Reviews (page 2 of 13)
Sublime. Alternative rock at high moments of songwriting and musicianship
Really well put together album. Idk what it is about but it has this feel where I let it play and it doesn’t feel repetitive or give me the feeling to not skip a song or just not listen. Even with some of the songs maybe not being all positive, it still seems to feel good.
Yet another banger from REM. Completely ahead of their time, this album sounds like 90s rock radio but earlier (and better).
The top album of Alt Rock the one that started it all
#139/1001 🇺🇸 The Album where REM started to deliver a more commercial sound, notably with Stipes vocals becoming more coherent. I wouldnt say its in my top 5 by the band but its definitely a 5⭐️ record. Best Tracks: Welcome to the Occupation, The One I Love, King of Birds, Oddfellows Local 151, Disturbance at the Heron House.
OOOH! I like some of R.E.M's music but I haven't really listened to a full album of theirs. So far I already really like it, I always love the old punk kind of music and R.E.M's music definitely is in that genre. I also really like that some of the songs in this album have an upbeat vibe and beat to them but some are more on the gloomy side of the vibe and beat, like they were all made on completely different days but still some how the mood is the same. Definitely giving it a 5/5
Awesome
This is great, a rock classic, I love this album.
Can’t fully explain why but I love this album for its variety. Feels very ahead of its time.
nice! i didn't know about this at all. listened to it twice in a day. great music, will definitely listen to it again
1987 would not have been the same without this album. R.E.M. was among the greatest bands in this era. They grew in fame while somehow maintaining their artistic vision and keeping their wits about them. Each album built on the previous one, or added new twists. Someone rightly said that one's favorite R.E.M. album is whatever was released when the person discovered them... because over 10 albums or so, each one was strong and noteworthy. This is a rare accomplishment. "Document" moved R.E.M. into major commercial recognition. Michael Stipe's vocals were never this direct and un-murmured. The band had a unique ability to handle superstardom well and continue to produce great work even as their audience steadily expanded. (Two, three, four, and five albums after this are among their very best. Along with all the others.) So what about "Document" itself? It is lyrically interesting, covering politics and personal proclivities, and its sound is great. The hits are in the middle, and it ends stronger than it begins in my opinion. And don't be fooled: (this one goes out to) "The One I Love" is not a nice song to play for your girlfriend. "It's the End of the World" is R.E.M.'s very own "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and I love it. But it takes deep cuts to make an album truly great, and this has plenty: "Exhuming McCarthy," "Fireplace," and "King of Birds" to name a few. I wish at LEAST "Life's Rich Pageant" and "Out of Time" were on the (official) 1001 list. Rarely has a band had so many strong albums in a row (beginning with their debut), a great band and remarkable career.
One great thing about R.E.M. is that you can really chart their growth and maturity as a band from album to album. Life's Rich Pageant was the culmination of their early days, and in Document they take the next big leap. It is bold, complex, diverse, full of heart, and fun all at the same time. And Michael Stipe's vocally jumps into another register with clear articulation without losing his aloof (cool?) persona. Another excellent entry from Athens.
Probably my second favorite REM album. Great mix of melodic and that underground college radio rock.
I gotta steal Michael Stipe’s flow I knew I loved it from the first song.
Listened to before? Yes Context? REM's most successful album, as well as their first with their longtime producer; expanded their sonic palette and featured a handful of hits. I have a love/hate relationship with REM. Their music is very nostalgic for me, but at the same time, I find that they have a lot of songs that sound exactly the same. Outside of their hits, they can get quite boring. This album, however, has no duds. It's also incredibly diverse sonically, from the heavy one-chord riff of "Finest Worksong" to the sax solo on "Fireplace" to the dulcimer on "King of Birds". Not to mention the production ("Lightnin'" and "151", for example). From just the first three songs, you can tell that it's great. They cover three of the most important types of political songs just between them: absolute banger, haunting, and satire that devolves into chaos. "Exhuming McCartney" is reminiscent of Dead Kennedys. And man, is the lyricism excellent. There's nothing too on-the-nose, but it's still scathing. "Copper, steel, and cattle." "Held and dyed and skinned alive". "Loyal to Bank of America." Just the absolute tension of Stipe repeating "Something's going on and it's not quite right." And, of course, there's "It's the End of the World". It has to be one of the best songs of all time. The absolute genius of the lyricism—the perfect shaking of his voice—the background vocals saying "I think I need some time alone"—even the title. I was blown away by this song when I was six, and I still am today. And right after it is "The One I Love". About six months ago, I went through a phase where I listened to that song on loop for about two weeks straight. And man, was I so correct in doing that. It's also probably one of the best songs of all time. The guitar work on this album may actually be underrated. The solo of "151" is really, really creative. And the ability to create such a great riff out of one chord ("Finest Worksong") is impressive as hell. The bass is also fantastic—especially the way its mixed. It always peeks out at just the right times. This is really just the kind of political album I love: subtle-but-harsh, and working primarily through non-enumerations, except for the occasional moment where it really needs to drive the point home. It's smart. It's also brilliantly melodic. Despite the fact that it's down-to-earth, this album is quite grand. I can definitely see how the tension in it went on to inspire albums like OK Computer, and how it paved the way for the alt-rock boom of the 90s.
Fantastic
Think this is their best
I love R.E.M. I could listen to this all day. I literally don't think there is a bad song here. It does get a little repetitive, but I love them so much. Core Memory growing up: Trying to memorize all the lyrics to "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" . This is a solid 4.5 maybe 5 Liked Songs: "Finest Worksong" , "Welcome To The Occupation" , "Exhuming McCarthy" , "Disturbance At The Heron House" , "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" , "The One I Love" , "Fireplace" , "Lightnin' Hopkins" , "Oddfellows Local 151"
CHICEKNT LITTLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perfect
so good
Maravillosa
Every fan of every subgenre of white guy rock (important qualifier) owes their soul to this guy. God bless.
Even my personal dislike of “The One I Love” (from day one seemed like an obvious attempt at a hit single) and that “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” has been played to death by 80s radio cannot change that this is an absolutely great listen from start to finish. (And, in the context of the entire album, both these songs still fit in nicely and I forget that I’m really sick of both of them.) R.E.M. in the 1980s: Everything from RECKONING (1984) to AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE (1992) is just one great album after another.
very different from what i listen to. i like it.
топчик
I like rem
Because this record has the official Gen X anthem, It’s the End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Fine, this gets an automatic 5/5.
Actually prefer this to Green and the albums that preceded it. Their first more rock influenced album and great to hear the lyrics. Outstanding and particularly enjoyed the last 2 tracks!
Probably my favorite IRS record
For me REM's best album has always been a three way neck-and-neck race between Document, Life's Rich Pageant and Green. What an incredible run of albums from one of the best bands to ever do it.
Gotta say pretty DeeC it’s a good listen
I do love some R.E.M., but I have fonder memories of playing Green on repeat in my car. "It's the End of the World As We Know It" hits harder now than before. Mike Mills' harmonies are still essential. There were a couple of songs I no longer remembered. Still, the album as a whole is classic.
Own it,. love it. This is perhaps peak REM for me; End of the World, Oddfellows Local 151. I prefer it to Automatic for the People by a long shot. Great damn album; some are better than others, but there's not a bad song on here. Five stars.
Fab fab fab!!
Probably their best IRS record.
Oooh one of my favourite albums ever! Fun fact, kids, this was grandpa patrick's second ever vinyl LP he bought with his own money, from a charity shop in Rye, back when charity shops still had good vinyl records going for cheap. I just love 80s REM, the perfect balance between emotive songwriting and indie edge, and this is them at their peak tbh! Still holds up compared to a lot I was listening to back at that time without me having to make insane logical leaps to justify it (looking at you, Morrissey, who was the first ever vinyl LP I bought)
like others have said, i prefer Automatic for the People overall but this is still such a banger and i’m so glad to be getting into my R.E.M. fan era!
Outstanding
One of the best R.E.M albums and it shows. I've always been amazed that this band didn't come out of the British underground music scene and that they're actually from Athens, Georgia, USA. They have such a unique and beautiful sound. They often get compared to U2 and I think R.E.M blows U2 out of the water because they never sold their soul to the corporate gods like U2 did. I love a good R.E.M session. This album is a 9/10
253/1001 R.E.M - Document Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ After Automatic for the People, this was the next album from R.E.M that I sought out and absolutely love
Brilliant album. I'll never get tired of listening to REM. Such a pivotal band in my formative years. It's The End of the World As We Know It, and I feel happy to have listened to this today.
😇
Ett album i skärningspunkten mellan indieåren och arenaåren. Jag har alltid gillat document, då Michael Stipe har börjat artikulera sin sång och samtidigt är grunden janglig depprock i amerikansk tappning
Document was my first REM record, and it will always be special. Document is a great mix of their less polished sound of their earlier records while showing where they would get to with albums like Automatic for the People
Great album that I've listened to many times before. Some real bangers on this album: obviously the singles (The One I Love, It's the End of the World, Finest Worksong), but several other songs rocked. There was only one song (Fireplace) that I was itching to skip, but I love the rest enough to still give it a (5).
9/10
My favorite R.E.M. albums include Murmur, Automatic, Reckoning, Fables and this one, and while the order I might put them in tends to vary day-to-day, Document is generally fifth in that list. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s a great album. It is just that I love those other R.E.M. albums so much that even a great album has trouble competing with them. And this is an all-time great album by one of my all-time favorite bands.
Another incredible album!
i'm an r.e.m. superfan so keep that in mind. there is a strong argument that this is their best album, meaning there is a case to be made that this is a top 10 alternative rock album of the 80s. what can you say about "finest worksong" except that it is one of the best side A track 1's ever, full stop. the next three songs are all timers as well. r.e.m. is quietly one of the best cover bands ever (just for one example, check their take on "first we take manhattan" by leonard cohen) and their cover of wire's "strange" rocks so hard. not gonna talk about tracks 6 and 7, you know them, you love them, nothing more to say but LEO-NARD BERN-STEIN side 2 overall is overlooked but extremely strong. overall i would say this album is the sound of an underground band becoming a hit band without sacrificing their sound or their identity. listen to lifes rich pageant and then listen to this. clearly the same band, bht they are stepping forward in a big way, not necessarily qualitatively (i think LRP has a great case as r.e.m.'s best album too) but in terms of what kinds of songs they were capable of. "finest worksong" is an anthem the likes of which no one would have predicted from their 4 previous records. stipe sings not like an embarrassed poet but like a revolutionary here. this is the first album scott litt produced with r.e.m. and his approach and his touch are apparent throughout. he very cannily turned them into the southern U2 (that's a compliment, i promise), a band that would soon take over the world.
Brilliant. First listen to the album. Thanks!
I bought this album in sixth grade, a big album-buying year for me, which included Tiffany's self-titled album, Debbie Gibson's Out of the Blue, David Lee Roth's Skyscraper, Warrant's Dirty Filthy Rotten Stinking Rich, and many other hair metal and teenie-bopper pop albums. Honestly, they all were and still are bangers. I loved this as much or more than all of them, and high-five to 12 year old Jeremy for knowing what's up.
Good first pick. I already know some of the songs and I like the chill indie vibes.
Love! My favourite REM album.
Brilliant. From the snare snap at the start of finest worksong, through to the gorgeous king of birds, with a couple of serious hits in between. Green made them huge but this was the transition album. No idea what he's singing about mostly, and the backing vocals grate sometimes, but the songs are so good. I think murmur is their best album but this one was a joy to revisit
Classic REM at its finest
Released on my birthday
Great listen, already knew a lot more songs than I thought
Te transporta a lo más crudo de los 90s, sombrío, con mucha energía. Debe ser uno de los mejores LP de REM.
- another band on a great run of really good records. The out put at this time is truly up there with the top notch artists in history. This one is damn near perfect. -
Welcome to the occupation. Iconic album.
The cat left when I started this, but I liked it. Never realised this was the "End of the World" album, but it made it that much more iconic. Cat ended up coming back.
Jangle rock grows teeth. Rating: 4.6/5 Short Review: This is R.E.M. sharpening their edges without losing their strange poetry. Political, urgent, and still slightly mysterious, it feels like a band realizing their voice carries weight. Favorite Track: It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine). Controlled chaos that somehow never collapses.
REM is my jam
my fave
LOVEEDDD IT
Maybe my favorite REM???
Michael Stipe is one of my favorite vocalists ever. I'm genuinely surprised I haven't listened to this album before, outside of just It's the End of the World. About time I did, loved it! Favs: Welcome to the Occupation, It's the End of the World As We Know It, and mostly just all of the tracks
Love this album!!
❤️
Well, I love R.E.M. Especially their 80s stuff. I haven’t listened to this album in such a long time, and I still love it! Obviously there's some huge classics here, but how had I forgotten about Exhuming McCarthy?!? I'll be stuck on this album for days now!
R.E.M. is always a good time.
It's REM!
Unexpectedly pleasant. I did not expect to give a R.E.M. album 5 stars. Superb production and songwriting. There was a saxophone part in one of the later songs, which completely took me by surprise.
As one of my top 5 bands, R.E.M. fully hit their stride with Document, released in 1987. This album is a standout, featuring iconic tracks like "The One I Love" and "It's the End of the World as We Know It." The blend of political commentary and catchy melodies showcases the college rock sound of Athens. While I'm partial to their earlier work like Fables of the Reconstruction, Document holds a special place for its energy and lyrical depth. It’s a must-listen for any fan!
Love R.E.M. Favorite Songs from this album are Disturbance At The Heron House, Strange, It's The End Of The World As We Know It, THE ONE I LOVE, King Of Birds and Oddfellow Locals 151 ♡
I went into this with a weird lack of REM knowledge. They have 8 or 9 megahits (including two on this album) that have been unavoidable in my decades living in America, but apart from that I’ve never really given them the time of day even though they’ve been recommended to me countless times by people whose taste I respect. Listening to this, I wonder why I never took that advice. It’s clever, it’s well-composed, it’s BIG (production-wise), it’s anti-establishment but also not especially transparent about it. I always appreciate when someone mainstreams anti-authoritarian messaging, especially if they bop while they’re doing it. A pretty great record!
Love this record. I think most REM albums would be a 4 or 5 star record.
it’s my vibe!!!!! 1,2,5,6,7,8 songs
I always play End Of The World before a test or exam. I had an exam today.
You're beautiful, more beautiful than me! You're honorable, more honorable than me! Loyal to the Bank of America! (It's a sign of the tiiiiiimes!) R.E.M. is a band with pretty distinct eras. Document marks a pretty big change into what has become how they are understood and considered by the "mainstream". "It's The End of the World As We Know It", a big hit and a cornerstone in "college rock", erring close to something like They Might Be Giants. "The One I Love" was an alt. rock hit, with everyone in a band in 1987 doing a cover of it. I love almost all of their career, although I gravitate towards their first four albums rather than the late-80's/early 90's albums. (Although I'm a weird R.E.M. fan that loves Monster as much as I love Automatic For The People.) Honestly, they're just one of those bands where if they click for you as a whole, you're gonna have an outlier favorite. This album rules, though. Even a lesser song like "Fireplace" has an interesting resolution to the melody at the end of the chorus. Also it has an unexpected horn section powering through the 2nd half of the song. Billy Joel ripped off "It's The End of the World As We Know It" with "We Didn't Start The Fire". Can't convince me otherwise. Favorites: "Finest Worksong", "Exhuming Mcarthy", "Disturbance At The Heron House", "It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)", "The One I Love", "King of Birds". But "Strange" gets a shout-out.
Great album!
I didn’t listen to this one as thourougjly. Will prob come back to it. A few songs I recognized were on here though.
This album was my introduction to R.E.M. back in 1987 and every note is engrained. The whole album still holds up but that first side is as good as it gets, and I'll get back to revisiting all of my old R.E.M. albums
sick. perfect album. didn’t know this was the original “It’s the End of the World as We Know It”
What can I say? Ever since I first heard it at maybe 11 or 12 years old, I have been absolutely obsessed with this album and this band. Automatic may have been my first, but this one is my absolute favorite.
cant believe i hadn't listened to this sooner
cool
Top performances by the boys on this one. The song quality is not consistent across the record but it is still a five-star collection in my opinion.
I feel like I've grown up on REM, despite this being released 5 years before I was born. REMs sound has permeated throughout my listening habits, albeit in a more chilled way than the band's they've (at least partially) inspired. With classics like It's The End Of The World As We Know It and The One I Love you really can't go wrong
One of my all time favorites.
Easy 5 for me. One of the albums that completely changed my musical tastes. The 1-2 punch of End of the World and One I Love is wild and I still think The One I Love might be one of the most perfectly recorded songs ever.
They sound so big here. Two songs right in a row — It’s the end of the word as we know it and The One I Love — are masterpieces.
Any REM album on this list I will be giving 5 stars
Fantastic. If I listed my favorite tracks it would just be the playlist. Loved that the songs get longer as the album is wrapping up. Let’s you live in it just a little longer. My first time listening to a full album from this band.
This album is going to remain relevant until the human species goes extinct, isn't it?
You can't go wrong with REM
Loved this! The sound, the voice, the lyrics, the 80s indieness of it all...I was very absorbed. The first track reminded me of the Smiths...One I Love gave me tingles, and although I've heard End of the World a gazillion times, listening to it as part of the album gave it a new spin- a good one. I might skip one of the slower tracks when heard again, but will seek this album out for sure...
Right. This is helped massively by the apocalyptic banger to end all bangers, the end of the world as we know it, which could have listed the score on its own, but the rest of it is wall to wall bops too. TAKE MY 5
One of the best ever. Period.
Every song on this is iconic and defined R.E.M. as a band to pay attention to! This album got me through an entire summer.
Love
Excellent trackless
A great bridge album on the cusp from when they were getting major but hadn't yet fully crossed to pop with Green. I could see that as being worst of both, but to me it's picked the finest elements from each. Still rocking and raw, but it's also dressed up with combed hair and a tucked in shirt.
Excellent. This is the sound of my early 90’s.
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Fantastisches Album.
Of course, its rem
What is there not to love about this album. From the outset Finest worksong sets the tone. It perfectly blends REM’s musicality and lyrical greatness (i will even forgive “monkeys and the monkeys”). I would say that the first however many songs are so strong, but i dont think the pace drops off and whilst EOTWAWKI is my favourite REM song a(if not favourite full stop) that is st least in part due to how many times i have heard it as opposed to some of other tracks on Document. Just when you think the album gas delivered everything it can the almost military drum beat of King of Birds kicks in and delivers fresh energy which is carried through to vloser Oddfellows Local 151. If i could give this album more than 5 i would. There are other great REM albums but as they told you at track one these are the finest worksongs
During the pandemic, I tried to learn all the words to "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)". I utterly failed but in a world where we'd all lost all semblance of control, it helped me me feel like I still had a tiny bit left. All of which means, I heard this album a lot. Michael Stipe very much fits into the category of "I could listen to him sing the phone book and still have a wonderful time" - I love his voice. And Mike Mills is a fabulous backing vocalist (and lead vocalist on the rare occasion that happens). Despite them having extremely different voices, they combine beautifully. The whole band just fit together so well. And my goodness, they wrote catchy songs! I spent all day with "Your finest hour!" ringing in my head. I love this album, and though it's not my favourite R.E.M. record, it was never going to get less than: 5/5
And it isn’t even their best album. That’s how good they were.
I didn’t think I could like REM this much but I enjoyed this album definitely took me back to the 80’s
Good stuff!!
Simplesmente incrível, amei todas as músicas e a vibe delas
Banger
Exceptional album.
Document was the first REM album I bought, so it will always be special to me. I played the CD so much that the disc got a giant circular scratch through it from my Discman.
SLAPPER
Love it. Love it. Love it.
I've always been a big R.E.M. fan, despite not being around for their heyday. They were actually the first gig I ever went to (the Around the Sun tour). This is definitely one of their best, and possibly my favourite of the IRS years. I'm also partial to Reckoning and Murmur. This one just has really solid songs from start to finish, not a bad one among them. And the hits are some of their best singles too. Love the weird and extremely specific lyrics - I've been listening to this album for decades and still have only vague ideas what some of these are about.
Another classic without a single bad track.
I’m between a 4 and 5 on this album, but I will round up. All three of my kids (22, 19 and 11) know and love It’s the End of the World… completely independent of me. That’s kind of amazing, and fitting for what you could argue is their best song. I don’t really like the late album run of Fireplace to King of Birds. I appreciate them trying something outside their comfort zone with Lightning Hopkins, but that one in particular work. That said, lots good ones on this record and Distrubance at the Heron House is a personal favorite.
Easy 5 for me, as forecast when we rated Murmur. Exhuming McCarthy and Strange are my favorite not-as-well-known-as-the-two-massive-hits tracks. I didn't realize the latter was a cover for a long time, but it and Superman and Toys in the Attic and the Hindu Love Gods album confirm my opinion that REM is a great cover band, as well as great at most other things. Anyway, back to this: the last four tracks aren't as flashily great as the rest, and I confess that back in the day I didn't listen to them as much as the part before, but they are excellent too.
5/5 - This is an easy 5 for me. I had this on cassette when I started driving, and I played it on endless loop back then. Every song here has its own mood and is so distinct, but I recognize much of that is from familiarity. One of the best albums from the late 80s.
One of my top 20 albums. File under Fire. I saw REM on this tour and met the band backstage. How else can I rate this other than 5 stars.
It’s the end of the world as we know it and I’m Here for it
Brought back great memories
great, atemporal
Some days this is my favourite REM album. Not today, but generally. Professional intriguing mainstream rock.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Easy 5. A foundational building block in my musical journey. Hidden Gem: King of Birds
loved it
a really great album. this is r.e.m. at one of their peaks. it's dour, a little obtuse, but really catchy and a fun listen. it's got hits on it to draw people in, but the album cuts are equally great. i especially love 'finest worksong.' ultimately, is it my favorite r.e.m. album? probably not. is it one of my favorite r.e.m. albums? yeah
End of the World as You Know It is enough
One of my all Time favorite bands and my favorite album of theirs. This one is just exactly perfect and does NOT sound like it came from 1987 like so many other records of that era do (hell even In The Dark sounds more 80s than Document). Anyway, there’s hits, actual hits for the first time for them, and there’s an entire side A of killer rocking album cuts and weird shit like King of Birds and Oddfellows on B. I love every second of it, even if it’s what my REM obsessed friend calls “The Safe Choice”
Absolute masterpiece by these guys at the height of their powers. Everything came together here as their sound continued in the harder-edged mode of "Life's Rich Pageant" only this time with more politically charged lyrics. "Fire" is the operative word with songs like "The One I Love," "Fireplace," and "Oddfellows Local 151." These songs are fiery and vital and, in these days, seem especially prescient. The song "Fireplace" with its call to anarchy in the face of a crazy world really resonates. And "Welcome to the Occupation" with its anti-colonial stance and "Disturbance at the Heron House" with the line "the followers of chaos out of control" says it all. This album hits hard and is one of their top 3 for me.
I only fairly recently have really realised how great REM were. I know people who were there love the earlier 80s stuff, and i certainly like it, but this is the one where Michael Stipe really spat the marbles out of his mouth and you can actually understand and appreciate the lyrics. As much as I love Automatic For The People and a few other albums, this is the band's pinnacle. The first three tracks, especially Finest Worksong and Exhuming McCarthy, start off the record with such a bang, and then you have the twin titans of End of The World and The One I Love, and it just doesnt let up. It's political (fuck you Reagan and all you've wrought), it's punk, it's fundamental to the history of alternative rock
This is one of my favorite REM albums and takes me back to my carefree childhood days. Improved production and clarity of Stipes lyrics were dramatic steps up from prior releases (although I enjoy those prior releases a lot too!)
Great album
forgot how much I love REM. Under rated and underplayed (by me)
Always brilliant.
Indie jangle with rock edge.
Great trip down memory lane. So interesting to listen to the whole album.
I'm a big REM fan. Love this album, a bunch of great songs on it.
This caught me by surprise…strong album, was too young in the 80’s to appreciate
As is so often the case for me, a band's album with the heaviest guitars is my favourite album of theirs.
Classic album, one of my favorites by REM.
I love this album so much. By the time it released Document, the band’s sound was mature—but still, thank goodness, quirky and distinctive. Delicious! “Finest Worksong,” “The One I Love,” and “End of the World” would be enough to get me to five stars. But I’m pretty much *just* as keen on the deep cuts, especially “Exhuming McCarthy” and “Oddfellows Local 151.” The album is solid from start to finish. There’s simply no doubt: it’s a five-star offering. R.E.M. was one of the two or three preeminent bands of what I think of as *my* time, and this album shows the band at the start of its (long) peak. So, naturally, it has been one of the soundtracks to my life. Sniffle.
Awesome album. Brings back lots of memories
Iconic album Lenny Bruce was not afraid
no
R.E.M. grow on me more and more with every album I listen to.
It was ok. Not their best. Like automatic for people and greatest hits better
good sound
good album but not R.E.Ms best
Classic from the catalogue
5 stars, duh
My beloved. This is not in my top 3 REM albums but it is so good. The only skip on here for me is Fireplace and it still has a well done crime show sax solo on it so who knows. The megahits are megahits but songs like welcome to the occupation, heron house, lightning Hopkins, king of birds, and odd fellows are all such solid examples of REM being the best at what they do. Honestly the last three songs in a row might be the best representation of REMs range in a three track run. Top ten band all time, maybe top 5. Have to point out (leaving out names but the group will obviously know) how funny the one I love is to me every time I hear it because a friend from high school named her tumblr after it in a move to show how much she loved her boyfriend, never actually listening to any of the lyrics in the song I assume.
This is the R.E.M. record that I can really get into. The backhalf in particular is just one great song after another. They all play so well together and never try to outshine, they are a great band. I don't think I'll ever be a die hard fan, but I could throw this album on and know that I'll enjoy the whole thing. Soft 5/5
Awesome
Shit. I think I really like REM.
## 🔥 Documenting the Ascent: An In-Depth Review of R.E.M.'s "Document" (1987) 🔥 Released in September 1987, **Document** stands as R.E.M.'s fifth studio album and their final release for I.R.S. Records before signing a landmark deal with Warner Bros. This watershed record marked the band's transition from college rock cult heroes to mainstream contenders, driven by their first Top 10 single ("The One I Love") and a newfound political urgency. Below is a critical examination of its lyrics, music, production, themes, and enduring influence. --- ### 📜 **Lyrics & Themes: Fire, Politics, and Deconstruction** R.E.M. shed much of their trademark Southern Gothic mysticism on *Document*, confronting Reagan-era America head-on with their most overtly political statements to date. Lyricist Michael Stipe evolved from a mumbler into a searing commentator, channeling Cold War anxieties and institutional decay. * **Political Fury**: The album opens with a triptych of protest songs: "Finest Worksong" champions labor dignity, "Welcome to the Occupation" condemns U.S. imperialism in Central America, and "Exhuming McCarthy" resurrects Red Scare tactics with Joseph Welch's infamous "decency" sample . Tracks like "Disturbance at the Heron House" skewer political corruption through Orwellian animal allegories . * **Apocalypse and Irony**: "It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" captures nuclear-age dread via rapid-fire cultural references, contrasting chaos with euphoric resignation . * **Anti-Love and Deception**: "The One I Love" subverted wedding-playlist expectations with its chilling depiction of emotional manipulation ("A simple prop to occupy my time") . * **Recurring Motifs**: Fire symbolizes both destruction and renewal ("Fireplace," "The One I Love"), while labor and media manipulation thread through the narrative . *Table: Key Themes in "Document"* | **Theme** | **Example Tracks** | **Lyrical Focus** | |--------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Political Critique | Exhuming McCarthy, Welcome Occupation | McCarthyism, imperialism, corruption | | Existential Chaos | End of the World, Fireplace | Apocalypse, societal breakdown | | Emotional Alienation| The One I Love, Oddfellows Local 151 | Dehumanization, loneliness | | Labor & Creation | Finest Worksong, King of Birds | Artistic struggle, resilience | --- ### 🎸 **Music & Sound: From Jangle to Distortion** *Document* radically reshaped R.E.M.’s sonic identity, trading jangly arpeggios for muscular, riff-driven rock. * **Guitar Dominance**: Peter Buck embraced distorted power chords ("Finest Worksong"), surf-punk energy ("Strange"), and sludge-metal textures ("Oddfellows Local 151"). His chainsaw-toned solos defined the album’s aggressive edge . * **Rhythmic Precision**: Drummer Bill Berry adopted click tracks for mechanical rigidity, while Mike Mills’ melodic basslines countered with fluidity ("Lightnin’ Hopkins") . * **Experimental Touches**: Saxophone skronk ("Fireplace"), dulcimer ("King of Birds"), and Fairlight samplers hinted at future experimentation—though some felt these jarred with the band’s core aesthetic . * **Cover Reinvention**: Wire’s brooding "Strange" became a barroom stomper, highlighting R.E.M.’s post-punk roots . --- ### 🎛️ **Production: Scott Litt’s Arena-Ready Polish** After the organic *Lifes Rich Pageant*, producer **Scott Litt** (working with R.E.M. for the first time) amplified their sound for mainstream clarity: - **Vocal Forwardness**: Stipe’s lyrics—once buried—now commanded attention, adding urgency to polemics and pop hooks alike . - **Controlled Chaos**: The "chaos method" of writing (noise-jamming into songs) was tempered in mixing; wild samples were largely discarded for focus . - **Dynamic Range**: Remasters (especially 2005’s 5.1 mix) sharpened the contrasts, from the thunderous "Oddfellows" to the minimalist "King of Birds" . --- ### 🌍 **Influence: Alt-Rock’s Crucible** *Document* proved alternative rock could infiltrate the mainstream without compromise: - **Commercial Breakthrough**: It became R.E.M.’s first platinum album, peaking at #10 on the *Billboard* 200 and launching two iconic singles . - **Genre Blueprint**: Its fusion of punk energy, political lyricism, and melodic hooks inspired Nirvana, Radiohead, and countless ’90s acts . - **Band Legacy**: This album solidified R.E.M.’s "thinking person’s rock" identity, setting the stage for Warner-era triumphs like *Automatic for the People* . --- ### ⚖️ **Pros vs. Cons: A Balanced Verdict** *Table: Critical Strengths and Weaknesses* | **Pros** | **Cons** | |------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | 🔹 Landmark singles with enduring cultural impact | 🔸 Side two ("Leaf") lags after "The One I Love" | | 🔹 Cohesive political themes reflecting Reagan-era angst | 🔸 "Strange" cover feels slight vs. originals | | 🔹 Peter Buck’s career-best guitar work | 🔸 Saxophone on "Fireplace" polarizes listeners | | 🔹 Stipe’s lyrical clarity and moral urgency | 🔸 "Oddfellows Local 151" overstays its welcome | | 🔹 Scott Litt’s clean yet powerful production | 🔸 Lacks the warmth of *Murmur*/*Reckoning* | --- ### 💎 **Conclusion: The Crucible of a New Era** *Document* remains R.E.M.’s most explosive work—a fiery, conflicted masterclass in merging art and activism. While its second half unevenly sustains the momentum of classics like "End of the World" and "The One I Love," the album’s political rage, musical innovation, and studio precision cemented R.E.M. as America’s premier alternative band. It stands as both a Reagan-era time capsule and a template for rock’s future, proving that "the time to rise" had indeed arrived. > **File under fire**: A burning manifesto for the ages.
Just a phenomenal album. Early REM were fantastic. What I like about it is that it hits a sweet spot where it mixes both their country and their rock influences perfectly. I love automatic for the people and I love new adventures and monster but this is like having the best of all of them.
Transition album from indie to a more produced approach
One of the albums that started it all for me.
REM are really great, I think they basically don’t have a bad album and this one is also a banger. The One I Love is such a great single.
One of my favorite REM albums as Michael could finally be understood more and the instrument play became more sharp with some great riffs and drum play.
They have BNL vibes but can provide their own unique flavor at the same time. I know BNL came after them.
Incredible, timeless, angry, beautiful. My favorite album from a band reaching their peak
5/5
I love REM, top five favorite bands. This is a 5/5 album & not even in my top three of theirs.
An R.E.M. album worth having.
I'm not even 50 albums in and this is my 3rd REM album. What I have discovered is that I love REM more than I thought I did. All 5 stars so far, but Document is below Automatic for the People for me.
I listened to this album so much in high school it shows up in my fingerprints. It could use a re-master - it sounds thin by modern standards - but it is peak R.E.M. before they became beloved by regular people, unabashedly precious and jangly and teenage mysterious and despite that, kinda fun, which was a new thing for them.
First best album i heard growing up
I listened to this right before starting the generator, and it's even better than I remembered.
Standout Songs: Finest Worksong Disturbance At The Heron House It's The End Of The World As We Know It The One I Love Fireplace Lightnin' Hopkins Oddfellows Local 151 Another incredibly fun album, and an absolute joy to listen to. Stipe’s voice is so beautiful. I’ve always loved R.E.M.’s music when I would hear it on the radio, nice to listen to one of their albums in it’s entirety. And I’m definitely glad this is the one I got. One of the best albums I’ve gotten in this project so far (day 41).
Automatic for the People has long been my go-to R.E.M. album, but Document gives it a real run for its money and maybe even beats it. It’s raw, energetic, and political without ever feeling preachy. There’s a sharpness and urgency here that makes you do more than just listen, you feel it. The sound is fantastic. The guitars snarl, the drums march forward, and then there’s Michael Stipe’s unmistakable voice, walking the line between cryptic and desperate. He sings with a sense of insistence that gives the songs both tension and depth. “The One I Love” and “It’s the End of the World…” are obvious highlights, but the album holds up all the way through. Even the deeper cuts feel essential, like there’s no filler here. This isn’t just a great R.E.M. album , it’s a great rock album. A document, yes, of a time, a sound, and a feeling that still resonates today. 5/5
To be honest I don’t need to listen to rate this a 5. But I will listen again and act like I haven’t heard it thousands of times. Of all the great covers R.E.M. has given us, Strange is by far the best. Yep still 5 stars after another listen. File under Fire.
FIRE
1001 Album of the Day #276 R.E.M. - No. 5 Document [1987] It's no secret I consider Document, Green, and Out of Time R.E.M.'s trifecta. Also that I hold all of their albums up to Monster in high regard. This album to me, however, is their crown jewel? (10) ★★★★★
That’s great. It starts with an earthquake. What a great listen. Another classic.
Outstanding
Great album. Have loved it since it was released.
Love love live
Incredible
I was only familiar with the singles released from this one, and that was a mistake on my part. I’ve always loved It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) and The One I Love, but Oddfellows Local 151 is a dark, twisted ending to this great album.
Solid from beginning to end. Even when it gets all psychedelic it works. R.E.M. at the top of their game here!
Uma obra inteligente, enigmática e sútil.
R.E.M. at the height of their powers. This album shows a lot of musical chops. The bass is forward and obviously heavily influenced by funk music. The sax solo is a nice touch. And Michael Stipe's haunting voice is perfect. Overall a very enjoyable album!
The One I Love’ by R.E.M. is probably the first song R.E.M. I really remember—not just hearing, but seeing. It was on MTV, back when the channel actually played music videos all day. I was a freshman in high school at the time, and by then, I was already deep into metal—Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, all of it. But something about that song stopped me. It was haunting in its simplicity—just this raw, echoey guitar line and Michael Stipe’s voice cutting through. It didn’t sound like anything I was into, but I didn’t change the channel. I just watched. I wouldn’t say it made me drop metal or anything, but it planted a seed. Eventually I started listening to R.E.M.s earlier albums and was blown away, Document is not on par with those but this still holds a place in my heart, hence 5 stars.
Enjoyed this all the way through. I know End of the World was everywhere for a while but I still like it.
I just really like R.E.M. and find most of their albums to be pretty great. This one is no exception.
c'mon
Auch geil, End of the World einfach n klassiker
Was not in the mood for today's offering so went back and listened to this. The second best album by the first best American band. This and Green (their best in my unpopular opinion) cut through the hair metal and teenybopper music of 1989 and made me the weirdo I am today.
The album that made R.E.M great. Probably one of the best political rock albums of all time. Often overshadowed by the other albums of '87, but it's hard to compete with great albums like The Joshua Tree, Diesel and Dust, Kick, Appetite for Destruction, Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me, Hysteria, and Music for the Masses. Even so, this is probably my second favorite of the year (after Joshua Tree) and gets a well deserved 5 stars.
I had never listen to the album in full. It’s great!
40 minutes of alternative magic.
rem no. 5 for 5 stars
I was dating a man in 1987 from Atlanta and I was introduced to this album then. It’s as great today as it was back then. And even with the lyrics right in front of me, I will never be able to nail down the words to It’s the End of the World. Bet you can’t either.
One for my favourite bands, 5 Star, no notes.
Certainly deserves to be among the top 1001. A great mix of melody and rock.
An all-time favorite album.
Jangly guitars get louder! Obscure lyrics, you bet. I do love this album.
No hace más que alimentarme cada vez que REM está de visita en mis oídos. Puede que sea una banda muy diferente al resto y eso le da su valor especial.
Not for everyone but definitely for me. Recently did a chronological run of REM albums during a work day and got to the end of Automatic for the People. Green was the first REM cassette I bought but I burned this vinyl from the library. It just rocks and has fire.
Truly great all the way through as an album.
Geggjuð plata. Ég er meiri automatic maður en finnst þessi samt alveg sturluð líka. Góðir textar, þétt tónlist.
Svakalega góð plata sem stenst tímans tönn vel. Ekki eitt leiðinlegt lag. Bjuggu til Alt Rock sándið. Ég er mikill aðdáandi fyrstu þriggja platnanna þeirra. :-)
This is probably my favorite R.E.M. album that I’ve heard so far. Every song here is great. Much heavier than Murmur was especially on songs like Strange and Oddfellows Local 151. The shape of alternative rock to come.
Another classic R.E.M. album. I said all I needed to say on the other ones. This is a favorite of mine from them and they really show their growth as songwriters here.
This is #day208 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it's my second R.E.M. album here. Once again, a strong effort from the band. Their breakthrough record, if memory serves me correctly? As a Technical Documentation Engineer by day, I can't help but appreciate this album, after all, it's called "Document." Jokes aside, it's clear why this album solidified the band's signature style, one that would only continue to evolve with their next few releases, all the way to New Adventures in Hi-Fi. The anthemic Finest Worksong, the still-so-relevant It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), the pre-90s alt-rock classic The One I Love... and then Michael Stipe singing "Crazy, crazy world, crazy, crazy times" on Fireplace... Hey, Mike, was it really that crazy in 1987? How about now? Collapse into now, right? The saxophone in that song caught me completely off guard. I loved it! This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day209.
it's a winner
Yep.
Brilliant.
Distinct R.E.M. sound was honed with this album. Worth the read.
Some bands catch a wave, others are the wave. Document proves that in 1987, R.E.M. wasn’t just ahead of the curve—they were the curve, writing songs that would shape the sound of the ’90s before the decade had even begun. It’s an album stacked with urgency, grit, and melody, where every track feels vital, every riff purposeful, and every chorus impossible to ignore. Michael Stipe’s cryptic, commanding vocals, Peter Buck’s unmistakable chiming guitar, and the propulsive rhythm section of Mike Mills and Bill Berry all lock together into something that feels both raw and meticulously crafted. This isn’t just great alternative rock for its time—it’s the blueprint for what would come next. And then there’s The One I Love—a song so deceptively simple yet so utterly massive that it still stops you in your tracks. That iconic opening riff, the way Stipe’s detached, almost bitter delivery turns "This one goes out to the one I love" from a love song into something darker, more haunting—it’s pure brilliance. It’s the kind of song that lesser bands spend entire careers trying to write, yet for R.E.M., it’s just one of the many moments on Document that hit like a hammer. Finest Worksong kicks the album off with sheer force, Exhuming McCarthy sneers with political fire, It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) is a manic masterpiece of lyrical chaos, and King of Birds brings in an eerie, poetic beauty that lingers long after the album ends. This is R.E.M. at their sharpest, boldest, and most forward-thinking. Document isn’t just a great album—it’s a defining moment in alternative rock history. Every track is a banger, every song feels urgent, and the whole thing plays like a warning shot for the decade to come. It’s not just a 5/5—it’s essential.
Day403 - their fifth studio album and maybe their sixth best album but it’s still amazing
A classic record - The One I Love still makes me a bit emotional. I remember be affected by it when travelling in my twenties.
What I love about Document is that you literally are watching this band grow up before you eyes. Each album of there's is taking bolder steps, but they also expand their musical ambitions. Excellent work from the boys from Athens!
Sixth Form in a nutshell! I had forgotten how much this was a soundtrack of that time for me, fantastic album, much better than the later ones
"Document" is the fifth studio album by American rock band R.E.M. It was their first album produced by Scott Litt. The album was noted for more audible lyrics and a harder rock sound than their previous albums. It was their greatest success at the time hitting #10 in the US and #28 in the UK and was met with critical acclaim for its tougher, meaner and leaner sound. I kind of like the meandering R.E.M. Side One or the "Page Side" opens with "Finest Worksong." The drums, grinding guitar and bass drop. Wow, clean vocals from Michael Stipe. A great rockin' opener and similar start to an album as "Begin the Begin" on "Life's Rich Pageant." Most people are unsung heroes in day-to-day life and go unnoticed. A melodic guitar opens ans stays throughout "Disturbance at the Heron House." A nice guitar solo and criss-cross baking vocals from Mike Mills. Stipe finally admitted in the 2000's that this song was inspired by George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and a revolt against the hard-line totalitarianism during the Reagan era. I can't even imagine what Stipe is thinking today. Drum rolls please. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." A stream of consciousness rant by Stipe based on Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues." Stipe said he daydreams alot and sometimes about the end of the world with images coming to him. And this is that song. A spit-fire vocal delivery great backing vocals by Mills. What can you say but "jelly bean, boom!" Along with Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," "The One I Love" may be one of the most misinterpreted songs. Stipe laughed at the time and eventually gave up accepted people's interpretation of a romantic song. It's about using people and leaving them behind. Minimal vocals. Pete Buck's guitar riff and solo really make this song go and memorable. A really good song to listen to the expertise of Bill Berry's drumming and Mike Mill's bass playing is the "Lightnin' Hopkins." I have no idea what it's about. It named after the band seeing Peter Buck playing a Lightnin' Hopkins' album. A dulcimer and a marching drum beat start "King of Birds." Stipe in almost a numb, emotionless state. A sing that builds. People, icluding yourself, are put on pedestals and don't deserve it. Sadly, gone are Peter Buck's jangly guitar and Michael Stipe's mumbling vocals. I really didn't care what "Radio Free Europe"'s lyrics meant. In are a harder, edgier guitar and cleaner vocals which seem to have a political tilt or no meaning at all. And, it's still a great album. I have to admit, along with "Monster" and "Out of the Time," it probably has been my least played album out of their first ten. I don't know why but I was glad I got listen to it again. The band is rock solid and there still are remnants of their earlier selves. A recommended listen at any time.
This album was such a moment.
I love this album so much. I thought it was just nostalgia but a fresh listen confirms it.
The continuous success wave of a top 3 band of the 80s before their coming transformation into icons.
This is peak REM and their breakthrough to big mainstream success. I haven't listened to the whole thing in a long time, but it is still great. Although my contrarian self in 1987 couldn't stand The One I Love because it was WAY too popular, it is a great song. Side One of the LP starting with Finest Worksong and ending with It's the End of the World is one of my favorites sides ever. This is an incredible album and as close to REM perfection as you can get.
another earlier r.e.m. pick. i swear, this jangle rock sound is something completely absent from a lot of modern rock circles. i think this album is one of their best. there's more than a few hits in here, and the tracks that are lesser known are great as well. i love rock music where i can just thrash my head and my body... it's so fun to indulge. i love it. i love it all. these guys deserve to be up there with the likes of pearl jam and alice in chains when it comes to iconic alt rock.
Claramente un pionero del punk 90ero
Wow. I’ve always loved their hits, but never got into a full album until now. Pretty much perfect from start to finish. Infectious singing, beautiful melodies. Hard hitting and punchy instruments. You can hear the entirety of 90’s rock that was to follow in this album. A new favorite. Cannot wait to listen to the rest of their albums.
Best: Its the End of the World as We Know it (and i feel fine) Worst: lightnin' Hopkins Liked songs: 100%, 11/11 Low 5, 93/100 LE NARD BERN STEIN. To be honest, I kinda irrationally hated R.E.M before this. Probably had something to do with Michael Stipes' voice taking some getting used to, or the fact that I always mixed them up with REO Speedwagon (who are also pretty great), but I just sorta hated them. Now that I've listened to a full album though, they're fantastic. The songwriting is slightly above average, but very much above average for the 80s, especially on songs like exhuming McCarthy and King of Birds, and the other political songs like the opener. Tracks 1-8 are all certified bangers, and are easily some of the best alt rock ever produced. The album fades a little bit in the last 3 songs, but not enough to lower the albums overall standing very much, since they are all great, just not A-side great. Something about the album cover is also really cool to me too even though i literally have no idea what's going on. Fantastic album, and a pretty easy 5/5.
Yep, this is my music. Used to own this album (vinyl). Although it's not my favorite R.E.M. album, I don't see Fables Of the Reconstruction or Lifes Rich Pageant on the list, so I'll give it a five star by proxy. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" is one of those songs that also defines my generation. Glad we had this album over the weekend so I could turn it into a R.E.M. marathon weekend.
one of my favorite albums ever, 5 stars
I bought this on cassette tape on holiday in Canada as a teenager, along with Murmur. They are to this day my two favourite R.E.M. albums but this one probably just edges it.
Pretty good album. I like the beat.
Favorite Track: The One I Love
Not remebered that album :-)
A great week finishes with an absolute banner album. I think I’ve already gushed about REM in a previous review. Suffice it to say, this band was a revelation for a bookish young kid - this album in particular. Absolutely wonderful.
Happy birthday to me. Best album to hear this morning. This has always been a favorite. Every bit.
I got Automatic For The People a couple of weeks ago so I guess it's only right to compare the two. For me, I think 'Automatic...' had the higher highs, and although 'Document' doesn't quite reach those highs, it is overall a bit more of a consistent record. It doesn't dip in quality slightly in the middle, if anything it gets better with the two well known tracks 'It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' and in my opinion, the best track on the album 'The One I Love' which has a great riff. These two have the catchiest choruses and I have to shout out whoever does the backing vocals, they're top notch every single time they appear throughout the record. A great listen, very enjoyable, glad it appeared. Still love Michael Stipe's vocals. Prefer it to the other R.E.M. album on this list which I gave a 4, so this one is going to be top marks.
Yeah rem just made good album after good album I don’t know what it is and before I was tempted to just give document a lower rating as it isn’t my favourite REM album but there’s not a single bit of filler on here 5/5
O álbum Document, do R.E.M., é uma excelente surpresa. As músicas me conquistaram de imediato e me proporcionaram uma experiência única, já que nunca havia ouvido nada da banda antes. Para mim, esse álbum é uma verdadeira revelação, com canções que são ao mesmo tempo cativantes e cheias de profundidade. Descobri um som envolvente e uma proposta sonora que superou todas as minhas expectativas. Definitivamente, uma grata surpresa e uma banda que vale a pena conhecer.
Over the span of four albums, REM built up a following, especially on alternative and college radio. If not for this album, they would have stayed a something of a cult band. Green, it turns out, had a secret weapon in the form of the song It's the End of the World As We KNow It (And I Feel Fine). It checked all the boxes necessary to elevate REM to major stardom - easy to remember and singable tune (check), funny memorable lyrics (check), and uplifting attitude (check). Overall, the album is somewhat distopian but doesn't fall in on it's own heaviness. It would take two more albums for REM to start headlining stadium shows, but this is the album that got the ball rolling.
Amazing album, loved every song!
Indie magic
tremendo! the on i love
Very important album in REM's discography, which allowed the band to reach another step in their upward curve towards popularity, which started in the eighties and saw them attain global stardom during the early nineties. *Document* has a couple of valleys songwriting-wise (basically the middle of side one, plus the quite awkward "Lightning Hopkins" on side two), but its peaks (epic and instantly memorable "The One I Love", rowdy and snarling "It's The End Of The World As We Know It", angular-yet-catchy opener "Finest Worksong") are, simply put, iconic. "Welcome To The Occupation" and "Fireplace" are also great cuts. They don't exactly reach the same legendary heights, but they make the whole album worthy to check out for both REM fans and more casual listeners. Which is why it would be criminal not to include it on the list. Now, like each and everyone of those REM fans, I have my own idea of what the ideal ranking of the band's ten best albums should be. Lots of people can argue about what the so-called "objective" list is, and everyone knows that finding such a list is impossible. Here's my own ranking anyway: 1. Murmur 2. Reckoning 3. Automatic For The People 4. Out Of Time 5. Life's Rich Pageant 6. Document 7. New Adventures In Hi-Fi 8. Green 9. Monster 10. Fables Of The Reconstruction Those records go from good to insanely great. I will only include the first six in my own list though. *Document* is thus the last one to make the cut. Because in spite of its couple of missteps, *fire* runs through this album, both lyrically and musically. 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 5. 9.5 for more general purposes (5 + 4.5) Number of albums left to review: 21 (plus the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past versions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions) Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 421 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 251 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 311
I liked the average song from this album less than I liked the average song from Automatic For the People, but I think that the best songs on this album are better than the best songs on Automatic For the People.
There was a time when I probably would have hated this album, but now that I’m older, I’ve started to see R.E.M. in a new light. This album marks their transition from an indie college rock band to a more commercial, radio-friendly sound, but they never lost their core identity—and most importantly, they kept those jangly guitars. Even though I’m a bit burned out on some of the radio hits, it’s still a solid album from start to finish.
Album 557 of 1001 R.E.M. - Document (1987) Rating : 5 / 5 An awesome album from a favorite band. Great tracks just keep coming. I would rank a few of their albums above this one but it still gets the rating.
I loved this album - great songs, lyrics, and variety. I would absolutely buy.
Man, early REM was so good. I had only heard End of the World and The One I Love before (and I know them well), so the others were all new to me, but man, I just love the sound of this album. I listened to it twice. Five stars.
own
I mean... its springsteen. Not really my bag, but I can see why people love it.
Grandioso disco. Buen intercalado de voces. Grandes melodías. Canciones muy creativas, con sonidos y capas muy interesantes.
It IS the end of the world as we know it, and I DO feel fine. Thanks, R.E.M! Seriously though, R.E.M. is always great. I think "Automatic For The People" is probably the better overall album (or maybe I just have more nostalgia for it), but this one is definitely an enjoyable listen. Good energy, good songs, good listening experience.
Great Post Punk, great band
Another of my very favorites. This is the most rocking REM CD. "Finest Worksong" kicks it off right on a heavier note, although with the usual classic REM backing vocals. And while there's plenty of lighter moments throughout, all the standouts are harder rockers. "The One I Love" and "End of the World..." really pop, they're just amazing rock songs in every way. The latter shows so much of what makes REM incredible. Weird stream-of-consciousness lyrics, checks. Plaintive backing vocals, check. Jangly treble guitar and jacked-up backbeat snare, check. And then that breakdown bringing in the piano and the vocal countermelodies, it's just flawless. I like basically every song on here, and it's fast, fun, and functions as a cohesive whole.
Fantastic album.
LP
Great album, we listened while driving east towards Mondegreen. Reminds me of listening to REM while driving to New York so many times over the years.
What is with the awesome albums lately! They’re mostly rock but they’re still awesome. Amazing album
R.E.M.'s Document is a standout album in the college rock genre, blending thought-provoking lyrics with infectious melodies. Released in 1987, it captures the band at a pivotal moment, where their underground roots began to meet mainstream success. Tracks like The One I Love and It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) became anthems, showcasing Michael Stipe's enigmatic vocal delivery and Peter Buck's jangly guitar work. The album’s production, handled by Scott Litt and R.E.M., is crisp yet retains the raw energy of their earlier work. Lyrically, the album navigates political and social themes, offering a reflection on the turbulent times. Document also hints at the band’s evolving sound, foreshadowing the more polished, arena-ready direction they would take in the '90s. The fusion of catchy hooks with introspective, often cryptic lyrics makes the album both accessible and deep. It's a perfect representation of R.E.M.'s ability to balance artistry with appeal. Document remains a timeless piece, influencing countless bands that followed in their wake. For any fan of college rock, this album is a must-listen. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 5 STAND OUT TRACK - It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
An incredible blend of jangly guitars and urgent vocals, Document feels like walking through a familiar city on a crisp autumn day. The lyrics are cryptic, yet they linger, like a phrase you can’t quite shake. It brings to mind the edge of Talking Heads, but with a rougher, more rebellious undertone. The album flows, creating a journey that’s both introspective and outward-facing.
You get your GenX card revoked if you don’t know who REM is. I was just surprised that they actually had albums other than Automatic for the People! …AND they’re good! Obviously End of the World and One I Love are top tracks, but I really enjoyed the non-radio-play tracks such as Lightning Hopkins and Disturbance at the Heron House. I am going to continue to dig into this lost gem!
I've been on an R.E.M. kick recently, and this may be my favorite album now, but I need to let it sit more. I think this is one of the most consistent album I've heard from them so far. There was only 1 song I didn't really like. Low 5
Ovo mi je možda i najdraži rem, svakako najdraži za slušanje
yet another Insistence From The Universe that i need to freakin get into r.e.m.! im sure ill have more to say about this in the proper context of their career which is how i typically like to approach things but its not necessary at all to be in ecstatic enjoyment of the record. their songwriting and general melodic sensibilities are cryptic and emotive to a degree that makes their best songs feel like they contain the universe or at least A Universe or at least Some Kind Of Answers About The Universe. rly difficult to not get swept up in just about everything here. i rly gotta revisit murmur
Haven’t heard this in ages and I’m wondering if I owned this record, or they just played every inch of it on the radio. Damn it’s been a long time. Truly classic REM. This is quintessential Gen X college radio. Such a specific sound. Everything about this feels tangible and real. Hard not sing along with the hits. This One Goes Out to the One I Love, indeed. Because this record has the official Gen X anthem, It’s the End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Fine, this gets an automatic 5/5.
THE FINEST HOUR OH OOOOH!
Absolutely love this album. For me- this was their peak. They had mastered their jangly sound but were yet to take it to the polished poppy style which starts to expose itself with Green.
probably the first REM album I was exposed to thanks to MTV. They got their first 2 commercial hits. Last album on IRS before they signed to Warner Brothers.
Oh lord, I’ve spent ages over this one. I really want to give it a 4.5. What to do? Definitely ahead of its time, sounds like it’s from the 90s and I can see how influential it was. Better than some of the 4s I’ve given. Listened to it at least 4 times. Hmm…
History repeats itself
One of my favourite REM albums, first 8 songs are just perfect, struggle a little bit with King of Birds, but otherwise wonderful. The political messages are still relevant even now.
Great stuff. I can't believe the only R.E.M. tracks I'd ever really heard before were Losing My Religion, Everybody Hurts and End Of The World. Favourite tracks: Welcome To The Occupation, The One I Love
Classic sound. 5/5
I like this more than the Daft Punk. Love the title of “Exhuming McCarthy.” This album just has a really classic 80s sound and I enjoy it! I don’t think I’d taken the time to listen to REM before; I’d definitely listened to “Welcome to the Occupation” before, though, and obviously “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” And “One I Love”!! I feel like I keep hearing tinges of “Save it for Later” by the English Beat in some of the songs and I don’t know if that’s just in my head. I was especially interested in listening to “Lightnin’ Hopkins” because I thought it’d be about the artist. It’s not, but it’s still a sick track. Basically, this album has a bunch of bangers on it and it kept surprising me… like oh! This song is on here! And this one, too!
HELL YEAH! ITS THE END OF THE WORLD
I'd heard & liked of a few of the singles from 'Green' when they first came out but I wasn't really aware of the band until they exploded with their 'Out of Time' album. What a joy it was working my way through their back catalogue. 'Document' is brilliant. It's a much bigger sound than previously and you can sense them starting to grow into the superstars they became. 'Finest Worksong' is a great opener. 'Exhuming McCarthy' has a sharp jagged rhythm that gets the songs point across so well. I love the horns on 'Fireplace'. There's so many other great songs here and the even the few that aren't top notch are still pretty good. 5 Stars (14/15)
Wunderschönes Album mit ausgereifter Musik und tollen Songs. “The One I Love” einer der schönsten R.E.M Songs überhaupt. “The End Of The World” leider heute aktueller als früher und “The Finest Worksong” immer gut zu hören. Dieses Album fesselt den Hörer ohne ihn festzuhalten, es erheitert ihn ohne albern zu sein. Es ist schön das ein Document mit “The One I Love” ❤️ gibt 😊
Very cool
This is the album that got me into REM, probably not the album really both some of the songs on it. I wasn't confident enough in high school to own a REM album, that was for the goth kids who were comfortable enough to be different, though they were all being different together. Those last two sentences have nothing to do with the album. Stipe's voice, Buck's guitar and 11 songs that rock.
Love.
Easy top album of all time entry here. Maybe top 20 for me?
Pretty good, although I feel like Automatic for the People is better than this.
this is them at their best from what i’ve heard. really improved their business acumen
Great album, especially “end of the world as we know it”. Nice reprise on
One of my all time favorites. A perfect slice of lates 80s college alternative pop
Favourite songs: The One I Love, It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), Disturbance at the Heron House, Finest Worksong, Welcome to the Occupation, Exhuming McCarthy, Oddfellows Local 151 Least favourite songs: Fireplace 5/5
I'm in the tank for R.E.M. big time. I love them and I don't understand why they don't seem to have a larger cultural footprint. They are honestly one of the best bands of all time and so far ahead of other bands of the era. Yet, they don't seem to have the lasting acclaim they deserve. I'll never understand. Anyways, easy 5 stars.
First time listening to this straight through in ages. REM decided to make a damned rock record for once. You can actually understand most of Stipe's vocals (other than End of the World, of course). Some wonderful songwriting and some pretty damned awesome guitar work. I don't know why I didn't become more of an REM fan over the years. This is really good. Unexpected bangers: Strange, Fireplace
The One I Love, ja. aber auch It‘s The End Of The World As We Know It und weitere tolle songs. Ich liebe den Sound von R.E.M., mit Gitarren, Schlagzeug, dem Gesang von Stipe - immer wieder toll!
I mean, its perfect. Even though it came out in 1986, I hear elements of 90's grunge and 70's folk. Stipe's haunting vocals are choice and cheeky, powerful but never overdone.
It’s a 4.5 that I will once again bump up to a 5. My biggest complaint about Murmur was that I didn’t think the lyrical depth was too strong; the melodies were great, the vocals had a good kick, but the lack of really meaningful lyrics just ate at me. This album remedies that pretty well – there are still a few songs where the lyrics are a bit lacking, but there’s definitely more tracks that blend together the great melodies with really strong lyrics, especially on the more politically-charged tracks. I really don’t think there’s a bad track on here; even the ones that I thought weren’t as lyrically strong more than made up for it with super strong instrumentation that felt at least 8 years ahead of schedule, and Michael Stipe’s vocals on this record really help to make those instrumentals pop. Ultimately, I think it's just a great album, hence the bump up to a 5.
Phenomenal album, one of my favourite REM have done. A true classic
Great album! Heard some unfamiliar songs but also heard a lot I knew.
Just a classic. Every song and its writing is amazing. Catchy songs and great performances as well. Very good!
"Leonard Bernstein!" Is there a better 1-2 punch than "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" into "The One I Love". 1987 is when REM were still just an indie band making their own jangly way in the world. 5 albums in but still a shadow of what they would become. It's still a standard rock band here, no synths, and no mandolins yet. Just good jangly guitars. Bass tone on "Exhuming McCarthy" makes me smile every time, it's so crunchy.
Confirma que é para sempre a qualidade do rock maduro e responsável. Sendo o ápice a sequência de "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" e "The One I Love"
Six o'clock, T.V. hour, don't get caught in foreign tower Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself churn Lock him in uniform, book burning, bloodletting Every motive escalate, automotive incinerate Light a candle, light a motive, step down, step down Watch your heel crush, crush, uh oh This means no fear, cavalier, renegade and steering clear A tournament, a tournament, a tournament of lies Offer me solutions, offer me alternatives and I decline Pretty damn good album. 5/5
Better than expected