Reviews (page 4 of 13)
Another one from a band a band who once influenced my taste and now means nothing. Well, this is my favourite R.E.M. album, for what it’s worth.
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.
So much bolder and more brash than Murmur. Some great songs here and I do love them, but it's a cut below that one.
Retomamos nuevamente el reto, y de nuevo con semana corta. De las bandas de esa camada grunge/alternativa de los 90, R.E.M. es la que seguro se vio más eclipsada por sus colegas más rotos o rockeros pero que siempre tuvo un sonido sólido. Buen disco. Sin más para agregar, seguimos en estos días, gente.
Finest Work Song It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) The One I Love
3,6 Highlights: Finest Worksong, It's The End Of The World As We Know It
Favourite Track: Finest Worksong. Lot of great tunes.
I really enjoy R.E.M.'s 80s output, but I have to say, most of it isn't that different from each other. I don't really mind it either, when I'm in the mood for some of that punchy, melodic jangle pop I can just put on one of their records and it's gonna be a good time. Yeah, I like this.
Ok, I've spent many years on the bad side of the fence for REM. This was better than I expected and much to my chagrin, I'm giving it 4 stars. My husband will forever remember this and I will likely never live this down. That being said, I will not be independently listening to REM.
Another classic that I haven't heard in years! This is full of great songs & of course can't forget the poppy song about the end of the world! Great record!
I feel very shiny and happy after listening.
7.87/10
Another great R.E.M. album! No doubt these guys are talented songwriters. "It's the End of the World As We Know It" has become so infused into popular culture that on the strength of that singular song, this album should probably receive high praise. Fortunately, there are other tracks which support that rating, too.
Celtic revival gone indie, so gooood
Some really high points on here but felt it tapered off a bit near the end. One I Love is an all timer, end of the world is just a fun time and there’s some bangers on the front end. Love Michael’s vocals as always.
I liked this album much more than Green. This album has more of a hard rock sound, which I prefer in my alternative bands. The lyrics were also clear on all the tracks, a welcome change from their earlier mumbling vocals. The hits (‘The One I Love’ & ‘It’s The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)’) are the best songs, but I enjoyed the entire second half of the album; the couple songs I didn’t like we’re on the front half. Good album, I’ll bump it up to a 4/5.
very 80s omg it's the end of the world as we know it & strange I was annoyed at this album to start, but I enjoyed it What's up with these 30-track albums, though
As rock goes, I would say it was pretty mediocre. It's good music, but I don't think it brings anything new to the table. Except It's the end of the world, which had me playing that song on loop for a good while.
This is pretty good. This has aged very well. Did I make a mistake by not being a bigger REM fan back in the day? There are one or two songs on here that will still be in rotation 100 years from now.
Pretty good! Not their best.
"Album with ""End of the World As We Know It"" and ""One I Love"".
Funny, I'd never listened to this record as a whole but knew nearly all of the songs, and as for the songs I didn't know, well, they are equally impressive too. This is better than "Green", an album I was familiar with, and much better than their commercial sellout "Out of Time". Only "Automatic for the People" beats this record, albeit for very different reasons (and sound). Great album, well-crafted songs, and still typically R.E.M. 4/5
had a couple of classics, love the overall sound
I loved this album
This may be my favorite REM album so far (from this project). Felt more cohesive, and has two songs I adore. Highlights: it's the end of the world as we know it, the one i love
Not bad, it's a vibe. 4 stars
I feel R.E.M is the most 4/5 artist. Almost an all-time great, but never quite gets there. Their albums are always above-average, always worth listening to, but seem to lack the final push. Like "The One I Love" and "It's the End of the World As We Know It" are all good and fun, but the album tracks here seem to lack the melody or songwriting to push the album over the top. Automatic for the People is 5/5, though. Murmur is probably that, too.
loved "the one i love"
На 7, в дискографии есть альбомы намного лучше, например дебютник
Eighties was a intersting part of R.E.M., before shiny happy people
I think objectively it is good but personally I wasn’t the biggest fan. I liked about two songs from it but might have to give it a re listen because it was pretty good
Pretty solid album that has held up pretty well over almost 40 years. I only knew the two hits prior to today but the rest of the album was really good as well!
some classics on here for sure!! they’re fun and nostalgic bc my parents played them a lot growing up
Listened with claire getting ready for building snowball fight!! Surprised by how nostalgic the album was, definitely recognized a fair few of the songs
Quite okay
I like these guys. Especially their first few records, which capture a certain kind of drifting-in-your-early 20s melancholy. They were the perfect band to listen to on a rainy afternoon, when you were thinking you might want to call somebody but weren't sure who. I think this is their last record for IRS Records, before they got signed to Warners and went big (which never quite made sense to me). This album has a bunch of pretty good songs, like Disturbance at the Heron House and Lightnin' Hopkins. And if that was all, I'd give it a solid 3. But it also has the sweet and nasty "The One I Love" and "It'sThe End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel FIne), easily two of their best songs. And two of the few songs from the 80s that an old guy like me will still go out of his way to hear.
Wait that's kinda fire, that's a 4.5 album. Favorite track : it's the end of the world as we know it (and i feel fine)
Rv/g
Cool and influential alternative rock album with a couple of fillers - but singles are great and so are two final tracks
I think this is my favorite R.E.M. album. I still don’t love it, but it’s got some great songs. I also appreciate the Lightnin’ Hopkins shoutout, he deserves to be on this list.
REM is one of my many favorite bands. This one shows off their more rock-ish side while still keeping that signature REM sound. Great album
Love it. Own it.
Opening song is OK not my favorite guys. Welcome to the occupation is kind of a vibe, HANG. YOUR COLLAR UP INSIDE lol. DISTURRRRRBANCE ATT THE HERONN HOUSE this is a banger. Strange is really fun, it makes me think of quirky stuff I love. THATS GREAT IT STARTS WITH AN EARTH QUAKE. Genuinely love it’s the end of the world.. it’s how I feel at all times, like it’s just so great to jam out to and be like ITS THE END OF THE WORLD!! BUT I FEEL F I N E. this goes out toooo the one I love. FIIIIYAHHHHHHHH I love Mike mills.
nice bass lines
mike mills. that’s it. just kidding. it has some great songs but some stinkers.. listen to the first 4 album to get your mind blown but still a good album!! i love welcome to the occupation and disturbance at the heron house the most!!
long time favorite
i love rem, great vibe fun sound i think i liked all the songs tbh this was a pretty short album which was kinda nice, wld def put this on
I like this one! I did not like it at first - I don't listen to this style of music a lot - but there were so many bangers. By the end I was dancing and feeling cool. Love the last song, and we didn't start the fire, of course. Lyrics made me think. I liked how imperfect some of the songs felt. Made me feel cool to listen to, like someone from another era.
I have been a pretty big fan of the singles off of this album for a long while, so I was excited to hear what else the album had to offer. It was heavier than I expected from R.E.M. (which is not at all a bad thing). It's exciting throughout, the music is great, I enjoy the vocals quite a lot, and the lyrics for most of the songs are very well-written. It feels timeless, in a way, and I really enjoyed it.
Favorite Tracks: Finest Worksong / Exhuming McCarthy / It's The End of the World... / The One I Love Rating: 4.1 I listened to the "25th Anniversary Edition - Remastered" versions.
These guys really knew how to make music.
Objektiv gutes Album, paar eingängiger Songs. Ist wahrscheinlich so ne 3,5. Vllt nochmal hören, daher 4. Für die Zeit sicher crazy sound. Heute immer noch gut
I have a secret. I thought that "It's the End of the World and We Know It" was a Barenaked Ladies song my entire life until today. Best Song: The One I Love Rating: 8.5/10 Stars: 4
Very good and better than expected.
I really liked the first five songs on this album
Ok, segundo álbum de rem que me ponen, me gustó mas
I liked it very much and will definitely keep listening. Was a fun surprise and a huge throwback to see I already knew one of the songs.
exhuming mccarthy it’s the end of the world as we know it (and i feel fine) (also, i know this bc mom sings this!)
4/5. I like this. Fades away a bit. Will add to vinyl collection potentially
4⭐️ LOVED the first song of the album and the overall sound songs I already knew: it’s the end of the world as we know it fave new song(s): finest worksong, welcome to the occupation
Amazing alternative rock. They are like are rougher version of the tragically hip
incredible album, finest worksong is an absolute screamer
4/5
cool album name. cool album cover. It's The End Of The World As We Know It stands up to the 10 million listens a person goes through. that's an achievement. starting to think I have underappreciated REM music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
"Crazy, Crazy World; Crazy, Crazy Times." Not much has change in 28 years, REM.
I think of all the R.E.M albums I've listened to, this is the most R.E.M album.
I just love how REM sounds
this is peak rock right here
Their fifth album. Indie / Rock. I've always been a fan of R.E.M. Whilst this may not be my favourite album of theirs, it is still really good. Well produced, great vocals and cool general vibe. Also, I'll see your We Didn't Start The Fire, Billy Joel, and raise you It's The End Of The World As We Know It, R.E.M. ! The One I Love is a really good track too. Good album !
Great album with some awesome pieces
Influential and melodic, interesting to listen to with the perspective of what it had accomplished in other musicians.
Obviously influential
Solid album that shows what REM was turning into
Lots of classics on here
Total blast from the past. Good to hear it again. Took me right back to a world before children 😁
There is a world in which I would have given this a 5, but that world doesn’t (currently) include him shouting “firehouse” at me for the final three minutes.
Pretty mixed album. Great in places, average in others. 4 seems fair.
Incisive
heard it before, all bangers
Sound and production are solid, but not my cup of tea
Fav track: welcome to the occupation, the one I love, oddfellows local 151 Such an epic album, glad I got to explore REM more and definitely looking into them even more!
Actually quite good. Some hits. Some fun songs. is that a sitar?
Great REM album
I thought I had never heard this album. Didn't remember the name at all. I started listening and went I know this. Then I realized it was a dubbed tape I had no name just said REM. Decent album, has a few hits of theirs. Some songs were meh to me, the last track I wasn't a fan of and honestly skipped it halfway through. As usual overall they have good music and for the most part match the time and place, not quite a time capsule album but if you want to do a deep dive this is a great place to start.
I feel in two minds about this album. There were a few moments where it felt a bit bland, particularly in the first half - there are definitely a couple of songs that feel slightly lifeless. But the vocals & instrumentals are consistently engaging & impactful, and the stand out tracks are absolutely brilliant. During the middle of the record, it comes alive, and really picks up to become a very well made & strong album.
Listened to whilst on a morning run, Charlie stayed in bed. Favourite song: Exhuming McCarthy
I have often heard REM suggested as an influence on early Radiohead and I could really hear it in Fireplace, with the progression and guitar sound very similar to something from the Bends. Another solid effort.
Some great songs on this and very few lowlights. Stipe and Mills sound great together here (it may be overplayed but how the two compliment each other on ‘it’s the end of the world as we know’ is still delightful). What they do, they do really well, but if there is one criticism I have that stops it just shy of getting a 5 is that lack of experimentation, or doing something out of their established style even just for a song or two that shakes things up a little.
Enjoyed this one !
A very popular album from an 80s power band, Document was well received for songs like Finest Worksong, The One I Love, and the wildly famous It’s The End Of The World As We Know It. The rock sound from the band is clean and crisp and Michael Stipe’s vocals are calm yet strong. A great choice to be part of this project.
This is a bridge album for R.E.M. and it shows high points of two styles they are between: the tuneful, folk rock of their early music (like So. Central Rain, Driver 8, and Fall On Me) and the more raw, rock-driven edge of songs like The One I Love. This album works that line, albeit clumsily at times, with Stipe vacillating between kitschy sing song and passionate lyrical delivery. The instrumentation is strong, and overall, the full package holds up well. This album is definitely uneven but features a lot of great moments and hints at the big things to come.
Remember the college radio sub genre? I wonder if that's still a thing. Hope it is. REM has always been a favorite. They can deliver a great rock song then pivot on the next with a soulful melodies. I prefer the rock side and this album delivers a few great examples of those. I'm a fan of Michael Stipe as an artist, I enjoy his songwriting and voice. One of the true talents to come out of the 90s. One of the things I like most about REM is how they evolve over time, while always remaining very much themselves. I think they continue to get better through the 90's and hope to see more of them. Safe bet we get at least one more, fingers crossed we get at least two.
I liked “Strange” “It’s the end of the world”
Great record. Great sounds. Great poetic lyrics. Not all of the songs are there for me.
I didn’t realize they wrote end of the world as we know it
Álbum bom. Essa banda continua me surpreendendo. Minha faixa favorita é sem dúvida It’s The End Of The World, adoro ela de verdade desde que sou criança. O disco inteiro não me pegou totalmente. Sua atmosfera é agradável, análoga a um dia nublado, os refrões são bons. Algumas passagens pré-britpopianas certamente influenciaram outros artistas na época. Mas nem toda faixa me conquistou. O santo não bateu. 4/5
The turning point for R.E.M. The sound on this album is bigger and more resonant than their previous output. It's always cool to hear/see when bands successfully transition into a new mode, and part of what "successfully" means is to move into something fresh that starts another chapter while leaving an existing body of work that stands on its own. Early R.E.M. is great, as is this next stage of R.E.M. There's distinction between the phases, but it's all good stuff. "Finest Worksong" is so good. And of course can't ever fuck with "The One I Love." Great album.
I wasn’t sure what to except from R.E.M as I’ve only really heard their music from the 90s. Safe to say, I was quite impressed. It’s an album which is well ahead of its time, each song is well produced with solid vocals from Michael Stipe in tandem. A stand-out song for me was ‘It’s the end of the world’, the song reminded me of We didn’t start the fire by Billy Joel, I was a big fan. Overall, the album was an easy-listen with a nostalgic feel and a classic. Favourite tracks: It’s the end of the world and Exhuming McCarthy My rating: 4/5
Enjoyed some classic rem
80s take on mediaeval political troubadour type songs. Love Michael Stipes voice. The one I love is a outstanding track. Lightnin' Hopkins is a great song. I think I'm a sucker for group whoahs in songs.
More great songs, great music, and great vocals. Class act.
Iconic 80's album and an iconic 80's song to kick it off. "The Finest Worksong" is a gem, so catchy and hooky! Then you add in radio friendly favorites like "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" (275M listens) and "The 1987 radio megahit "The One I Love" (168M). This album moved them from fringe college favorite to a mainstream audience. I know, I was in college then. This release stands the test of time, it has a large listen count from top to bottom and the 3 songs mentioned above will always have a home on the radio. Then you throw in fan favorites ("Disturbance At The Heron House", "Welcome To The Occupation", "Exhuming McCarthy", etc) and you have a solid album that helped make them superstars. "Fireplace" & "King Of Birds" were the only songs that should have died at birth, the rest all fit. The impact this album had cannot be overlooked, it ushered in an indie sound that hadn't been prevalent on mainstream radio prior and helped make them a household name. 3.5 stars, rounding up.
La musique des années 80 c'est vraiment la meilleure musique. J'étais super contente d'avoir cet album aujourd'hui parce que j'avais en tête cette idée d'écouter plus de R.E.M mais je l'ai jamais fait ! Les deux seules chansons que je connaissais de eux c'est Losing my religion (évidemment, mon père l'écoutais) et It's the end of the world as we know it (c'est le générique du visiteur du futur, une webserie française iconique que je regardais au collège. Quand ils ont sortis le film il y a quelques années et qu'elle était au générique de fin j'étais super émue). Bref, passons à l'album ! Pour un album de R.E.M, j'aurais pensé que l'album iconique aurait été "Out of time". Mais cet album est vraiment vraiment super omg. Premier titre j'étais direct dedans. Il y a des super rifs, ça groove, c'est exactement le genre de rock joyeux et punk que j'adore (comme police on my back de the clash). Le mix est vraiment super, on sent que la technologie à vraiment évolué par rapport à l'album des 70's de the door d'hier. C'est clair, on entend bien tout. La voix du chanteur est super reconnaissable, c'est clair que c'est R.E.M quand on entend une chanson. Je re insiste sur le côté joyeux punk rock que vraiment j'adore. C'est comme une version plus moderne, moins punk et américaine des Clash (que j'adore évidement hehe). Cet album donne envie de faire un doigt d'honneur au gouvernement et de danser avec ses amis l'été jusqu'à ce que tu sue et que t'ai plus de souffle, t'assoir à la fin d'une chanson et être obligée de te relever et de danser de nouveau parce que celle d'après est aussi ta préférée. Parce que le monde est triste mais R.E.M le raconte avec une joie communicative. "It's the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine". Chansons préférées (dans l'ordre) : Finest work song; Its the end of the world as we know it; Exhuming McCarthy
the least interesting of their IRS records but still very good
I like REM especially the older stuff
Good album imo
Overall: 8/10 This might be my favourite R.E.M. album. After their stellar debut, they made a few good albums, but nothing that really stood out. Then this album comes out and they seem to have kicked things into high gear. The songs are just so catchy and poppy on this one, I can't help but love them. The rest of the world seemed to agree, as this was the album that broke them through to the mainstream. Fav Song: Disturbance at the Heron House
Probably REM at their best
Raw REM. Liked it
Some super solid hits, a good album but not every song left a lasting impact. The artistry was still impressive.
What a gem, great listen.
Good stuff! Would listen again
Bon ben c’était un bon album, même si je suis pas sûr de ce qu’il fait dans une liste limitée à 1001 albums à écouter parce que c’était finalement assez classique pour un album sorti en 1987. Je suis sûr qu’il y a des albums qui y auraient plus leur place. Mais sinon, j’ai passé un bon moment !
Another strong record from R.E.M. with a couple of justifiably big hits and some hidden gem deep cuts.
Not REM's best but a timeless and classic band nonetheless with some quality songs. More like a 3.9. Still great
Very iconic singing voice. The bangers are bangers, but the rest of it grinds
I think R.E.M are one of the bands that deserve to have this many entries on this list because this is the 4th album i’ve gotten from them (I know the losing my religion one is gonna be on here so that makes 5 in total) and each one has felt very unique in its own right whilst also having that signature catchiness that R.E.M seems to do so well. They feel very tight as a band and work really well together, Michael Stripe also has those inflections to his voice that make the vocals great. Not to single him out of course, throughout this entire album the band perform really well and, given this album is heavier than the others in sound, can be heard in the different guitar sounds and solos with the drums and bass complementing it well. This may be my favourite one from them but it’s close between this and their debut, again they are very different as R.E.M changed it up between them but this is an album where each song is good. Although, I wasn’t the biggest fan of The end of the world as we know it as it felt very out of place compared the rest of the album and didn’t even feel like a song from them, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I think the song is a bit annoying as well to be honest. Favourites: all but the one I mentioned. Overall, 8/10.
4.5. A near perfect record with some absolute bangers. Document is the perfect bridge album between their indie and major label sounds, showing the band wouldn’t lose any artistic integrity. Would be a 5 for 99% of bands, but I need to consider the rest of their excellent catalog in my score.
Pretty good, plus a few tracks I've always loved.
I like plenty of R.E.M’s singles but have never dabbled in a full album, so I wasn’t sure how this would land with me. Given I already liked two singles from it (“It’s the End of the World As We Know It” and “The One I Love”), I was cautiously optimistic. And I was right to be. Lyrically, it’s a scathing political commentary in the typical Michael Stipe aesthetic - more poetic than in your face - over some brilliant guitar work. Musically, it’s made me realise I just love the backing vocals on R.E.M tracks, probably more than Stipe’s lead vocal, and a lot of that can be found on this album - “The One I Love” is my absolute favourite of those backing vocals here (and probably on any of their songs). Some of the tracks, particularly towards the end, had me losing interest: however, overall this is a tight, consistent, subtle, decimation of Reagan’s America.
iconic album with huge nostalgia factor
I liked it pretty much. It was a pleasant listen.
Gets a little samey even though it is such a short album, but the highs are really high.
What a fun time. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I always forget It's the End of the World As We Know It is an R.E.M. song and not a Barenaked Ladies song. Oddfellows Local 151 surprised me with its grit. R.E.M. was another band I've only ever been neutral on, but this one has me interested in listening to more. Now I just need list man to give me Out of Time so I feel obligated to listen to it.
Says a lot but really says nothing? Probably the issue our boy Dane has with them.
REM are one of those special bands that can garner indie cred and mainstream success, through their upbeat, quirky, yet accessible sound. They’re one of the only bands that my mom and dad like equally (though they saw REM at Rupp Arena in ‘95 and often recall that the band was kinda phoning it in) Document tries to make sense of, and have fun with, how shitty the world around you feels. I love that. Many of my favorite artists are those that see the chaos and weight of life and produce sounds that serve as either a blissful escape or a joyous, sharp rejection.
In summation, it is a great album with a couple of heavy-hitters and some nice jangling melancholy; nowhere near the beauty of Murmur or dark emotional heft of Automatic, where Stipe's voice develops more of a baritone. But as swansong for their college rock days, pre the big-time, it's grand enough.
Always love some REM
Murmur remains R.E.M.'s 'finest hour,' but there is something to say in re the group's first refusal to 'murmur' any longer: Stipe clears his throat w/o an embarrassing or pedestrian devotedness to radical politics. What he's learned, or at the very least learned to express, are dialectical materialism and the structures of history: 'Sugar, cane, and coffee cup / Copper, steel, and cattle / An annotated history'; 'There's something going on that wasn't here before . . . There's something going on that's not quite right.' W/ this said, their political clear-eyedness fits right in w/ their new musical program to be catchier and happier than ever. Like a Born in the U.S.A., Document is this group's daring attempt to be more accessible AND more meaningful.
Lots of great songs.
Again, impressed with REM. Nice to see a fuller picture beyond their singles.
Guess they covered their bases by adding “As We Know It”. That way that song can be relevant every few years when shit gets worse.
HS memories: End of the World (my karaoke goal) and The One I love
i like the other rem albums we’ve had better but there’s some mainstream hits on this one that i had no idea was them
Not a top 5 REM record but still really good. Haven't listened to it in a while
Have to confess this is my first time listening to this album. Obviously know REM from the bigger hits (in the UK) that come later. This is good! Bit more rock and less poppy. Will definitely go into rotation.
Two hits
8 / 10
Probably the heaviest of their indie albums, even if End of the World is a jangle banger. Could have used a little tightening in the last couple songs.
Was already edging on the R.E.M. discography this week, so this album was good timing. Very solid album and made me decide to do the deep dive. I think this is the next big step for Stipe and Co after Reckoning. Wonderful.
This album is weird in the best ways. Kind of all over the place, but it matches my ADD. There are moments that sound like REM is doing their best impression of The Pixies and those moments kept me intrigued. I’ve always found it hard to get into this band, but I must have smoked the right strain last night cuz I walked the dogs extra to listen to the whole thing. I’d love to read Michael Stipe’s lyrics to get a better understanding of them. He’s a strange writer and this album piqued my interest. This album and KISS’S 1998 Sisyphustic album “Psycho Circus” are two sides of the same coin… If REM’s side represents “Amazing”, then KISS’s side represents “The Worst Dogshit You’ve Ever Heard”. I would be interested in hearing a mashup of the two though. That would be an interesting afternoon.
pounding at times and enthralling, had the right drive and intensity to it
Consistently cool. Liked the overall vibe. End of the world as we know it was my favourite.
2 R.E.M. tracks i like on this album. I'm not a huge fan but the rest of the album really feels really well polished and well written
Classic REM. Need this on vinyl.
Nice.
Fantastic Album. Obviously, there are a couple of earth-crushingly famous tracks, but the other "filler" is still better than 95% or current music industry output.
I don’t listen to REM enough
im very impressed with this record. its just songs that feel good to listen to. its not flashy or impressive, its just its own thing. the only song i have an issue with is "king of birds", but other then than that, i think this is quite good. 8.7/10
End of the world is pretty good, of course. "The one I love" is good as well. All in all a pretty good album. 4,5/5
Kyllähän tätä nyt kuunteli ihan suht mielellään, ja pari parempaakin kipaletta osunut mukaan, niin annetaan nyt hiukan hövelisti nelkkukelkku.
Liked this more than I anticipated, most songs were good listens without many songs I’d skip
Maybe repetitive, but still good. Short, easy accessible songs, many of which sound melodically like “The One I Love”, which is a great song.
this was the REM album I played the most in the 80s
I discovered REM with Green, and saw them on that tour. I went back and bought their previous albums. Document is a really good album. I still prefer Lifes Rich Pagent though.
I find it hard to love REM. Their music just doesn't "hit me in the feels." They've got some undeniably quality songs, though, and many on this album. It deserves a . . .
Favorite Track: One I Love
This album is best described as jangly, poppy indie rock before indie rock was a thing. It's obviously influential, being the breakthrough album of one of the biggest bands of the 90s. The lyrics are quite good, and the lead and backing vocals are both good, if not excellent.
Good stuff
Such good vibe on snowing day at my small room alone in the morning. Makes my mood to lift and want to continue today. Really like guitar in this album, maybe 'cause it's closer genre to me and overall songs are in my taste. "Finest worksong", the first song in the album, was a great start and I liked it to a good degree as I added it to spotify liked playlist. Did like "It's the end of the world as we know it" too, hits right there. The album was great at start and mid, but kinda starts to fall in the end. Not to offend, just not as good as at the beginning, still decent songs. Overall, I rate this album pretty high, 8.3/10
A great album by a great band. College radio wouldn’t be what it is without these trailblazers.
Another forgotten gem from my youth. While no "Life's Rich Pageant", this album still has plenty of that lush sound I love so much from early days R.E.M.
Surprisingly great album. Like hearing the crossroads of 80s and 90s indie rock. You can hear earlier influences like The Smiths and then feel their own influence to come with bands that will emerge after them. Good production and performances, really solid overall.
Solid album
Great, as always!
Great!
все хорошо.
Fun and enjoyable. 4/5.
Another reminder of how good R.E.M. were as a four piece. Great, indie rock from a band who were seemingly at the peak of their powers, if not their fame. Jangly guitars fight with distortion and the distortion wins this round to great effect. Stipe's typically obtuse lyrics are here, but the hooks and melodies are so strong who cares what he's actually singing about? Best Tracks: Finest Work Song; It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine); The One I Love
Really solid R.E.M. offering. Kicking off with Finest Worksong and also featuring End of The World and The One I Love. This is showcase of a great band that really honed in on what they do. There are other albums songs in their catalog that I prefer but this has been on vinyl purchase shortlist for a while.
REM stepped out of the college dorms for this one and it worked. Scoring them a timeless album that still rocks to this day. One of my favorites from this band.
great jangle pop, production could have been better.
End of the world and this one goes out to the one I love re both iconic songs for me. I didn't love the whole album but it was definitely a nice listen
need to listen to this more. but rn loving the beats and the vibe of it is perfect for autumn.
This seems really smart.
Pleasantly surprised by this. Had heard the singles before but never listened to the album and really enjoyed it, would listen again. Favourite Track: it’s the end of the world
Finest work song, McCarthy, end of the world
8.09/10 4/5 REM is always pretty good and I love end of the world and the one I love
Really enjoyed the one!
Great
2 classic songs on this album: “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” and “The One I Love,” the latter reminding me of the Smiths.
Not too shabby
When I was young and received the CJP magazine, there was a recommendation for R.E.M. in it. At the time, they were still completely unknown in the Netherlands, yet they were already being recommended. Watch out: this band could become big.
I consider R.E.M. one of "my bands" because their sound captures something that I love and that nobody else has. However, the album experience is a little bit lacking in my opinion — it can be enjoyed, but I couldn't listen to it frequently. With that out of the way, "The One I Love" is one of my favourite tracks ever and many of the progressions in this album are jams. Interesting rhythms, instruments, and lyrics. The band mixes up the tempo then hit a cool groove, meanwhile the great voice of Stipe is waxing poetic and sometimes belts out lyrics. Calm and anger exist simultaneously, and I dig it.
way better than murmur
Great album with a couple of classics!
The album that introduced me to REM
Strong opening, good hooks. Liking it more than I expected Nearing the end, strong album
Une belle découverte, parfaite pour travailler!
Very good. I enjoy REM.
This historically hasn't been my favourite R.E.M. album, but I had forgotten how many great songs there are on here beyond the well-known hits, as well as how amazing Michael Stipe's voice sounds. I'm giving it four stars, but it's a narrow miss for five, only because the album's final run isn't quite as good as the start.
A great album and I feel it’s probably the one that started the golden age of R.E.M. knowing that there is better to come from later down the line this one gets a 4 from me but it is a brilliant album
Liked this a lot. Weird to call them an underrated band given they did actually achieve massive mainstream popularity, but that's how it feels.
Oddfellows is the best song on this album IMO... the ability to make it sound so 'disregarding' is a trait unique to REM.
Yes.
Good Album
Good classic album
"the one i love" 💖
Some great stuff. I was never big into REM but, I totally get why people did them. Would totally listen to again.
"Stroke, stroke, stroke." "Stop mocking me!"
I listened to R.E.M. pretty much from the beginning when their odd, often un-understandable lyrics and different sound were perfect for my late teenage angst. By the time Document came out I was well past that and they changed as well. The lyrics, while still often odd were intelligible and the meanings understandable without digging to deep. For me this is about my favourite period for REM. Of course great music was still to come but for me this was when the changed from a band I listened to in order to seem a bit pretentious, to just plain good music.
Original indie sound, very influential band, enjoyable listen.
I can confirm that Mike Mills is very nice and cool to work with (he is the only member of R.E.M. that I have worked with but I will never miss a chance to mention it)
One of the best from one of my all-time favs. I appreciate when a band shows many different influences while not trying to sound like anyone else
A damn fine album
Brilliant
Good album I like song the end of the world and To the One I love
Pretty good. I don't feel like ever listening again but if I was forced to I would enjoy it
I like Michael Stipe’s voice. Especially when you can hear the words, which is the case on this album. The songs are good without any obvious filler tracks. A very good rock album! The closing track is a real gem! 4/5
Pretty good, quite similar songs across the album.
It feels fine
My favorite REM so far!
I actually liked this one. 4/5
Alternative album from before it was really a term that was in popular use for music. The jangly arpeggiated guitars over a more distorted guitar are a hypnotic signature of their sound, and it is all over this album. Solid performances and writing from all involved. The hit tunes from this album were in heavy rotation on the radio through the 90's and beyond. They definitely have staying power, and this album is way before his time.
Two standouts and the rest is ok. Probably in that 3.5 range.
Solid album, solid band. Very much leans into the indie folk side of punk but there's definitely a punk band in there. As with almost everything else I've heard by REM this album never properly grabbed my attention though end of the world might have done heating it for the first time. They are really good, not amazing, nailed on 4.
Not heard this album before. Most of it I thought sounded exactly like that later rem sound that I know them for but not quite there yet. But then there were other songs which were quite different to that later rem sound and more unfamiliar to me as REM. Obviously Stipes voice is pretty distinctive throughout. Maybe this was a kinda transitional album where they found that formula? Not sure if it's just because I'm familiar with them, but "it's the end of the world...." and "one I love" I thought were by far the strongest tracks here. One I love is the best. 3.5 but closer to 4. Automatic for the people still their best for me
pretty good stuff
This kicked off a long day of listening to REM.
great album, a little too close from the 80s' rock for me
Solid album, the use of different instruments and styles work really well.
Never listened to early R.E.M enjoyed it
Good
R.E.M.'s big breakout album. I totally get how people latched onto this. There are big anthemic songs, hints at the poppier songs that would come later, and a political consciousness that R.E.M. carried with them always. The first half of the album is perfect college rock. The second half, gets a little more experimental, but not that much. Saxophone on "Fireplace", the funkier "Lightnin' Hopkins", the plaintive "King of Birds" (a hint of things to come on Green), and a throwback to their post-punk roots on "Oddfellows Local 151". Overall the quality is exceptionally high, but I find that, while this second half is still good, there's just not as many memorable songs. Still a banger.
Sometimes, it's hard to remember that R.E.M. every happened.
This album starts to see REM transition from indie jangle into more "alternative". Not my favorite REM, but overall still great. 4.5/5
I've always liked R.E.M. but hadn't heard much of their earlier stuff. I really liked this album. The distinctly R.E.M. harmonies, Michael Stipe's unique voice and the understated guitar are all great. It always seems like R.E.M. have just done their own thing and it has always worked for me.
Solid album
I didn't realise there were so many bangers on here. I particularly liked the second song, Welcome to the Occupation
Good album with politically charged lyrics/intent and snacks, punchy music. - 3.5/5
Kul val av album, inte så öppenbart. Särskilt som Document också är sista albumet på lilla IRS innan man blev sajnade till storbolag Jag är svag för R.E.M. åren före genombrottet med "Losing my religion". Båda albumen "Document" och "Green" är genomgående bra, lägg därtill en rejäl bunt fina singlar så har du ett 80tal som inte skäms för sig. Det låter indie utan att vara det minsta svårtillgängligt eller poserande Tre helt strålande singlar i "End of the world", "Worksong" och “The one i love". Den senare kvalar med lätthet in på min topp 20 lista av bästa gitarrpoplåtar från 80talet. Men skivan är jämn och i stort sett fläckfri från bottennapp, det är ett band som här vuxit in i sin kostym. Vill gärna lyfta Peter Buck som får alldeles för lite kärlek. Han är otrolig på att hitta små finuerliga men bedårande gitarrslingor, en amerikansk Johnny Marr fast kanske ännu mer karaktäristisk. Stipe däremot är ingen vidare sångare och jag kan förstå om man har problem med honom, det har jag själv i stunder. Men aldrig så det stör helheten märkvärt. Fyran är stabil varken uppåt eller neråt, det här är kvalitetsindie från 80talet. Lyssna också på The House of Love - The House of Love (88), The Triffids - Born Sandy devotion,
Enjoyed this one a lot, good to unpack boxes to
Konstigt att denna plattan är med här. Visst är den bra, och The End of the World ... är en total banger. Men efter denna kom fyra eller t o m fem plattor som alla är klassiker. Här stod de på randen till något stort, men de var inte klara än. Out of Time, Automatic for the People, Monster ... 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Denna - en fyra
Enjoyable album with a few very strong songs
Iconic 90s album. High Fidelity’s Cusack would be all over this, spinning it in the breakup periods. Loved it.
Classic REM, post-punk vibes. End of the World and One I love are classics!
Good album, It's the end of the world is one of the better songs ever made 84/100
Not all songs are great, but its a pretty solid album. 7/10
Really like their sound, enjoyed this one a lot
Sensing a theme here - despite containing perhaps my single favorite REM song (The One I Love) I hadn't spent a lot of time (or any) with many of the songs here. I'm an absolute sucker for this early indie jangle-pop sound and this does not disappoint in that vein. Finest Worksong comes roaring out of the gates, echoes of "How Soon is Now?" for sure. I love how much of a time capsule this is from 1987 thematically as well, so many socio-political references including the 392 contained in just End of the World itself (which is fun but not my favorite REM song by any stretch, although what other song allows you to shout LEONARD BERNSTEIN at the top of your lungs). Disturbance at the Heron House is another highlight I hadn't heard before. Really enjoyed this one overall.
Several classics
pretty good, track I know best is It's the End of the World
Fantastic 90s alt indie rock. Top track: The One I Love / It's The End Of The World As We Know It
Personal favorite REM record. Songs are great, and the band is tight. Perfect mix of articulated vocals, but mysterious words.
I love the R.E.M. sound: warm guitars, Michael Stipe's unique voice, the backing vocals, and the occasional mandolin. These guys combine to make one of the perfect bands for me. I hardly ever listen to R.E.M. on purpose, but it strikes as I write this that I'm probably never in a mood that I wouldn't want to listen to R.E.M. This album is also quite well recorded ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
It was good, easy listening, inoffensive, I liked it.
Bastante bien R.E.M. Debería escucharlos más.
A great collection of songs and enough diversity to keep you interested throughout. Sounds like a product of its times and in a good way. Any low points are overshadowed by the highs and some incredible catchy and memorable tunes in there.
Can see why this album was a precursor to their popular breakthrough. Acoustic-ish guitar pop with a dash of the post-punk.
A must listen in the REM catalogue along with Green and Automatic for the people. Gets better with every listen.
Close to a 5. Two of my Fave R.E.M songs on this album.
There are some incredible tracks on this album, but ultimately some of the filler in between is too much R.E.M. by numbers,. It's an unmistakable sound which I love, but they have made better albums
Interesting album from them. You can hear the transition from the Indy rock of the older REM to the newer sound that they were really known for
They have better albums
I liked it, good rock album.
I like REM but songs not entire albums
Surprising to me that I enjoyed it as I didn't really listen to them back then.
Strong album all the way through. Even though the hits are in the middle of the album, I didn't feel a big up or down swing in quality around those songs. That being said, I'm not the biggest REM fan, but can definitely find myself enjoying them when they are on. Fireplace is definitely the worst song on here, but I enjoyed most of everything else. Decent 4
Probably the album that turned R.E.M. from a good band to a great band.
I've heard this many times before and enjoyed this a decent amount. It's not good enough to get a five from me though.
This was maybe not as good as the other REM albums we've had, though it's got a few of the songs everyone knows by them. It's slightly edgier and a bit more of a distorted sound than Green, or even earlier, and while it's ahead of it's time, it's closer to grunge than previous work. I think Monster would ultimately be the "grunge" album, but I digress. Stipe's work in this is great and he loses a bit of that drawl from his earlier songs; something I appreciate. The musicianship is typically excellent and the songwriting is as good as ever. Compared to the other REM albums we've had on here it's not quite as good, so not a 5 this time, but still a good listen.
It's the end of the world as we know it and the one I love are worth the whole album.
Probably their best album. I was never a big fan because their songs sound similar from record to record. This album has some very good numbers on it and is worth adding to your LP collection
REM at their jangliest, mumbliest best. This is a good one.
How can I document 'Document?' Like this: it's a solid entry and that I rated eighth best album of 1987. It has a couple of monster hits on it and the whole album is solid and fits together. Top tracks: "It's the End of the World as We Know It," "The One I Love," "Finest Worksong"
Really enjoyed! I really love Finest Work Song and The One I Love. Even though I rated them the same, I like this one better than Green.
I own this CD. The last of the "early albums" and not my favorite - that award goes to Life's Rich Pageant. There are a number of things I like about this album starting with guitar. I also like the second 1/2 of the album starting with The One I Love. I also like Lightnin' Hopkins, King of the Birds, and Fireplace. The first 1/2 has good R.E.M. songs, I just think they are average R.E.M. songs.
Great production, I just usually prefer more 'interesting' tracks 🤷♀️
After receiving 2 R.E.M. albums from the list (Murmur and Automatic for the People) and one outside the list (my in-laws gave me their vinyl collection, including a copy of Green), I think R.E.M. have finally clicked for me. I really enjoyed this album and might have to go back and have another listen to Murmur and Automatic for the People now. That said, I still can’t get past how much Michael Stipe sounds like Gord Downie and every time I listen to R.E.M. it makes me want to throw on some Tragically Hip instead.
1. The One I Love 2. Finest Worksong 3. It's The End Of The World As We Know It ( And I Feel Fine)
My least favorite REM album of the I.R.S. years. Which makes it a 4.5 - that's how good REM was throughout the 80's. My favorite band growing up, period point blank. This one finally got them the 'hit' that they long deserved, so I'm happy about that. But it is the REM album I reach for last out of their first...10 albums? Dang!
I've only heard this a few times.
Aside from Losing My Religion, this album seems to have the main songs that I’d think of when asked to say some REM songs. It’s pretty banging. End Of The World as we know it is an absolute bop. I’ve drank some absinthe so I’m going now because I’m sleepy.
N/A-Accidentally deleted my review. This album is definitely better than the last few albums I’ve gotten.
Precursor album for a lot of handfuls of classic alternative 90s albums. I got on with Doolittle the more I listened to it but R.E.M fa sho was like the first dose of this kinda sound. Cryptic lyrics, gritty but dreamy production, theres a bit of grunge baked into the edges. I can also see how Tool appeared right after this too, I hear a bit of Maynard in Stipe's vocals or vice versa. There is a beautiful jangliness to R.E.M's songwriting, particularly out of the gate and on Welcome to the Occupation. As far as unconventional vocalists go, I always got like a Weird Al vibe from Stipe's vocals. Maybe it's the nasaliness, and he does have that happy go lucky nature about him, little jig phrases like at the end of Strange. It's The End of the World.. has been one of my favorites ever since I was a kid! I remember bumping that shit on a mail order mp3 player in 2012 on the way to my 6th grade class. I can see how Stipe's vocals can be sort of an acquired taste at times but they're mostly pretty good. The One I Love is another huge highlight for good reason, incredibly fun and solid tune. The other songs are pretty rockin but they don't really have the same appeal as the heavy hitters. Kings of Birds is great as well though, I do think it could've been a bit cleaner without the bells. Oddfellows Local 151 ends the album in true obscure goth rock fashion, absolutely weird and haunting tune. All in all a great pillar album of what would be 90s alt though.
Tykkäsin!
Vielä alkuRemmiä ennen suurta Succesia. Pidän
Hyvä levy. 👌🏼
Paria biisiä lukuunottamatta tämäkin yhtye ollut todella vähällä kuuntelulla. Hyvältähän tuo kuulosti!
pretty good. r.e.m. does have a specific sound! i liked it though. “it’s the end of the world as we know it” is always good. nothing else stood out but i liked it nonetheless. 4/5.
It's interesting to me that REM is categorized as Alt Rock which took off in popularity and was the music I loved in the 90s, but REM kind of predated that and really first hit it big in the late 80s. They are a talented band, they've just never been my thing. I do like tunes like Losing My Religion, Nightswimming, Driver 8, but they have just as many songs that I don't really care for like Man on the Moon, Stand, or Orange Crush. It's very hit or miss for me and I think I've only ever owned Automatic For The People. That's a roundabout way of saying I've never experienced this album. Like anyone else, I've heard It's the End of the World As We Know It a bunch (Tommy Boy!). And because our middle school cafeteria got a jukebox installed in 1987, I am super familar with The One I Love, as that song was played basically every day by classmates at lunch. That means this album was already +2 on the love REM / hate REM count, which probably helped. That said, I actually enjoyed this record more than I anticipated. The first thing that really strikes me is how great the recording is. King of Birds is a perfect example: you can really hear all of the nuances built into this, whether it's the tweaked guitar, the varying drums, the overlapping vocals, etc. Beyond this, there are some cool songs beyond It's the End of me naming this song and The One I Love. Welcome To The Occupation was had some great harmonies throughout and is the type of song I generally really like. Oddfellows Local 151 was a cool closer, and just something a bit different, even for REM. It started to border on a harder rock song with the more prominent bass, which I don't think is the isn't super typical for their songs. Not everything is amazing on this record, and the quality of the songwriting wanes for me at times, but there's more than enough on here to warrant it's inclusion on this list.
9/10 9/10 8/10 8/10 8/10 9/10 9.5/10 7/10 7.5/10 6/10 8.5/10
These guys mean business from the very first pulsating riff and beats, and they don’t let up - the quality stays consistent and high throughout. “The One I Love” might be the weakest link on the whole album. A kick-ass achievement.
R.E.M. are always to listening to.
Second half of the album is solid. I love the harmonies in End of the World.
Favorites: It's The End Of The World As We Know It(And I Feel Fine); The One I Love; Strange 4/5 (+)
Good album, great band, however I tend to find many of REM's songs to be a bit more background music; I don't often really focus on them other than a few of them.
Fantastic. It's not the masterpiece of R.E.M., but it's still pretty good. The two obvious singles are easy to listen, the rest is still pretty good. You can really see the evolution R.E.M. starts to make here pays off.
Why couldn’t we have a R.E.M. reunion instead of an Oasis one? 4.3
I listened to R.E.M. a lot back in the day. I prefer Automatic for the People, but I enjoyed Document. Four stars. I miss Michael Stipe (not that he's gone, I just never see him around anymore).
funny how i was listening to finest worksong while doing my not finest at work
Great album, I love the bigger focus on rock music from R.E.M. in this album
I do love that I can tell what Stipe is saying but still have no idea what he means, he’s like a reverse Eddie Veder on this album. Everyone sounds really good it’s just that about half the album doesn’t make me feel anything, just doesn’t really do anything for me. Sleeper songs, “Lightnin’ Hopkins” and “Oddfellows Local 151”. Have no idea what those songs are about but they sound good.
love opening with Finest Worksong. it's a good album, but the final 3 tracks kinda ramble & loose their momentum. Life's Rich Pageant much stronger album.
Cool vocal melodies and weaves.
listened to this on cassette on my new tape deck this morning while I got ready and while R.E.M. has never been my fav band I really do understand the appeal! they are pretty good and bisexual !
Very cool
Not a bad listen. I think overall, not as good as the stuff I know them for, but still enjoyable.
Everything by REM sounds alright to me, but this is far from their best. Document sounds really clear and well done, but no songs really stood out to me. Personally, I find murky sound of Murmurs and 90s R.E.M. more interesting.
REM is a classic