Reviews (page 2 of 15)
Catchy and fun! Me gusta
This album contains at least five of the anthems we need right now. R.E.M for all.
This is the most important album of our generation. I liked the one where they talk all fast.
I'm torn because the two bangers on this album are really good, but the rest of the album is fine. Great if you like Stipe's register, but it sort of all kind of sounds the same to me. In between a 3 and a 4, ultimately I think a 3 because I would never really seek out a relisten to this whole album. On a second listen I realize I liked it more than a 3, like a 3.7. So it gets a 4/5.
I had never listened to this album before. While I respect REM for their unique style and Michael Stipe’s unique voice, they never really resonated with me. My knowledge of their music is mostly limited to their mainstream hits. Before listening to Document today, I discovered that this album is a commentary on Reagan-era politics and policy. When I think of politically-driven full albums, my first thought is always Green Day’s American Idiot, although in the last month I learned of My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade. I also learned that Michael Stipe likes to use tone and music to express his ideas more than literal lyrics in song. I am a very lyric-forward listener, so this was a new way for me to think about listening to music. With all of that as context, I was excited to dive into Document. It did not disappoint. I felt myself listening intently and felt I was able to appreciate the story being told about a valuable (and, for me, relatable) point of view on a specific time in history. I knew “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) and “The One I Love” as part of pop culture history, but heard them in an entirely new way. Side-note: I found myself wondering whether Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” was influenced at all by “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine”).
6/10. Despite having one of their biggest songs on this album, many of the other songs have a much slower, darker feel to them, used to encapsulate the entire feel around the political climate of the U.S. at the time, even going to historical parts like on "Exhuming McCarthy". It's a decent rock album, but I don't think it's their best work, it's too slow for my taste.
Solid rock album i liked
Solid first half. Not my favourite REM
Rem
Belle découverte
Singing very annoying
4/5
698/1001 2026.09.09 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
We were supposed to listen to the 25th anniversary version that has a DISC 2 with a 20 song live concert right? right? I love REM (even though I disagree with almost everything Stipe says in public ) and to me this is their best album of the 80's. No fillers in here, vocals are on point, and musically its very REM.... guitars are mostly clean but provide aggression... I could go on.... What a great fucking album
Really good, dunno where it would land on the top X of their own discography, but I enjoyed it a lot. Quintessential REM sound a lot of the time and a couple of evergreens - whats not to love? Solid 4
I don't have any relationship what so ever with R.E.M. Every single time I listen to them I'm like: "Oh right, they exist" Likewise, every time I listen to them, it's fine. It gets a little monotonous at times, but I guess that's just the way the singer sounds. I think I actually said something along those lines when we heard Automatic For The People. I think I liked that album a little better, maybe. 2.8
No me gustó casi pero no quiere decir que sea malo
I grew up near Athens, GA. REM is like the hometown band. What has stuck with me over the years is how much the band taught me about the world through their music and their public personas. This is a top tier REM album, but as Michael Stipe said somewhere mid-career, they've managed not to make any stinkers in the bowl. For me, I'd rate this one as a 90/100. For the sake of the rating scale here: 5 stars.
Just a rock solid rock band. It did occur to me though, with this album in particular, that only a little twisting is required to turn a REM song into a They Might be Giants one. But that's fine, it's probably why I love them both.
This may be generous
mid yet again
Kinda ass ngl but it did have the end of the world as we know it
Pretty similar feelings to my previous R.E.M. album from the list, Green. It's a very good listen, a strong showcase of the band's jangly sound including the classic tracks 'It's the End of the World...' and 'The One I Love'. I'm not sure it quite has the same amount of bounce and energy as Green overall, so it didn't quite grab me in the same way. A tidy 4* but there's better to come from the band I think.
It's another decent collection of songs from REM. I wasn't as enamoured by this album as I thought I would be, but there's plenty on here to demonstrate why they're one of the best-regarded and remembered bands of their era.
Another solid album from R.E.M. The two best tracks are the ones you already know, ‘It’s the End of the World…’ and ‘The One I Love’, but beyond those obvious classics I also really liked the fairly heavy (by this band’s standards) opener, plus ‘Exhuming McCarthy’ and ‘King of Birds’. This is the second R.E.M. album I’ve had, the first being ‘Green’, and it’s pretty much on a par with quality-wise, and also like that album, I felt side one was very good, and side two mostly just decent. Certainly good enough for 4 stars, though.
Album 311. Document (https://open.spotify.com/album/6gMv3MgFlieOM6Uz5GZBzy?si=6qvHcyiETK-slTan6kmC-A) — R.E.M. (1987) Classic R.E.M. and not bad at all. The more I listen to this band the more I understand that I don't really like it except hit songs. It's already their third album in recent months and I'm tired of it. Listened today with no pleasure 3/5 Liked: — It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) — Oddfellows Local 151
Love these guys
Mid 70s alt rock. Such a distinct voice.
Heerlijk! Veel van hun hits
Man, this album is so good. It's got some classic bangers on it, and although it also has some filler, surprising non-singles like Odfellows Local 151 are so, so good that it almost elevates this album to 5 stars. 4.5 stars for me, but not quite up to the tippy top of the mountain.
Some monsters on here. If I were going to like REM, and I’m not saying this will happen, then this would be the album.
For 1987, this album seems to have helped bridge the gap from “alternative” to mainstream. There are good and bad things about that. But for this album, mostly good.
Good, but not great, album for my taste.
3.5
By no means their best. Also way better than thir worst. These first 6 or 7 REM albums are all solid though so, no issue with hearing this one today.
LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Meh
most of the songs were okay some were good, did not like the album as a whole, they have much better albums than this one.
It’s good, uh… rock and roll music
A couple of classic songs on this album, the rest of the songs sound the same to me. I'm not an R.E.M fan, and I find his voice so whiny.
Well this is certainly an R.E.M. album. Good energy in this one compared to their others listened to so far.
R.E.M. had a pretty prominent place in my adolescence. I love several of the tracks on this album, but there are a few of the filler tracks that I don't vibe with as much.
Fine college rock? I can't help but think that most REM songs sound the same.
This is a well constructed album. The songwriting and production values still holds up, even thought he album is 40 odd years old. It's a classic, and I'm glad I was made to listen to it again
END OF THE WORLDDD
Average
really good five song run, but boring otherwise highlights: exhuming mccarthy disturbance at heron house it's the end of the world as we know it the one i love lightnin hopkins
I am of the opinion that Automatic for the People is the greatest album of all time, and this album honestly isn't even in my top three favourite R.E.M. albums, but I am still happy.
thoughts: - some good, some average standouts: - the one I love
End of the World and The One I Love are the big hits here, and the rest of the album is pretty good too. But it all seemed kinda samey and got a bit boring (at least high-quality boring though). Overall 3.5/5
nah
Boring
not for me
I mean there's some descent songs, highly influential album prob, yadda yadda but it feels very poppy and forgettable aside for the lead single and an occasional moment, everything blends together too much and it feels like it's designed for casual listening in a cheap way, better then U2 ig
1. "The One I Love" 2. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" 3. "Oddfellows Local 151"
Back in the day I had this album and green on a cassette. It was on constant rotation in the car, loved it (both of them). When It came up yesterday I was really looking forward to re-listening to it. However, I found some tracks completely new to me as if I had never heard them before which was a shock. Maybe it’s an age thing or maybe they weren’t really that good to begin with. Still enjoyable overall though.
I like REM, but I like Automatic for the People better. This has a whiff of B-52’s about it.
Achei interessante que as primeiras músicas deste álbum tem a sonoridade dos anos 90, a primeira metade toda me trouxe a impressão de que serviria como a música intro de seriados, mas surpreendentemente o álbum é de 1987. Desconheço a história, mas é possível que R.E.M. tenha influenciado este som. Entretanto, não foi um som que me agradou muito. Os temas abordados são importantes, mas a forma como a banda constrói tensão e depois a resolve, sonoramente, não fez meu agrado. Fico feliz que o álbum seguinte eles tiveram seu grande hit, Losing My Religion, que, após ouvir este álbum fui escutar esta música e é muito claro como eles com certeza tinham um hit em mãos. Interessante, mas não é meu gosto atualmente.
My favourite REM album. I used to listen to this, Automatic for the People and Monster on repeat through my early teens. Great to hear it again.
Alternative rock and jangle pop built from chiming guitars, driving drums, melodic bass, and Michael Stipe's distinctive vocals feels like being pulled into a fast-moving conversation where everyone is speaking in clever fragments and I am constantly trying to catch the thread. There is energy and character in the music, but the cryptic lyrics and tightly wound arrangements leave me more like an observer than a participant Most of the time. The album has plenty of momentum and memorable ideas, yet its restless, slightly opaque character creates a certain distance for me.Best and Most Well known Song for me is "The one I Love".
This didn’t move me any which way. Not terrible by any means. I just couldn’t find much to love about it.
Top tier
80s REM is always good
Great album, maybe one or two fillers but still class
Good band
1987 alt rock Finest worksong End of the world The one i love
Not bad as far as REM albums go.
I like this album… but. Yeah it’s just not going above 4 4 Boolean: True
Album was pretty good, I'd say 3.5 territory? Definitely knew a couple of the songs, was enjoyable to listen to, but no takeaways other than the 2 songs I already knew. Never knew the name of the band that played those songs, so that was a neat surprise!
I love REM but am more into their 90s stuff. This album is great, but some of the music is a bit too jangly and high energy for my taste. Essentially, what makes End of the World so great just gets a bit tiring after a whole album.
Some redeeming qualities to this album: the guitar tones are crisp, and there an occasional sax riff. Other than then that I can’t stand his voice
Nikdy jsem moc REM nemusel, ale poslouchá se to hodně příjemně. Není to nic, co by mě vystřelilo z bot, ale bavilo dost.
Εννοείται κλασσικά με μερικά διαχρονικά hits όπως το the one I love . Δεν είναι τόσο του στυλ μου και δεν με κάνει να αισθάνομαι τόσο ωραία . Ωστόσο έχει ξεκάθαρο στυλ και τρομερή μελωδία με εκκεντρικό χαρακτήρα και στίχο . Νομίζω θα άρεσε πολύ σε έναν 40χρονο άντρα .
Не плохой, но и не выдающийся альбом. Вообще я совсем не фанатею от музыки РЕМ
This one has some monster hits. Have you ever tried singing along to all of the words to “It’s the End of the World as We Know It”? Impossible!
It was okay
Bom.
Classic
Lenny Bruce is not afraid👍
I can’t stand his voice
Classic dad music
added a few song, my favorite - oddfellows local 151 and the end of the world
only its the end at the world as we know it, andthe one i love; the rest is garbage
6 out 10 very consistent but consistency is it's downfall doesn't do much to vary in sound the one i love being the fav of the album
Not quite as good as Automatic for the People, but still solid
Great REM
Had never heard half of those songs, but they are great.
Probably my favourite R.E.M. record after Automatic For The People. Super catchy and the band is super tight. Along with the big hits “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” and “The One I Love”, my other favourites from this album are “Exhuming McCarthy” and “Lightnin’ Hopkins”. Easy five stars for me.
Finished the album… R.E.M. suffers Nickelback syndrome for me… nasally singer, repetitive melody, great sound production but not songs that move me in any way.
Gran gran álbum de los tipazos. Quizas el que más me gusta. Cuesta elegir un tema. 7/10
I'm trying to figure out why it is that REM holds no appeal for me. The guys voice sounds cold and emotionless to me, and the songs kind of sound like math is what I came up with today. Despite that, there are a couple of songs I don't hate on this album, and the sound of the band is ok.
This is ok. Some decent enough catchy 80s rock but it was kind of in one ear and out the other. It's The End Of The World As We Know It is another one of those songs that feel like a novelty Highlights: Fireplace
Solid album with banger "It's The End of The World As We Know It". 6.7/10
first time i’ve listened to an R.E.M project in full or listened to anything besides their two most famous songs. different from what i expected, more interesting and rocky than pop.
So, my only gripe with this album is that the first half is fantastic compared to the second half, which is good but not amazing. Some of the best political pop and folk rock from the 80s lands on this album, including some amazing songs that you've already heard. I think it deserves to be on the list, I'll be surprised if other R.E.M. albums make it onto the list but we'll see. For now I've given it an 8/10, it's a very strong 8 though and maybe if the world changes more each day this album would increase in rating.
fav song: It's The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
I hate when people say this about a band I like, but all the songs sound the same
Good
- I'd never heard this R.E.M. album before. There were some interesting moments, but it kind of blended together other than the 3 hits (which I think have stood the test of time). - Nothing is bad on the album. It's pretty standard R.E.M. in terms of vocals and instrumentation as far as I could tell, but without the consistency of great melodies that something like Automatic for the People has.
music is love
You could pick any early REM album and it’d be a worthy pick for this list. There’s no wrong answer. Document has some of their earliest really catchy songs and is quite fun despite some more serious lyrics at time
Sick!!Liked it.
IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT
Solid alt rock, meh vocals with slightly repetitive lyrical themes, fun grooves, some absolute hits, some forgettable filler, some underrated picks, reviewed by someone who is too busy to write a fully structured review.
liked this
Second listen this year. Very good
Glorious, I love REM!
When I first heard this I thought it was an early year's best of, it's just so strong and consistent. The sound is a bit dated but this stop stands up given the absolute quality of the material
Not my cup of tea. Liked the first song “ finest worksong” a little bit though
Meh
It sounds a bit more country than I expected, the End of the World song is good.
Completely understand why this is here. Got some of their biggest hits on here, but overall it kinda melds together in a less memorable way for me. Still enjoyed
Short and Sweet. Probably for the best, because I can only take so much REM. It’s a great conscience album that showcases the best of the band, and keeps it fun too. Rating:9/10 Favorite Song: The One I Love
High highs and low lows, literally and figuratively. Some classic tracks and a few deep cuts sprinkled in. The back half of the album didn't resonate with me, not helped by the fact that a good chunk of it is in E Minor or neighboring keys and REM's signature droning sound begins to grate.
Really good REM album!
C’est fort je devrais plus écouter R.E.M.
This is the second album I’ve received from this band, who I had never heard about before attempting this challenge. Boy oh boy, I think it’s safe to say that I’m a fan. The intro song on this album let me know this would be some good shit!
Not really a R.E.M. fan; I do love their hits. And this album has a few. Nonetheless, solid album when they were in their prime.
It's not bad. Just very okay. It's strange to think this was one day alternative rock as it now just sounds bland. It has some country influences, but that does not do it any good in my ears. Can't say I enjoyed it, but if this were playing somewhere I wouldn't want it to be turned off. 6/10
R.E.M is not my type of music, as far as these albums go this one was relatively decent, still nothing particularly interesting to me.
Its R.E.M, you love them or you don't.
Tydligen gillar jag R.E.M?
När det är som bäst är det ändå riktigt bra.
Pendlar från stabilt till jättebra.
Solid R.E.M.
PowerPoint.
Aye, good, solid fun here. Reminds me of my old Oxfam days. Songs are quite similar innit but they gel well and I never looked at the track list during it (just enjoying the vibe)
Pre Listen: Bah, R.E.M :/ One of the handful of bands I once really enjoyed, but the more I listened to them, the less I started to like their sound. The vocalist in particular became very grating to my pallete over the years. I'm sure in listening to this album I'll feel some nostalgia, but my expectations are lower than usual. Notable Tracks: It's The End Of The World As We Know It - Classic here, and upon re-listen I might re-add to my playlist? I don't know. It's just a banger, but I'm afraid I'll get tired of it again. The One I Love - Least favorite song on here. God I think this song is overplayed to hell and back. Just gives me the ick. Post Listen: R.E.M. is another one of those bands I mentally categorize under Dad Rock. Functionally, everything they play is just fine. Good guitar work, drums, vocals, etc. It's just another one of those albums I struggle to recall any songs from outside of their major hits, it's mostly forgettable filler. I still have some distaste for the vocalist too, his voice is just a bit too nasally for my tastes. I did enjoy the album more than I anticipated, but not by much. I understand folks who enjoy R.E.M., I just don't dig em like I used to. 3/5
It has two good songs I guess (you can probably guess which ones). Unremarkable otherwise.
Obviously has great songs, I think I listened to an extended version and it was just too long
Not impressed 1/5
no me gustp
REM is a favorite of mine, so I'm incredibly biased. I love this album, it's one of the first I listened to of theirs so it is special to me. Favorite tracks: Welcome to the Occupation, Disturbance at the Heron House
Love it
eh, i guess? not too good, to be honest. sounds like something i'd listen on the radio when i'm driving down a lonely road.
Finest worksong is very enjoyable right now in my life, I like parts of the project
Good album, several good tracks and a couple huge hits. Some of the other tracks are a little below the level, but overall solid effort. Probably a 3.5 but raising to a 4.
R.E.M seem to have one of the most consistent discographies, with each album I've listened to having real quality in there. Document is no different; it's not perfect by any means but it's just solid with a few great tracks in the mix. Favourites: Exhuming McCarthy It's The End Of The World As We Know It Oddfellows Local 151
This was way better than Murmur. The bass and guitar are incredible throughout, and the whole album has a lot more drive to it. R.E.M. still sounds unmistakably like R.E.M., but the songs feel sharper and less likely to blur together. “It’s the End of the World as We Know It” and “The One I Love” were obviously the songs that blew up, but they weren’t even the best ones here. “Finest Worksong,” “Welcome to the Occupation,” and “Exhuming McCarthy” were all bangers. Those songs have more bite, especially with how much the rhythm section pushes everything forward. I’m still not ready to call myself an R.E.M. fan, but this album made a much better case for them than Murmur did. Strong enough that I’d actually listen to it again. Favorite song: “Exhuming McCarthy”
Didn't know this record. Absolute bangers in there!
Not my favorite but not bad
Gracias por las memorias, Chicken Little
Too american
1.5 rlly
Divorced dad rock 2: Electric boogaloo If this played right after the Soundgarden album, I probably would have noticed only halfway through. There’s a song in the middle thats kinda nice, the other ones arent my jam though.
This album, to me, is truly nothing special. Perhaps it's because i've heard many R.E.M songs before as they are quite the popular band. Yet for me I think it's a more simple reasons. This album does not emotional stimulate me in any way and neither does it interest or intrigue me with good vocals, production, instrumentals, being experimental, etc. This album is quite simply boring to me.
Document by REM is one of those albums I think I like more than I really do. It's almost there but not quite there. It was almost like they were the heady super-indie version of Coldplay in the 80s. Lyrics that don't quite add up. In reality the songs are good but also kind of annoying in a way I can't quite explain. And I saw REM live in Great Woods and in Berlin on the Green tour. I mean I was into them. This album loses one point for the listicle song about the end of the world. I've said it before just because you list a bunch of famous people doesn't make it great. Is this an album I want own in my record collection? Borderline. And not one I would pull out to listen to very often. It's like a 3.5 album.
Sobrevalorado, además de los sencillos los discos de REM siempre suenan planos.
My favorite REM lp so far.
I wish I was able to get into R.E.M. I really, really do. I like a lot of their individual songs, but despite how much I've tried, I could never get into one of the albums. The closest I've gotten so far is probably 'Automatic For The People', and even then I don't think it ever fully clicked for me. But this is one of their albums that I've never heard before...and I'm sorry, but it's still not clicking for me. Again, some fantastic songs (the end of the A side and the start of the B side, in particular), but most of this kind of just bounced off of me. I wish it didn't.
I don’t know how many R.E.M albums are in this list but they’re all going to score highly for me. We’ve got two of their bigger hits here, some fan favourites and a few lesser known beauties. Even the one or two filler tracks are inoffensive
Song reviews: Finest Worksong- I love the drum beat. The melodic line is nice. I love how it name drops the title in first verse. Guitar is really nice. I love the little instrumental break. Bass at end is nice. 4/5 Welcome to the occupation: I love how it immediately feels different to first song. It’s hard to comprehend the musical genius required to make such amazing instrumentals. 4/5 Exhuming McCarthy: I like the typewriter (I think it is) at start. Guitar is cool. I don’t like vocals. Bass and guitar in the break is sexy. Subtle vocals in break are nice. 4/5 Disturbance at the Heron House: feels like good nostalgia. Sounds like something my dad would put on when I was a kid. The little riffs are nice. This feels like it is an underrated song in the album. 4/5 Strange: guitar intro nice. I love the keyboard bringing it in. Drums gets the groove on. I love vocals “ do do do do dooo” It’s the end of the world as we know it: this song feels unique (in a good way). It’s the type of intro I wish I knew all the words to so I could sing along. The virus sounds familiar and I love it. The vocal overlaps are so satisfying. 5/5 The one I love: I love opening. I don’t like the “fire” bit. Catchy. Extra point for originality. 4/5 Fireplace: cool. Lyrics I’m not sure about but I love the sax. 3/5 Lightnin’ Hopkins: I love how the oooohs set in and it helps give rhythm. Drums are solid. Vocals recked what I thought could be my fav song of album. Instrumentals is crazy good. 3.5/5 King of Birds: I love the instrumentals so much. 4/5 Oddfellows local 151: bass is so good at start. I love how the song starts. Immediately get the vibe of song, you know you gonna love it. I don’t like “firehouse” 4/5
Probably my favorite from R.E.M. just a great listening experience start to finish.
guay, pero no tan guay como el otro de REM
This album is nicely political. The sound is familiar and the hits “it’s the end of the world as we know it“ and” the one I love“ are really good on this album. It’s nice to learn that the rest of the album also holds up really well. The late 80s sound kind of reminds me of Phil Collins.
Not my cup of tea, can understand why it was great for its time tho. Very well produced for 1987. I like the very American voice Michael Stripe has Favourite track - fireplace ( cool sax )
End of the World and The One I Love are banger classics. The rest of the album holds its own as well. 3.5/5.
Me gusti mucho de hecho
ok
wasn’t able to give it enough time. must revisit.
3rd rem album and the one I have enjoyed the most so far
Its not for me
Great refreshing to hear
Perfectly fine album. Not super spectacular, a bit boring at some points, but in the right setting good background music I think? After song 5 you don't hear the difference anymore. 7.1/10? It is definitely pleasant to listen to and there doesn't seem to be anything bad on the album
Meh, algunas buenas canciones.
Теплый по своей атмосфере альбом, приятный негнетущий инструментал в купе с мелодичным вокалом делает для меня этот альбом очень расслабляющим. Понравилось!
nothing special, like the end of the world track though i wouldnt listen to it spontaneously
I dont like his voice
Reminds me of college. A lot great songs, including "The One You Love" and "It’s the End of the World as We Know It".
First Listen Favorites: Its The End Of The World As We Know It The One I Love Disturbance at the Heron House
This is another great album from R.E.M. There isn't a bad track on here, and while only a few reach truly great status, the consistency is what makes the album so strong. Personally, I think "Finest Worksong" is the best track on the album, but "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" and "The One I Love" aren't far behind. I also really enjoyed "Fireplace," which takes an unexpected jazzy turn that helps break up the album in a good way. I'd put this album at about a 4.5/5, not quite an all-time classic, but an album that's easy to come back to.
Pretty good
Didn't quite click for me.
Creo que es un poco mas divertido que el otro que me toco, al principio incluso me ha gustado, pero en seguida ha empezado a sonar repetitivo. Canciones standar de Kiss FM. Alguna de las ultimas canciones, que son las que menos escuchas tienen, me ha parecido mas curiosa, por ejemplo "Oddfellows local 151"
3-/5
2,5
Fine? I guess. Kinda boring, but some songs were alright.
1. Not the genre I expected, but I am enjoying this song a lot! 2. Was okay. First song was better, not much to say. 3. My favourite so far! I really like the start. 4. Oh this is way better than the third! Adding this to my liked songs! 5. Was good!! Not much to say. 6. It's okay. Not my favourite. Reminds me of like a Big Bang Theory intro. 7. 8. I LOVE this one!! 9. 10. 11.
I like it, principally because I already like R.E.M
This was one of the REM albums, unmistakeably REM in fact. The cunning ability to sing about just how awful things are but with that 1980s upbeat tone. It's a fun album, if not a little samey. End of the World is still a banger.
A great album
Liker det godt! Bedre enn jeg trodde jeg skulle! Typisk 90 talls pop, men ikke på den jevlige måten
not for me
I really like some REM songs—Strange Currencies, Losing My Religion—but this seems to be REM and Michael Stipe at their most annoying, including “End of the World as We Know It.” I did like “The One I Love.”
Solid album with a few standout tracks. With R.E.M. you know what you're getting into.
Favorite songs: Finest Worksong, Welcome to the Occupation, Exhuming McCarthy, Disturbance at the Heron House, Strange, It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), The One I Love
No soy fan de R.E.M. No estuvo tan mal.
So poppy and fun while still seeming like a secret underground band. Exhuming McCarthy is great - presents as a smart political song but it's also just a fun pop song. A few songs don't do so much for me (King of Birds, Oddfellows Local 151) so not a 5 star album.
"The End of the World" and "The One I love" are so unique and interesting but the rest kind of blended together.
Kind of an odd listen. There are moments that really work well for me but as a whole it just falls a bit flat. I didn’t think I liked REM very much and this probably exceeded expectations, I just think there’s a ceiling there. 3.5.
I really like REM's sound here but all of the songs on this album seem a bit half-assed and underwhelming which is an odd combination.
The talent and quality of composition are evident, it just doesn't register with me at all. Maybe I need more of REM of both kinds
I love REM but normally listen to Greatest Hits or Green, so didn't know this one. Enjoyed listening to it in the background but in truth most of it didn't really capture my attention - until the two excellent hits in the middle come in. Will need to listen to it some more but for now 7/10
I have never clicked with REM, even though I know they exist on a continuum of some of the great American rock bands. Some of my favourites (The Hold Steady for one) reference them as inspirations, and I can hear that, but it rarely clicks for me. There are some moments on this album - ‘Strange’ and ‘Oddfellows Local 151’ are great, and ‘End of the World’ must be the least likely smash hit in the history of music. But underneath it all is an 80s wry humour and a lugubriousness that just doesn’t do it for me.
Another great album by R.E.M. I still think Automatic is a better album, but great early energy and songs from them here.
not good
When I was 12/13 I remember listening religiously to the college radio station, often at odd hours. I got to hear quite a lot at that time I realize. I got to hear a bunch off this album beyond the immediately recognizable It’s the End of the World and The One I Love. I remember Oddfellows Local 151. I remember pondering its meaning. It’s hard to rate an album that has such a strong feeling associated with a time in life. I almost want to give it a 5, just cause. Listening again now, I now it’s very good. On its own legs. 4 Boolean: True
I never listened to 80’s REM before, apart from the hits. It is a very mature album. This is a band that has found their sound and would be hugely influential in the upcoming decade.
where are the hoooooooks update track 7/11: i used to rinse the one i love on guitar hero, +1 star
#mid
Michael Stipe is best showcased on this album. Solid encapsulation of late 80’s and more than one track is all time classic.
It’s probably because I know this was their last album for IRS before signing to a major label but this record has always felt like their last indie/college rock record - it has that introverted feel to it that the next record, Green, blew wide apart. After Document, they had a much bigger, more sweeping sound and just a couple of years later, for better or for worse, were a stadium-filling rock band. I love every REM phase but the IRS years are by far my favourite. There are a couple of tracks here that weaken the record a little, Strange for example, so it’s not my favourite of the era, but I love it nonetheless. The One I Love was their breakthrough hit and it still sounds magnificent today. I love that people have walked down the aisle to this record - “A simple prop, to occupy my time”.
I have a struggle with REM. They have written some absolutely wonderful pop songs, I love their politics, they did their own thing. Sometimes though they wash over me without engaging. Perhaps their lyrics are just too abstruse for me? Musically sometimes a little lacking in a real grab. HOWEVER Document has none of these struggles: End of the World, One I Love and Finest Worksong are all wonderful (and quite different) pop songs: with tunes, feeling and intelligence. The one REM album I will happily listen to all the way through. A joy to listen to.
Aside from the hits, REM doesn’t really do anything for me. Not entirely sure why. They should be right in my Q-zone. The One I Love and End of the World are both amazing songs. There’s variety, great harmonies, they’re high energy. The rest of the songs are kind of samey and don’t pack the same oomph.
J'ai bien aimé mais rien trouvé d'exceptionnel
Tres cool
Never thought I'd hear the term "business acumen" in rock lyrics but here we are.. Top tracks: Finest Worksong, The One I Love
Да норм
Two of their best songs but lots of filler as well
-there’s a lot of clarity -reminds me of a summer road trip -wish there was more variety throughout the album because everything sounds the same to be honest -right in time for punk and for the state of the world right now -I like lightnin’ Hopkins and oddfellows local 151
Have not been a fan of REM ever. Album was great musically but did not elevate their position in my favoured music. Listened while running, passed the time but did not inspire me. Despite their considerable talent, the tracks sound the same to me. So sorry.
Not my favorite but definitely an album I'd like to listen to a few more times to really get the vibe of. I feel like this is the kind of album that I will grow to like more as I listen to it.
I don’t really love REM but I do understand why this album is on here and do think the album deserves 4 stars.
acho que esse é o meu preferido dos r.e.m. 3,5
This is the peak of the guilty pleasure era. A little more guilty than pleasure but End of the World As We Know It is one of the better "list" songs you'll hear and welcome whenever it popped up on MTV. Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives, and I'll decline.
Thanks to a very unpleasant hallmate in college who would play this album constantly, I developed a somewhat intense and completely unwarranted aversion to REM. I'm still not a huge fan, but I'd like to take a moment to thank this collection for helping me to slowly rehabilitate and learn to better appreciate the hoary sounds of the boys from Athens (GA). It's also funny that I vaguely recall nearly every track on this album (at least the first side), despite trying to crank up whatever I had on hand to drown out that a**hole's life (not an easy feat, as he had a decent stereo and I had some wimpy little thin-profile faux-boombox shaped thing that had a dockable cassette player, all courtesy no doubt of K-Mart or Jafco or whatever bottom-barrel place I could afford); sadly, my rehabilitation just can't extend to actually enjoying "The one I love", even though it's really a decent song. And kind of cool that they borrowed "Strange" from Wire's "Pink Flag" album (previously heard in this collection, and I'm impressed that I noted "Strange" sounded familiar for some reason), plus deciding that there's a weird through-line from "Subterranean homesick blues" to "It's the end of the world" to (Barenaked Ladies') "One week".
I've never been real REMish --they always sound a little forced, but this was alright.
They’ve always been a greatest hits band to me. I really dig Automatic when I pulled it. I’ve tried some of their earlier stuff and it didn’t click. This one was really good. Definitely a start to a great run for the band.
Found it to be boring for the most point. Some interesting tracks
It’s REM. Hard to get excited, hard to hate
My fourth R.E.M. album in the list so far. Here's an excerpt of my review of Green: "I am notoriously (at least among my music-discussing friends) not a big REM fan, though I definitely respect what they did for alternative music/culture, and there are some REM songs I do love. If you care about why I think I don't love REM as much as some others my age, ask me about my Older Sibling Theory. All of that being said, the hits on this album are among the first REM songs I remember being exposed to on MTV (after the tracks off Document that got a lot of airplay) and I generally like them now." So this album was when I first remember being aware of R.E.M. and my friends getting into them. I liked the MTV songs off this album but not enough to go out and buy the album. At the time I was listening to punk and speed metal mainly, and this jangly stuff didn't do much for me. I have since come to appreciate these guys (and this album) a lot more. I didn't know they actually sampled the McCarthy hearings in "Exhuming McCarthy." That sounds kind of cheesy now. I was waffling between 3 or 4 stars for this. It's higher than a 3 for me but I don't quite think it reaches 4.
REM feels like normcore Rush
Good.
R.E.M. finding their true sound for the first time, quite possibly their greatest album Stipe still sounds incomprehensible half the time though haha Favorite tracks: Finest Worksong Exhuming McCarthy It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) The One I Love Fireplace
Solid, good working music.
Honestly liked this more than I expected. A solid collection of catchy high energy straight forward rock with tounge in cheek lyrics at some points that add to the enjoyment. It has its fair share of misses though and the singles definitely stand way above the deeper cuts but still decent overall. 3.5/5.
My third R.E.M. album! And my god, this really concentrates what i like and dislike about the band. My biggest problem -and it already starts heavy on the first track- are the lead vocals. Something about them just sounds so strained and… whiny (for the lack of a better word) on some songs. That really is my biggest gripe with the band and i feel a bit pathetic because of it. What i do enjoy are as always the instrumentals - they are full and pack several punches. And in comparison to their debut, the production on here is so clear! Love that. There‘s also a nice variety in mood and tempo here and it strikes a good balance. I genuinely love how emotionally earnest REM are in their songs - well, often i‘m not really sure what they are singing about, but they transport emotions really well. Exhuming McCarthy is the one for me on here, while Oddfellows doesn‘t work for me at all. I‘m pretty sure i will return to this album from time time.
Thats rlly cool when you listening this album in the rain
Pretty solid album I've somehow missed. I still like other REM albums better but this one is good.
3.5★/5 07.06.2026
If I had found this as a kid I probably would have latched onto it and learned to love every track on it but coming into it new I'm not super impressed. Some great tracks, some middling.
pretty good
It's always a pleasure to revisit R.E.M.'s discography. Their songs are just as relevant today as they were when they were first released.
I had this album on my pending list, and this was the time to listen to it. It is dynamic, fun and great for an afternoon listen. Great rock songs and good vibes from beginning to end.
Was pretty good, though I think I'd already heard most of the best songs on the album.
There were couple that struck me in particular, but I think I prefer later R.E.M. I was also surprised to hear some similarities with The Decemberists and sometimes Pearl Jam. I’ll need to see what, if any, influences were involved.
Good songs! Not fantastic but maybe 3.6!
Lightnin' Hopkins stood out. I'm not the biggest REM fan, but this was solid. 3/5
favs: it's the end of the world as we know it (and i feel fine)
040726 22:27 4
Strong from start to finish
5 sterne
sounds they might be giants-y. Korie sondgeroth told me I would like this album. the rest blends together kinda
REMs great
Not bad, reminded me a bit of Sublime
Wat een ongelooflijk zeikalbum. Degelijke politiek maar op de meest oninteresant prekerige manier gebracht.
🎶it's the eeeend of the woooorld as we knowwww it🎶 <- banger, voor de rest prima maar niet buitengewoon leuk
ja de voornaamste punten gaan naar its the end of the world, de rest was minder
OK
As an R.E.M. fan, I too, sleep on Document as an album. It's a focal point for the band that went from college rock radio station idols to a more mainstream band that turned jangle pop into alternative rock. While I would've thought Reckoning or Life's Richest Pageant could have taken over Document, those albums do not have It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) which was maybe the song that fully shows the crossover of "college rock" graduating into "alternative rock", waning in more post punk influence as seen in their cover of Wire's Strange. There's the 'must hear or die' aspect of the selection. The One I Love was technically the bigger hit on the charts, being one of those songs that are not what most people think it's about (the meaning is on wikipedia if you like books n stuff), but yeah I've said my piece.
REM never met a minor key they didn’t like. The hits are pretty good, the rest are kinda forgettable.
Alternative Rock/Jangle Pop Favorite Tracks: Finest Worksong, It’s The End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), The One I Love Least Favorite Song: King of Birds While there are a few standout songs for me, I did felt like most of the songs on this list are really just good, but not great. I think part of that has to do with how some of the songs felt a bit samey in tone, and it’s just alright. I have the album in my personal collection, and we shall see later in the future if this changes for me, but for now, I just think the album’s fine as it was. 7/10.
Starting off strong with "Finest Worksong" which is quite up-beat for being an REM-song, but then it get's a little gloomier overall and that's where I start to lose focus. But a solid album and absolutely worth a listen.
It’s alright but nothing special, found it a bit boring
Like most REM albums, this is a textbook case of "it's not you, it's me". I don't have anything bad to say about Document - it's a very good indie rock album with trace elements of punk, groovy arrangements and nice vocals. It was clearly ahead of its time, and I can absolutely understand the appeal. I had a reasonably good time listening... But beyond that, nothing particularly grabbed me or moved me, and I didn't really connect with it on an emotional level. It's been 24 hours since I listened to it, and I already don't remember much except the famous "It's the end of the world as we know it", and maybe "Welcome to the Occupation". Can't really explain why, I guess their music is just not my style. Sorry, REM - much respect, but no love. 6/10
A R.E.M. album with real energy, consistent from start to finish, and simply enjoyable to listen to. One of my favorite albums by the band, but the band is far to be my favorite…
another perfect. next
Cosa rara, pero me gustó este álbum de los REM y mucho. Nunca he conectado con ellos pero este disco fue la excepción. Grandes temas, hitazos y en general música poderosa y genial. Bien!
I feel like I would listen to this on a stereotypical American road trip. Like the beginning of these songs would work great in an old slightly busted up pick up truck. Or it would be used as a band that features in a TV series, where the episode works as normal until they get like a 3 minute performance feature. I am SO convinced I would have heard this on Gilmore Girls. I don't mind it! The lead singer, definitely LEADS i'll say that. Michael Stipe his name is (I just looked it up). Very distinctive. The most popular song on this album - I feel like I am trying to convince myself that I like it rn; it's a little annoying. They love to repeat a lyric hahaha but I think that as the album progresses there are some new and more intriguing beats in the background. I am enjoying it.
Standouts It's the End of the World As We Know it The One I Love Lightnin' Hopkins
a solid album, moving towards the mainstream - the joyful, relentless flow of "It's The End Of The World" was great to hear again
Rem is a band I've heard a lot about and in the 90s were definitely on the radio a ton but I've never really sought out there music but I enjoyed this album. It's big hits were end of the world as we know it and the one I love but I think my favorite track on the album was exhuming McCarthy. It's funny when in art things feel boring or obvious but you realize it only seems that way because it so influenced things that came after and when it first came out it broke new ground.
Very well made
#1 Great album to start off with, big fan of REM. Love the imagery throughout the album with the constant references to fire. Lots of catchy riffs & melodies throughout the album. Some highlights include Finest Worksong and It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).
Alles solide und 2 banger 4/5
i couldn't do it, its like the aesthetics and vocals of modern country but 40 years ago and not country
the hits are great, the rest I could honestly take or leave. overall 3/5.
I guess mn like not the biggest understander of rock or whatever that genre is but maybe my pellet will grow
Solid guitar riffs paired with quality percussion sprinkled with some dancing piano chords and a satisfying horn section should make this a staple rock band. The droning and mithering sounds of Michael Stipe tear it all apart. Every song has flat unchanging vocals except "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" where he pontificates just more rapidly. He even seems to recognize his own shortcomings with an exodus of listeners turning away from his singing when he continually whines "Listen to me" in the track "Welcome to the Occupation." Staying true to the 1001 album project, I reluctantly listened to the whole album. Is it possible to rate this album and specifically Michael Stipe a zero?
I'm going to make a comment that has nothing to do with the album. Today was a difficult day, as I'm very sick. But even so, I managed to find some time and energy to continue this challenge that has already lasted almost 800 consecutive days. I must say that today's album also made the decision easier, as it's one of R.E.M.'s best. Anyway, 5 stars. Let's keep going strong.
Not bad, but also like kind of forgettable. Maybe some songs I’ll listen to later but nothing stood out.
few cool traxx
Like a shitty version of the smiths mixed with a shitty version of the stone roses
Really solid rock album with some really good political messaging. Some fun riffs and really good basslines. Was not familiar with Michael Stipe's lyrical game. Favorite track was probably welcome to the occupation
Did not love the last track, other songs good to great with the end of the world as a standout
Yeah I remain critical of the voice on R.E.M. records, It really isn’t my taste. But relatively speaking this is an okay record, the songs are well written, balancing the annoying vocals. 3/5
Overall, this is a very good album. R.E.M. is one of those groups that I either like or can't stand their songs: with not much space inbetween. Most of these were good with a few real clunkers thrown in the mix. "Welcome to the Occupation" was a hidden gem.
...in the Epstein Files?
Liked it. It was okay.
Some good songs but enjoy other rem more
All the songs sound very similar. It’s like they wrote a ton a variations hoping that one would stick. 2 or 3 actually did! 3.0/5.0
5/10 Dont have much to say Just wasnt very good
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it!
I never met an R.E.M. album I didn’t like. Solid 4 stars for this one.
tem bangers mas fora isso é bem morno
Some classic hits, but I've heard them enough
Not a fan really, that one song is good
a handful of banging tunes
I'm not the biggest REM fan but this is pretty solid, some classics here but also cool deeper cuts
Not as good as Out of Time. A few greats here, but not all the way through.
Big respect to this band for having a sound that is uniquely their own, even when you can’t spot their influences.
❤️❤️I already like R.EM. a lot. This album was soo nice to listen to, I was so relaxed 💤💤 I had to shut if off and go to sleep cause I wanted to appreciate every song properly 💘 Thank you 💕💕💕
4/5. My favorite REM I’ve had on the generator so far. Of course “it’s the end of the world as we know it” is an all time banger, but a lot of the deep cuts were also great. I loved the intro track “finest work song” and “fireplace” especially. Takes their college rock sound of the first few albums and adds some more muscle to it. And in the strangest twist of all I can actually understand Michael Stipe here! And on this album he tackles a lot of the political anger and anxiety around the Reagan years of U.S. politics (unrelated to the review, but the one good thing Reagan did for the world was die.) But yeah, it makes sense that this was the album that started their launch to mainstream stardom because it’s a great listen.
Again REM in the last couple of weeks, I’m not complaining, I jammed to it while walking through the rain. It’s the end of the world as we know it is amazing :)
A few bangers and the rest of the songs are decent but feel rehashed from earlier work. I love early REM but would only listen to this one for its singles.
I love this album. My favorite songs by them are on it.
A classic.
Not as bad as I thought it was gonna be, and I actually knew more songs than I expected to. Still not an REM fan.
If there's one band that defined the path from underground to superstardom in the 80's, it's gotta be R.E.M. Slowly but surely the band had built their chops, their skills, and their songwriting, and then dropped this absolute atomic bomb on the world. Their infectious blend of jangle pop and post-punk poetry gets infused with a healthy dose of anthemic production, evidenced in the statement of "Finest Worksong". It's no wonder they became a global phenomenon right after this, and even though it's not totally perfect, it's still a powerful record from a band about to explode.
Pleasant, "It's the end of the World..." is iconic, but the album itself was just okay on this listen.