs I was okay with, like the most famous song and The One I Love, but other songs it was grating. Overall though I enjoy the instrumental.
I always thought R.E.M. were a good band, but I know there are many who consider them to be one of the all-time *great* bands. Their Spotify bio says they ‘marked the point when post-punk turned into alternative rock’, and I guess that’s key to their importance - they helped invent a style of music that was well-established by the time I first heard them, probably at some point in the late 90s. Anyways, this album has a good muscular sound and there’s a tangible sense of purpose about it all, but it doesn't seem like they had reached their peak from a songwriting perspective. The two big singles in the middle are a cut above; most of the other tracks are perfectly fine but far less memorable (Exhuming McCarthy and Fireplace also stood out to me, to be fair). I’m looking forward to some of their more celebrated records popping up, and seeing if they can convince me of R.E.M.’s greatness.
Pretty good! It's The End Of The World As We Know It is my favourite track.
Нууу Норм. Хз, Меня не зацепили рифы и вокал и текста. Было норм, но не более
3+, из рема топ-1 для меня (мож потому что я плохо помню грин)
Not my favorite REM album by far. Good, but nothing out of the ordinary.
3.5
I know a handful of REM songs, but this was surprisingly somewhat heavier rock then I imagined from them. Overall it's a pretty solid 90s alternative rock album, it's weird that the best way for me to describe it is straightforward, but that's how it feels. There's little variety, but it's still rock solid. Still really enjoy the manic lyrics and sound on It's the End of the World As We Know It, and The One I Love is strong too. Stripe's vocals in particular were quite good on this record.
Incredibly boring 2 song intro. Really had to work to reel me back in before the hits start rolling later on. Mid album is strong with end of the world and the one I love being obvious classics. Remains solid through the back half.
It was alright. 6.5/10. Some bangers. Some weird ones but the weird ones weren’t weird enough and I don’t know what we are talking about. Homelessness? Working, Reagan and Mcarthy. Fuck if I know.
I don’t enjoy REM. Boring background rock. This album has a couple of decent singles which saves it from being a 2. The one I love is possibly the best REM song, and that about the only good thing I can say.
Premier jour
I don't think I've ever paid that much attention to the release date of this album, but I was genuinely surprised to find the year 1987. This HAS to be a jumping off point for 90s alternative, without a doubt. It sounds so much like the 90s that it hurts. I'm not overly familiar with them, but R.E.M. does a good job on this album of being eclectic but in an orderly way. There are strange vocals, strange instrumentals, strange tempos, strange lyrics. Things are unique, there's a lot of versatility from song to song, but there's also decent production behind this album. In any case, this is the sound I associate with R.E.M.
Competent, very much of its time. Poetic and literary in the way that Stipe was famous for, tight and exactly appropriate in the way the rest of the band has always been. Overall, a somewhat dark and menacing tone here, despite the manic exuberance of "The End of the World As We Know It". I always find R.E.M. missing some kind of emotional release, whether it's Peter Buck's relatively mild overdrive sound or just a tendency for the band to end songs without harmonic resolution. I feel that R.E.M. build their work to the edge of catharsis and then leave me without release. An important stone in the grand building of Rock & Roll, but not one I'll frequently return to.
Some good songs I know in this one like 'It's the End of the World as We Know it(And I feel fine)'
Honestly I was expecting a little more from this album because a i’ve heard a lot about it. It was just a little underwhelming in my opinion and the voice dragged a little. I cant decide between 2 and a 3 but I feel I will give the benefit of the doubt and round up- I like some of their other albums too.
Mixed feelings on this one - as a teen I hated this album and although I've long-ago shed any negative feelings about them and have vastly changing/different musical preferences, it's still occasionally hard for me to escape how much I hated e.g. "It's The End Of The World..." (I still don't like it). A lot was made about how on this album you could finally hear Michael Stipe's lyrics/vocals and while true and while change is good and right and keeps things from getting stale ... what happens when you end up liking the previous sound more? I feel like they lost a lot (all?) of their mystery with this record. Is it fair to compare a band to itself? I don't even know nor really care - I mean, "Finest Worksong" is - while not in any way complex - a good powerful album opener and was a worthy hit. But whether I compare it to earlier (or later! "Automatic For the People" would come out 5 years later and ended up being my favourite REM album) or not, I just don't connect much with this album. I don't know, it's always sounded a little ... goofy, maybe? Not in terms of the mix which is clear and powerful, but the songwriting/melodies. I'm heavily-coloured by "End of the World" I'm sure but maybe I just missed their more subdued cuts punctuated with arpeggios. In all it still ends up just sort of passing me by, like I play the record and it's nice but I'm still hungry after listening. Too much MSG. OK honestly it'd be hard to give this anything less than a 3 - acknowledging how impactful this album was while also recognizing the talent needed to put together even simple melodies/construction. Also there's a lot of shit out there and it's not worth beefing about an average melodic college rock record when Lou Reed records exist. 5/10 3 stars.
There's a couple of catchy tracks on this, but I can't help but get the feeling that if you didn't like REM at the time, it's unlikely that you'll learn to enjoy REM after discovering them later.
I'm a fan of this album, but I've listened to it for 20 years and know the songs well. The first half has the stronger, more accessible material- End of the World, One I Love and Exhuming McCarthy are the highlights. The last few tracks are more droning and repetitive.
I appreciate the work here. Two of the biggest nineties songs are on here. But it’s not for me.
REM is a tough band for me to rate. Mainly because our local bar in college, Waldo's, seem to play their music on a constant loop and I grew to really dislike hearing their music. However, as time passed I grew to appreciate some of their stuff. I'd have to say my favorite song from these guys is song #1, Finest Worksong. Oddly enough, this is the song I most associate with Waldo's. Disliked liked at the time for being overplayed, very much appreciated these days and brings back some great (and not so great) memories from my college days. There are a couple other solid tunes like It's The End Of The World and The One I love. But I have to admit, I still dislike hearing The One I Love to this day. Can't say there was anything terrible about this album, but I though the rest of the album was relatively mediocre. The biggest surprise that brought a smile to my face was hearing Strange. Strange is a song of the debut album from a band called Wire. Great song, although I felt the REM cover was just OK. The album, Pink Flag is a great album and I recommend listening. Now that I'm thinking about it, I have a feeling we may see this album on this list. Anyway, back to REM. They're OK. I do have a few tunes downloaded, but I wouldn't consider them one of my favorites. But whenever I hear them, I usually think of Waldo's. My beautiful girlfriend who became my wife. It was at Waldo's when I got out of line, Mindy punched me in face, then drilled me a second time, "in case I didn't feel the first." Goddamn I married a great woman!! Decent album overall. Great memories of better times for sure. I'll give this a 3.5, but score a 3. Not quite enough to get to the 4 level. 3
R.E.M. is a lot like Supertramp to me. I vehemently disliked them both when I was younger but grew to appreciate them. This is actually the first time I've heard an R.E.M album all the way through. Previously I had grown fond of their Greatest Hits album with the moon on the cover. As for Document though I think there are some interesting tracks here especially in the back half. I was getting a little annoyed when 'We Didn't Start the 90s Fire' came on and the album was saved by the Guitar Hero World Tour song. The main thing that struck me was the layering and harmonies. I know R.E.M were a big influence on Brand New and I can really hear it on this one. All in all there are some new songs I've found on this album. I will listen to those and maybe the album again, for sure. 3
3.5 Look, I like R.E.M. and all, but is this really an all-time great album? Obviously It’s the End of World As We Know It and The One I Love are fantastic tunes and put the band on the map, but for the most part this kind of just feels like a blended mesh of R.E.M. at their most okay. Admittedly, there are a couple hidden gems sprinkled in here - the album opens with what might very well be its best track in the aptly titled Finest Worksong - but unfortunately everything starts running together very quickly after that with the following handful of songs. Shoutout to the group for covering Wire, and while I want to give them credit for putting a new spin on Strange, it kind of just boils down to exactly what you would imagine an R.E.M. cover of a punk song to sound like rather than anything particularly noteworthy or great. From there, once you’re through the hits, it’s pretty clear the best the album has to offer is over, and it feels like you’re left stuck with the group’s B material. The closing track Oddfellows Local 151 is decent enough, but I don’t think there’s anything about the three preceding it that would make me want to come back to them (though I did find Stipe’s delivery of “Crazy, crazy world” stuck in my head after listening, so do with that what you will). Not a great album in my opinion, but it does have some great songs, and I don’t think I could go lower than a 3.5 for those alone. It’s hard for me not to think of Tommy Boy while listening to End of the World, and it always puts a smile on my face when I do. You ever notice every time a name is mentioned in the song they have the initials L.B.? What’s up with that?
I liked this
It was okay, doubt I’ll listen to it again though.
Just ok.
Did not know the BNL’s end of the world as we know it was a REM cover, so that’s cool. Loved like maybe 3 songs on this album.
Track 1 - Finest Worksong Pixies-esque opening guitar riff, pounding drums, slight country twang to the vocals, sounds like natural harmonics behind the guitar riff, nice harmonies, lovely instrumental play out, decent opener 6.8/10 Track 2 - Welcome To The Occupation Contrast to the opener, light breezy acoustic guitar opening, sounds like a nirvana riff but twangier, softer and slower, simple drums, still very country like vocals, nice song 7/10 It went rlly weird and deleted the rest so I can’t be bothered to write it all out again , but I’d rate the album a 7, too many mediocre songs, not rlly my thing
About what i expected, REM being REM. Welcome to the Occupation is a good song, reminiscent of The Smiths. Not a bad album.
Not bad.
I’ve started this 3 times. It’s fine and I’m whelmed
A medium album from the most medium band of all time. There's nothing wrong with medium, by the way. Three stars.
Good album 3.4
Political lyrics. Some jam band-y parts. Interesting layering of vocals. Songs were solid but not overly exciting. Overall didn’t like it AS much as I thought I would.
"It's the End of the World..." and "The One I Love" are great tracks. The rest of the album's decent. Call it 3.5.
Not my favourite R.E.M. album, but it's definitely got a few of my favourite R.E.M. songs on it.
Þessi er alveg 50/50 í mínum huga. Frábær og óáhugaverð.
Cool, great harmonies. Just not my cup of tea.
Didn’t know this album but very distinctive REM! Some good songs.
a lot to like here but i simply have never liked michael stipe's voice. sorry mike!
Its good and has some classics hits but I wasn't in a rush to listen again.
Not a great start to this project, but I’m sure I might’ve liked it better on a different day. Overall, songs very much sounded the same and weren’t up my alley. Recognized a few and that was cool ig
Not bad at all
Definitely better than the other REM album I listened to. Solid rock album.
Easy to listen to. Great vocals and calming rhythm to the music. Good background music
Not their best work, but really good and full of an urgency and intensity that isn't as prevalent in later albums
I'm not much of an REM fan. That said, this album has its moments.
I find that with R.E.M. their songs are either mediocre or absolute bangers. I knew going into this album their were two certified bangers. It's the End of the World As We Know It and The One I Love, with the former being my favourite song by them. I found the first four songs to fall into the mediocre category but starting with the track Strange and, with the song Fireplace, I found the rest of the tracks to be bangers. I was prepared to only give this album only two stars but because of the strong finish I upped it to three stars. I still think that anyone who says the Beatles are boring is probably pretty boring themselves and Michael Stipe has been quoted as saying exactly that. Michael, when yoy make an album as incredible as Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road, you can talk trash. Until then you should shut up and listen.
That's great It starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes An aeroplane Lenny Bruce is not afraid Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn World serves its own needs, don't misserve your own needs Feed it off an aux, speak, grunt, no, strength The ladder starts to clatter with fear fight, down, height Wire in a fire, representing seven games And a government for hire and a combat site Left of west and coming in a hurry with the Furies Breathing down your neck Team by team, reporters baffled, trumped, tethered, cropped Look at that low playing, fine, then Uh-oh, overflow, population, common food But it'll do, save yourself, serve yourself. World serves its own needs, listen to your heart bleed Dummy with the rapture and the revered in the right, right You vitriolic, patriotic, slam fight, bright light Feeling pretty psyched It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it And I feel fine Six o'clock, TV hour, don't get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn Lock him in uniform, book burning, blood letting Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate Light a candle, light a votive, step down, step down Watch your heel crush, crushed, uh-oh, this means No fear, cavalier renegade steer clear A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives And I decline It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) And I feel fine (I feel fine) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) And I feel fine The other night I dreamt of knives, continental drift divide Mountains sit in a line, Leonard Bernstein Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester Bangs Birthday party, cheesecake, jelly bean, vermouth You symbiotic, patriotic, slam but neck Right? Right It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) And I feel fine It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) And I feel fine It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) And I feel fine It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) It's the end of the world as we know it (It's time I had some time alone) And I feel fine
Lyrics are fun, voice fits the style. Poorly mixed at times, but it never gets too bad
just some Guy™️ vibes
Fave tracks: Exhuming McCarthy, Disturbance at the heron house, It’s the end of the world, the one i love, fireplace, king of birds I enjoyed this album but wasn’t wowed 3/5
Better highs than on Green, but overall still the same. A lot of songs don't stand out but it's enjoyable rock nonetheless. Highlights: Finest Worksong, It's The End Of The World As We Know It, The One I Love
Me gusta más el lado A
Album #1 Serviceable dad rock. Its not that its bad but it just doesn't have that many memorable riffs or melodies for me (except for "Its The End Of The World As We Know It"). Also have never been a fan of Michael Stipe's vocals before I listened to a full R.E.M. album, and I'm still not a fan after listening to this thing for at least 3 times. I appreciate how the album doesn't overstay its welcome and held the runtime just under 40 minutes. There was some cool experimentation on tracks such as "Fireplace" with the horns (although sometimes they felt a bit out of place on the track) and "King of Birds" brought in a dulcimer which gave it a bit of a folk rock feel. In conclusion I feel pretty neutral about “Document” It’s kinda just a standard alt-rock album I can throw on in the background and enjoy without second thought. Favorite track: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
There are way better albums of theirs
Not my typical listen, nice change of musical "energy". Love the instruments and the vocals on it. Pleased to find that this album birthed the classic "It's the end of the world as we know it".
I used to really enjoy REM, but now I find them pretty dull. Some good songs, but nothing I would purposely seek out.
A couple great songs. The rest is ok.
Escuta inteiro, nada super memorável
Not a huge REM fan. They have some decent songs tho.
Meh, this is okay, but Stipe's voice gets a little tedious. There are some good songs on here, but stuff like Exhuming McCarthy, could do without.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected for sure. Some surprising bite to the political themes. ITEOTWAWKI(AIFF) slaps, but it's one of those songs that I heard too much as a child so I have trouble listening.
Pretty good 80s progressive rock/punk type thing. Sometimes a bit repetitive
Not bad.
No me convenció. Es bastante repetitivo y, muchas veces suena mal. Fuera de Welcome to The Occupation no hay mucho qué salvar, especialmente Fireplace, que es una completa porquería. Le doy 3 por ser escuchable en general, pero no está ni cerca del 4.
I don't like REM but I get why this album is here
3. Enjoyable enough, but not something I would pick for myself.
Ok. Better than Murmur anyway
Newfound appreciation for the two chart hits, which I haven’t listened to closely, perhaps ever. They deserve their enormous (over?)exposure. But the rest is… just okay.
Really enjoyable sound and listen. Slightly lacking in hits and variety to receive a higher score
Not their best work but still decent.
Better than the last REM album I had but still not massively memorable
Could've sworn we had an album from R.E.M. previously, but I think this our first. Believe it or not, I think there are three other REM albums on here, and none of them are the album including "Losing My Religion," which makes absolutely no sense to me. A couple recognizable classics on here like "End of the World" and "The One I Love," so I understand the inclusion. I do like REM, Michael Stipe has such a distinct, powerful voice. Such a haunting quality to it. I'll save my ire for the other REM albums that are on here (instead of Out of Time). Favorite tracks: The One I Love, Oddfellows Local 151, Welcome to the Occupation, End of the World As We Know It. Album art: No idea what I'm looking at here. It's cool though. 3.5/5
Some great tracks here, even the ‘filler’ is pretty decent. 3.5 stars.
Can’t stand his voice
I can appreciate this album, but R.E.M. was never really my thing. This album sounds very "of its time." But It's The End of the World is a good song! Middle of the road album for me.
What is it about alternative rock (late -80s to 90s) that I just can't get into? These are well written songs, some of them very catchy, good lyrics, but they just don't pull me in and want to come back to. Is it the production / mix? The guitars and base are so jangly and pushed back, I can't hear anything unique. I think there was a reason why I knew about R.E.M. growing up but still would rather listen to 70s and 60s rock (Zeppelin, Beatles). I gained more respect to REM from this album, but it isn't going to be revisited much I expect. I don't think this is a REM issue, more the entire area. I wonder if covers of these songs with different production, would fair better.
The music is solid. This comes down to how much Michael Stipe moaning can you handle?
WTF is happening in this album artwork. Am I seeing a glitch??? Is this a classified album? I liked the album fine. Some decent Americana and classic songs served up here.
Pretty typical alternative rock throughout. I definitely enjoyed it more than I assumed I would. I don't really like the singer's voice but the musicians are decently talented. It's the End of the World has such a catchy chorus, not surprising it's so famous. Overall better than expected but nothing to write home about.
I don’t like his voice
A bit eh
Not mind-blowing but pleasant enough
solid dad rock
Eig ziemlich gut gemacht aber die Stimme hat iwie was cringes. 6/10
the good and the bad of REM’s fifth record Document are easily encapsulated by one song: “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”, a fist-pumping pop-rock hit that stands out from the rest of the album as a highlight. the song (and, by consequence, the rest of the record) is pure fun — the lyrics are humorous and stuffed with pop culture references that wield in making points about larger society. there’s a rawness to the sound, sure, however that doesn’t mean it isn’t groovy enough to get your feet tapping. but goodness the album as a whole is so steeped in the style and lore of its era that it unfortunately doesn’t transcend into timelessness. this here is a record that was released in the 80s, and there’s no escaping that — whereas their later work (particularly the masterful Automatic For the People) managed to overcome the constraints of time, Document just sounds dated, and that sonic disconnect is deeply prevalent now, almost 40 years later. it’s not a bad record by any definition, but it doesn’t amount to much than just a relic.
There were a few songs I didn't especially like but most I liked quite a bit.
Easily R.E.M.'s most vibrant, upbeat album and one I had largely never heard before (though it contains my favorite track of the band's in 'One I Love'). Appreciated the changeup in rhythms from the somewhat slow pace the band usually favors for faster, more energetic, and alive arrangements. Not sure too many tracks stuck with me after an initial listen outside the mega-popular singles, but definitely a welcome listen after my last few R.E.M. outings on the list.
Reasonably Enjoyable Music.
Album was okay, really enjoyed the instrumentals, but the vocals ruined it for me. Exhuming McCarthy sounds like its straight from some commercial
Klasyczny REM, "It's the end of the world ..." spoko, reszta jakoś mi nie podeszła.
Liked the last song best, can't quite get over his voice
They were fine- decent beats, but not my taste.
Meneer Stipe en kornuiten slagen er niet in om, afgezien van die paar pareltjes, mij echt te boeien met dit album. Vervelend hoofd heeft ie ook, maar dat terzijde.
This has a couple of their biggest hits but the rest of the album fails to impress
God damn Your Finest Worksong feels like it lasts forever. End of the world is a classic, but listening to this album made me realise I don't enjoy REM as much as I thought I did
Klinkt goed maar is enigszins saai
I always forget how much I enjoy REM. High 3.
YEAH! REM! Can you really go wrong with REM? I wonder if people actually know ALL the lyrics to ITEOTWAWKI...great song though. Michael Stipe's voice is so irreplicable. What a pleasure it must have been to hear him in the studio. I can absolutely hear where their influence has passed down from this record. King Of Birds - I love the sound of the Dulcimer. Very Trashcans! Notable Songs - It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Lightnin' Hopkins 6/10 - it's a good album but I know there are better REM records than this one.
only a 3 as I like (know) their other albums more good stuff none the less
No me ha gustado mucho. Sólo It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
3.5 stars. Exhumimg McCarthy is the hidden gem here for me
A few great songs on here then a lot of dad/country rock sounding songs 3/5
Better than their debut
I'm kind of shocked I didn't hate this. The singles are overplayed garbo, but there are a couple of decent deep cuts on here that make up for them.
I think I said in some previous R.E.M. review that my interest peaks at Life's Rich Pageant, but hearing this for the first time in years, I was reminded I listened to this album a whole lot over the course of three years or so, back in my cassette days. And it's pretty rocking to be honest. I'm not convinced most of the lyrics aren't nonsense, if high-toned and intellectual sounding nonsense. And it marks to me the turning point to the mostly serious R.E.M., whimsy pretty much evicted from the music, and not to the better.
Everyone in my family sings along in the car with "It's the End of The World As We Know It" when it comes on the radio. The singles from this album (End of the World, The One I Love, and Finest Worksong) are probably three of the best rock songs that REM ever released. The rest of the album is pretty good, with fair tunes, although the lyrics teeter on the border between opaque and nonsensical. At least they are not bone-headedly dumb (like the Def Leppard record that I reviewed yesterday). This was the first of REM's string of albums with producer Scott Litt that were their most commercially and critically successful. He took their previously muddy production aesthetic and cleaned it up. Nothing revolutionary; clear production, muscular guitars and drums, and mixing the vocals further towards the front. The more focused approach made it evidently clear that REM were a pretty tight and accessible rock band, capable of mainstream success and radio play. It's no surprise that Nirvana's record company later asked Litt to mix some tracks from In Utero to make them more appealing for radio play. REM have enough depth that you didn't feel like an idiot listening to them even though their lyrics are more impressionistic than literal. Maybe that allows the listener more scope to project their own meaning onto the canvas?. It does leave them open to misinterpretation (The One I Love is a stalker anthem commonly mistaken for a love song), or just puzzled listeners (I mean, what they hell do the words of Lightnin' Hopkins mean?). A better-than-average album, with three or four standout tracks.
Buen disco, divertido de escuchar. Musical y sonoramente no muy variado. Bastante típico de su época, sin llegar a ser icónico como otras obras de su momento.
Primero que escucho del grupo. Siempre los tenía como "esa banda de los 80s que los boomers conocen mínimo un tema porque tiene varios hitasos". Pero es mucho más que eso, si este es su primer (o de los primeros) album va por buen camino a que me guste en general la banda. 8/10
Yeah, was alright
It was a 90’s journey but apart from the singles I didn’t feel I “got” it
7/10
I've listened to most of these songs again. While influential, the ones I hadn't heard didn't really catch my attention.
musically this album checks all of the boxes. great melodies, riffs, and lyrics. but for some reason it's just not doing it for me. i think it's michael stipe's voice. i'm definitely not denying that this is one of the best albums of its time.
After listening to this album, I have reason to believe that the members of R.E.M are 9-5 blue collar workers. Album wasn’t bad. Reminded me of vermont
1/5- Getting ready for work and after work
Ok every now and then
Good but I wouldn't go out of my way to ever listen.
definitely feel like I'd really love this band if I spent more time with them. Can definitely tell this was an inspiration for bands that would come in the 90s.
Solid overall. Nothing stood out to me as being particularly great or notable, will need to re-listen to verify the rating later.
Meh.
Not my favourite REM album but a worthy effort with some excellent tracks, including the seminal "It's The End of the World As We Know It".
REM is okay. No song stuck out in particular but it was good. Maybe listening through it a few more times I would appreciate it better
good 3/5
Favourite song: Welcome to the Occupation
Ihan hauskaa rallattelua.
Diissentti rokkipläjäys
Absolutely solid. There is clever, songwriting and good melodies. They are a distinctive band. However, this did not make me want to revisit their back catalogue. The album definitely still stands up and is perfectly listenable. You don’t have to listen to this at home though, because somewhere you go this week there will always be an REM track playing.
Every once in a while I think that maybe I should dive into the R.E.M. catalog and then I listen to an album and decide that I’ve pretty much got the gist
- Listened to this before - Good, but not as good as REM's best - Fav songs: Exhuming McCarthy, It's the End of the World As We Know It, Dusturbance at the Heron House
Almost a 2 is it weren't for some of the riffs and melodies. These guys do be winey!
Aside from a couple of well known songs, its ok.
Pues un disco de R.E.M. que no es malo pero no es el que trae los éxitos comerciales o las rolas más memorables. No significa que no me haya gustado, pero no le veo sentido en la lista. Leyendo un poco veo que es cuando empezaron a usar mandolina, pero pues tampoco creo que eso sea el detalle que lo haga un must. En fin, 3.5 que dejo en 3.
Funny I got it after their debut album... Defintly more to this album... From more interesting sonorities to also some songs are more "rememberable". Solid 3.5/5
Aika tyypillistä REMiä. Eli ihan hyviä biisejä ja mielenkiintosia yksityiskohtia muttei mitään erityisen mieleenpainuvaa. Paras biisi: The One I Love tai Oddfellows Local 151
okay, this is probably my first "objective" review. the best way I could describe this album is Southern Classic Rock with hints of Country? don't get me wrong, it's better and more listenable than a lot of other albums, but it doesn't really have the oomph for me. I guess I'm not really a fan of Country/non-electric stuff in general. no favorites this time, all of the songs kind of sound the same.
The crunchier, grittier side of R.E.M. Maybe not quite their stellar best, but an important and interesting part of their cannon. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Date listened: 25/10/22
I liked it at the beginning, but as i continued i really wanted to stop listening. it sounds like something my old fiction teacher would cry to while watching virgin suicides
REM has a signature sound and Michael Stipe has a unique voice. There is no song I’ve heard by them that I would mistake for another band. A lot of their songs are similar but not the same. I’m not their biggest fan but I like them well enough. The songs ‘It’s the End of the World..’ and ‘This One Goes…’ are ingrained in my memory because of constant airplay at the time and occasionally even now. Here are some thoughts on other songs on the album: I like the guitars in Exhuming McCarthy Strange - Solid. If you’re going to name a song after Lightnin’ Hopkins it should be better. Much better. King of Birds - My favorite on the album. Odd fellows Local - Love the rhythm of the drums and bass. Second favorite song.
This was nice to hear again, though it didn't make me eager to dive back in to their catalog. Guess I'm just sort of over them, though that's not the fault of this album. This was their new album when I first started listening and for the most part I think it holds up well. Nice big sound. I don't know that I ever need to heard End of the World again, but that's not their fault. Fireplace is still a banger. The last three tracks are weak, though. This is more of a 3.5 for me. I'd round up, except that Lifes Rich Pageant and Murmur are on here and those are better.
Sad but only like the really popular REM phase. I don't really like the jangle stuff and I find Stipe annoyingly oblique at times. The One I Love is a banger. Dont like the list song. Everything else is solid but unmemorable. Played it again when i realized Spotify had put it in shuffle mode. There is some guile in the album but hey....Classic 3
Very 90's. Mostly fun, some rambly bits
Prefs : Finest Worksong, Exhuming McCarthy, Strange, It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine), The One I Love, Fireplace Moins pref: Lightnin' Hopkins
Not too bad
I liked it. I didn’t love it. I liked it more than I didn’t though
Solid and unspectacular
Good album catchy, second song McCarthy really good. Nothing blew me away though
Like RHCP, REM has a distinctive sound that makes any song of theirs easily identifiable as belonging to their band. They do what they do well!
I had a little more hope for this album. It was good but the rest of the album didn't live up to It's the end of the world as we know it. Still a good listen and I do enjoy their sound but the rest of the songs were just alright.
The classics are good. Honestly some of the other songs just sounded repetitive or too similar sounding, I was hoping for some differences and more creativity. Still fairly solid.
didn’t totally finish but will go back to this one. it’s been saved.
3/5 Top Song: It’s the end of the world as we know it
Solid, but enjoyed the previous R.E.M. album more
Great album. You can tell they realized the direction of their sound early on.
Kinda just sounds like all the REM songs I've ever heard. There has never been a more REM sounding REM album.
3.5/5 Favoritas: - Welcome to the occupation - Strange - It's the end of the world as we know it - Lightnin' Hopkins
Solid album, hate their vocals
Not as good as the previous albums, the lyrics here are pretty repetitive and silly. Side A has some good songs tho. fav tracks: Finest Worksong, Exhuming Mccarthy, The one I love
Top 3: 1. Oddfellows Local 151 2. It's The End Of The World As We Know It 3. The One I Love
Production is awesome I love Exhuming McCarty. Really playful tones and groovy twists It's the end of the world is a classic vocals when he sings "Fire" on The One I Love are amazing Lightnin Hopkins is such a unique yet familiar rock piece. Very unique sounds being used in the forefront of the song. Decently bold King of Birds was cool but ended up sounding kind of drone-y to me near the end Bass work on Oddfellows is great. Drums work really well with this bass sound. And I like the Guitar's tendency to veer into distortion towards end of notes in parts of the song. 7/10
Great lead single, decent rest of album.
Interesting album. You can hear newer songs were definitely influenced by these earlier sounds.
One of the last REM albums before they really took off. Really don't like End of the World, although it was a huge hit for them - clever but annoying. The One I Love is a favorite of the REM catalog and Finest Worksong is strong from this album. Didn't really fully relate to the REM experience, but this album has a few strong songs, as most REM albums do.
What can I say. It's R.E.M. You pretty much get what you're expecting. This album has a few of my favourite R.E.M. songs on it so that was good listening.
This was R.E.M. that I wasn't too familiar with, other than the two in the middle which are part of the fabric of time. The rest kinda spanned the life of the band.
not bad. I don't dislike REM
A significant portion of my feelings about REM were shaped by the scene in Tommy Boy of them singing “It’s The End…” on the road-trip. Michael Stipe’s voice has been incepted into my brain. Overall I liked this album and if I kept listening it would keep growing on me. Also am I wrong in thinking REM is a proto-ska band? So much brass. Highlights: The One I Love, Exhuming McCarthy, sax solo in Fireplace.
didn't love or hate it. Like The One I Love, and shoutout for making a song called Exhuming McCarty probably about Reagan/Bush folks. Glad I didn't live through the 80s... For the poliitcs, and also because the music kinda bland.
Oldie, goodie, and yet not as exciting as i remember.
This music sounds pretty dated to me. It bounces between a 2 and 3 for me until It’s The End Of The World As We Know It and The One I Love pulled it just above the JBZ (Jeff Buckley Zone).
Just REM
It's a decent album. I never was a huge R.E.M. fan to begin with. Better than I expected, though.
Liked this better than most REM I've heard, but still it was just ok.
Solid album. Has a couple great songs and some good deep cuts. 3/5
I like a lot of R.E.M's music, but this isn't my favorite album.. It's not terrible, but it's not one I'd listen to again.
I know the big popular hits of theirs but I am less familiar with the rest of their work. I was very eager to check them out. Along with "its the end of the world", I have heard "the one i love". The third song that I really enjoyed that was previously unknown to me was "finest worksong". I'm excited to listen to more of their albums.
i missed the bit of their career where they were a bit different and interesting. for me they are very much entrenched in the middle of the road making music for stadiums full of people to sing along too. so listening to their earlier doesn't make me think of some small band playing stages to 1000 people, it just makes me think of the song getting soullessly repeated to a stadium. its fine i supposes. i won't be bothering to listen to it again.
Like crying at a funfair. Fun fact: Michael Stipe uses elephant dung to exfoliate his skin.
Reasonably Entertaining Music
my 4th or 5th favorite rem album. probably their 3rd or 4th best.
I've yet to understand the appeal of a band like R.E.M. Their lyrical content is always well thought out and relevant like this one. They definitely explore different styles and play with different timbres, but I guess the general rock vibe doesn't click. Even their singles don't do it for me which is a shame. I hope they click with me someday but this one unfortunately was only okay.
Back to R.E.M. again. Blergh. I mean, Stipe's voice isn't too bad, and the three songs I knew were good. The one song with saxophone (!!), that was an interesting change of pace. But then there's just... Stipe. Maybe it isn't his voice. I mean, I listen to Neil Young and Ian Anderson and like them. They are just as nasal and whiny. But I just find Stipe so pretentious. And R.E.M. makes me think of 120 Minutes from MTV, and "oh, we're college rock. We're more ART." I don't know, it just somehow annoys me more. So the non-hits were a bit better than the last one, and the sax was a pleasant change of pace. But not enough to turn my loathing of Stipe around, sorry.
I think we all have one or two of those bands that a lot of other people like that for some reason just won't connect with you. This band is one of those for me. Not a fan of R.E.M at all. I bought this album decades ago mainly for the strength of the 3 singles thinking that I would enjoy the rest of it but most of the rest of the album except for the last track just bores me. "Oddfellows Local 151" is pretty solid song though. Based on these four songs I think I can round up a 2.5 to a 3.
Have played this several times, and, sadly, nothing is standing out beyond The One I Love and End of the World. I thought the lyrics might make me look more favourably on the album, but I can't say Stipe's songwriting does much for me - when it comes to radical lyrics, these don't stand comparison with say Drive By Truckers. in summary, a bit disappointed with Document
C'est correct comme on connait REM
Definitely rough around the edges (which are made of most of the album with the exception of the couple of excellent songs in the middle). But in hindsight, you can see where the greatness of later albums came from.
I liked the beginning of the album a lot. The songs starting and after It’s the End of the World As We Know It aren’t my taste. Favorite song: Welcome to the Occupation Least favorite song: It’s the End of the World As We Know It
not bad, two good tracks, classic rocking
Das ist ja mal gar nicht so gut gealtert. Gerade mal so drei Sterne, wegen It’s The End of The World und The One I Love. Die zweite Hälfte ist insgesamt stärker.
hva skal man si annet enn at dette er R.E.M og at akkurat sånn høres det ut. Gitarer og han fyren som synger. Her har man jo noen hits, men de andre er jo nokså i samme leia. Grei skuring. Jeg er digger det ikke, men syns det er nokså ok.
I owned this as a student - an investment in a CD, I kind of liked it then but it wasn't a favourite. Listening again, 3 good songs, the rest are less interesting
No honest person can look you dead in the eye and tell you that REM isn’t boring af …but that End Of The World song is fun
It’s not bad.
The One I Quite Like
Rating
Un bon album ave de bon hits 3.5
Great album, but I dont get why it's in the top. Certainly not the best from the band neither the most iconic.
I understand the influence this album had on 90s music and there's 2 or 3 very good songs, but I know R.E.M. and I think they made way better albums than this one.
Not heard this REM album apart from the singles. Not their best, by their high standards, but still good
The REM sound is developing nicely. Enjoyed this much more than their debut. The End of the World is a great song. Overall on a first listen good. I'm terrible at paying attention to lyrics mind so can't judge those.
Actually a 3.75.
A very good REM album, right in the sweet spot between indie and pop. 3 seems a bit harsh but it's definitely 1 below Automatic for the people
Other than the two I knew already (It’s the End of the World and The One I Love) didn’t really get into this.
This was alright.
1001 Albums Generator Day 4 My knowledge of REM is pretty limited: I like Murmur, prefer Reckoning, I have Green and find parts of it quite irritating, but otherwise I mostly think of them as a good singles band. Knowing that they love Wire, and cover them on this album, I wonder if the title is a reference to Document & Eyewitness; an acknowledgement that these songs are based on secondhand reportage rather than personal experience. Predictably, I wasn't keen on their version of Strange as it sounds bombastic and loses the creeping dread of the original. However, I suppose it was more appropriate to the "morning in America" period that its appearance masks the fear and violence within. Exhuming McCarthy is one I'd been looking forward to hearing. It's a stiff Motown pastiche with a really funny refrain that made me think of management self-help books and team bonding away-days ("you're sharpening stones, walking on coal, to improve your business acumen"). I also like the sampled speech and typewriter. I don't think I've previously given REM enough credit for how funny they can be. For example, The End of the World is We Didn't Start the Fire, in a style that pre-empted (and maybe influenced) They Might Be Giants. I always thought of Michael as really serious and a bit pompous, when he's obviously just shy. I get that myself, so I should have known better. There are a lot of references to fire in the lyrics, which is apparently alluded to on the sleeve. At the risk of sounding like the bit on AllMusic where it lists 'themes' and always includes "guys' night out," that made me think of illumination, anger, destruction, knowledge and the Prometheus myth. However, the late 80s production and Michael's often oblique lyrics leave me cold. On my first listen, I was enthusiastic, but by the second I'd had enough of his brittle, keening voice and tendency to write half of a good melodic phrase and then run it into the ground rather than develop it. As a rule, I prefer their more open, jangly songs, where my favourite elements (Peter's melodies and Mike and Bill's vocal harmonies) have room to shine and there's less of a sense of going nowhere fast. Having said that, I get the feeling this one is a slow burner and I need to give it a bit more air.
Decent
"It's the End of the World as We Know It" is a catchy tune, but the rest of the album pretty much blends together.
oke maar ik had er wel veel meer van verwacht
It's surprising this is from 1987 not 1997, what a pioneering sound. Clearly inspiring for the grunge alternative scene that followed, you can hear the tendrils this type of album left for artists to come. I didn't realize It's The End of the World wasn't a Great Big Sea original. I'm partial to their sped up, more manic cover.
3.2 - good listen. A couple hits here - “The One I Love” “it’s the end of the world”. Stripe’s voice is always a classic.
Alt art rock. Pleasant enough
It was alright
Love the bassline on the end of first worksong, welcome to the occupation is fun and singable, and of course there's it's the end of the world as we know it. I didn't even know that song was on this album and probably wouldn't have thought to look at this one
Very solid. Absolutely can understand why for some people it's R.E.M.'s best work but I still think Automatic for the People is their best album. Very overtly political.
Great band
I prefer some later R.E.M. albums
The end of the world is one of my favourite REM tracks, but the rest is just average REM
Nice music, solid songwriting, reminds me of me youth.
There's something about REM that just gets on my nerves, though I can't pinpoint it. This was everywhere when I was studying, maybe that's it?
Yeah, s'alright if you're into that kind of thing.
I can't remember when Michael Stipe's persona started to annoy me. I tried to put that aside and enjoy the album. Good songwriting, good tunes, good bass, solid tracks. Close to giving it a 4, but Stipe still annoys me.
It's alright, some songs stand out but most of it, just not for me.
i remember this being a huge deal when it was current. and yet again, at the time, i just couldn't bring myself to care about it. michael's voice - while rich in character - has always just kind of grated on me after a while. back then, it was a less nuanced discussion: rem was not punk rock, and therefore of no interest. anyway, listening now, i still feel like i'm supposed to like this - supposed to find some genius buried in the lyrics, some hidden swing in peter's guitar, or in bill & mike's rhythm - but it just feels flat to me. it's just kinda late-80's rock & roll, which is fine, but it doesn't move the earth under me. everything being Right. On. The. Beat, track after track, just makes it feel so...white. that said, i've always liked worksong, and king of birds has a vibe i really enjoy - so that's been a nice surprise.
Not overly familiar of REM outside of a few songs. Never listened to this album. Decent.
not good, not bad
Not bad, some really good tracks I remember from way back. Most familiar was It's the end of the world and The one I love.
Voting of personal preference
Two big hits on this album, but can't help but feel that's what's carrying the whole album. Intro track was solid and track 6 & 7 are obviously classics but the rest of the album felt pretty flat for me.
3 1/2
Meh
eh, it’s okay, 6/10 I’m not a big fan of that country/rock sound that was big in the 90s although I will give this album credit for being ahead of its time, using one of the most popular genres of the 90s a decade early is impressive I just don’t like the genre R.E.M. does have some other cool stuff tho
Bit patchy but very nostalgic.
I sometimes roll my eyes at R.E.M., not so much that they're bad just that I never really saw the greatness so many others talk about. This was a pleasant enough listen, even the big hit that was played on repeat on the radio back in the day
Too simple musically for me ofcourse a couple of hits on here, but not my cup of tea
Liked the vibe. Multiple songs had me bopping, but I didn't end up bookmarking any.
Two great classics and a bunch of forgettable songs.
Ik zou er zelf niet naar luisteren
michael stripe's voice really does sounds like a spoon huh. i liked REM a bunch as a teenager, which is not REM's fault, but if they could avoid that in future i'd appreciate it. fav track: exhuming maccartney
Had two amazing songs on it, and the rest was ok.
Few good songs, rest meh
Finest Worksong, End of the World, and The One I Love are sort of the tentpoles of this one. And there's good stuff here and there, but mostly there's just the indie REM vibe that works for me. I can have it on in the background and not want to turn it off.
5.5
It was definitely an R.E.M album
This is not a front to back, beginning to end type of record for me.
solid(?)
Gutes rem Album! Ich weiß, das Frühwerk etc… aber ich finde bei dem das spätere Werk tatsächlich etwas besser
I appreciate many of these songs but REM never gets me too excited.
I want to like R.E.M., but the execution/style just feels a bit flat to me. I like the themes, but it's played too direct. It's The End of the World is a good track though. Kind of the times though.
So very 90's. Which must have been groundbreaking in '87!
It was cool to listen to a full album by these guys. They have a pretty interesting sound. I liked the listen for what it was and can see why it made this list.
Not my type of music.
Good REM album with two popular songs on it…couple other songs were real good but with other REM albums songs all seem the same
The album that launched R.E.M into the mainstream. Two of their biggest hits are on this album, and the rest of the songs compliment the big sounds and heavy guitar punch. The lyrics are weird, the humor is goofy, but the music is so fun.
the ONLY reason this gets a 3 instead of a 2 is because of Its the End of the World. Otherwise, i didnt really enjoy the album a whole lot
Je pense qu'il est bon de rappeler de temps à autre à quel point le système de notation sur 5 est pitoyable, Robert.
yea, i mean it's REM, it's good, and I appreciate it more at this age, but it's still REM