Reviews (page 4 of 15)
My rating 4.2. This album is another nostalgia ride for me and also right in my wheelhouse. Love every bit of this record.
This is a great album. It’s hard for me to appreciate how impactful it was because I started listening to music in the post R.E.M. era so there was a lot of great stuff owed to their innovation.
One of the most experimental R.E.M. albums which is however not in my top 5 of theirs. I much prefer Reckoning, Lifes Rich Pageant, Out of Time and Adventures in Hi-Fi from those not in the list. I would swap it for the latter most probably. 7/10 [SWAP]
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.
Not sure if I enjoyed this or Automatic For The People More.
This is my first album of the challenge. It was quite new but I feel there's no comparison here. On an absolute scale, 6 on 10
Upbeat R.E.M. album with multiple anthems. Cover of Wire’s “Strange.” “Lightnin’ Hopkins” is an odd song, spastic rhythm, chanting, and horns. Closing song “odd fellows…” is another odd song out with a dark feel, discordant guitar and heavy bass.
j'aime bien welcome to occupation (que j'ai failli pas écouter)
It's the same reason I'm not a fan of reggae. Nothing happens melodically so I just don't find it interesting. Though "end of the world" is a childhood favourite which ups the score!
Fab fab fab!!
This is kind of a tough album to rate, but I did enjoy it throughout. I already enjoy much of REM, and it was fun to learn that they're considered the godfathers of alternative. The hits are great here, and the rest of the album is all well made and fun. There really isn't another band like them.
The song list has a couple radio classics in End of the World as we Know it and The One I Love. Finest Worksong isna good start. While the album has high highs it also had some kinda mediocre stuff on it, though I suspect I lack context for some of the political content. This one was released before my birth. I would love a modernised version of End of the World, that one would still be very relevant if updated for modern events. Aside from the classics mentioned earlier, I also liked Strange and Fireplace. I am a sucker for a bit of sax in a rock song. FFIIIIRRRREEEEEEEERREEEEEEE!
Favorite track(s): Welcome to the Occupation, It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), The One I Love
*1987. *Starts out strong with Finest Worksong. *End of the World and The One I Love are both on here too. *Just a solid listening experience all the way through. RATING - 7.5/10
Interesting lyrics, fun songs to listen to
3.5 - Some decent songs but not the greatest feature of REM.
2.5
3.0
Probably their best IRS record.
There are so many R.E.M. songs that I love but this album taught me that there are also many R.E.M. songs that I can just take or leave. Four stars for this album because the good songs are just so good. I’d be giving it three stars otherwise. Album 21, March 19, 2026
Minimal exposure to R.E.M. prior to listening to this. First full R.E.M. album listen through. Very much enjoyed it
Great album, lots of different sounding songs, just not my cup of tea.
Some good tracks but didn't gain loads from it, always fun to hear a song I know though without expecting
A very solid indie prog rock album and I enjoy it. Didn't get time to properly digest but it was enjoyable with some bangers that we all know and love :) a classique
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)
All R.E.M songs sound the same.
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!
I’m not the biggest rem fan, but this album is a classic. It definitely is a sound that got more polished as time went on when on but as a collection of songs, I think it’s a bit under done. There are a few songs I really like but others feel repetitive.
Outstanding
- Genre: rock - i didnt like it that much, not my fav genre of rock. - But, there are some good songs there. - 7/10 album, not that bad but still not my favorite genre.
I struggled to care about this album. Nothing wrong with it per se, just sort of whatever.
One of my favorites from REM and this era of "college rock", which was the genre at the time. This one is full of songs catchy enough to stick in your head but not too polished that you would be considered uncool for liking them, especially in the 1980s. Guitars that are often fully distorted can also give way to more jangly arrangements backed with a rock solid rhythm section. The two hits on here that just about everyone has heard come back to back right in the middle, but the surrounding tracks are still worth your time.
not my go to REM, and starts slow, but builds. will listen again
From College Rock darlings to the big time, this was the big breakout with MTV and One I Love and End of the World. A sneaky Wire cover was a nice surprise. It's not my favorite REM but it's not my least favorite REM. A Goldilocks album.
It doesn't sound like it was recorded in the 80s, which can only be a good thing. Clearly a leap forward from their previous work. Excellent production and interesting music. Enjoyable.
Reminds me of Geoff Crowe - high school.
I had higher expectations for this, thought I would like this but for me all songs seemed the same.
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
Not their best album
Like yeah pretty fun but I can’t work out if I like the way this guy sings or not. Was starting to piss me off but then became kind of a vibe?
Not their best
Album is a solid 4. Great singles, great flow, decent deep cuts. Well rounded and s good listen overall.
favorites: finest worksong; exhuming mccarthy; it's the end of the world
Not really memorable for me. I think I just cant stand his voice and this genre of music overall. The best song for me was Oddfellows Local 151 because I like its eerie vibe.
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.
I hoped I'd get a more dancey album today and sure, close enough. R.E.M. have some serious bops. Not every track is a hit but it's still a great album.
this was meh - a few i enjoyed, a few i thought were grating
This album feels like the moment R.E.M. truly came into their own, successfully transitioning from underground college rock darlings to a powerful mainstream force without losing their identity. The production by Scott Litt brings Michael Stipe’s vocals front and center, making the lyrics more audible, though no less cryptic, while the band adopts a harder, more muscular rock sound. It strikes a perfect balance between their earlier jangly aesthetic and a new sense of urgency and confidence. The record is incredibly cohesive, anchored by undeniable hits like "The One I Love" and "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)", yet the deep cuts are just as rewarding. From the driving opening of "Finest Worksong" to the haunting, atmospheric "King Of Birds", the musicianship is top-notch, featuring Mike Mills' signature backing vocals and Peter Buck's distinctive guitar work. It’s a tense, politically charged, and energetic masterpiece that remains one of the band's most essential and enduring works.
Fun rock album. The first four songs really hooked me in particular although it lost me with the middle part (except for the big hits), until picking back up again near the end. Most songs feel a little bit same-y though, which is unfortunate. But I can't deny they sound really tight on this record, and the musicianship is awesome to listen to. 3.5/5
Very good
This is the REM, I am most closely recognize more so than Murmur. End of the World & The One I Love are the classics but Strange & Lighting Hopkins are fantastic. Overall a great album not a whole lot of filler. 4
😇
The album feels pretty low-mid overall. A lot of the songs don’t really stand out and the whole thing feels a bit flat and unremarkable. Nothing terrible, but nothing that really pulls you back either. For me it’s one of those albums that just passes by without leaving a strong mark.
Finest Worksong verdens første grunge-song? The One I Love verdens første post-grunge låt? Skjønner ikke vitsen med å covre Wire. Minner meg bare på at jeg kunne hørt på bedre musikk. End of the World er en bop. Fortsatt ikke solgt på REM.
Mellomplate mellom den mer skitne rocken de holdt på med før og den mer strigla poprocken de holdt på med etterpå. Funker sånn halvveis, her kunne de like gjerne tatt steget helt til poprock, og det er på hitsa de låter best.
Snoooork
1987 More audible lyrics and harder rock sound. Has a more political undertone.
Energetic and vibrant album with a lot of color. Instrumentation was great and the tracks felt unique while also sounding like they were a part of the album and what it was getting at. 7/10, Favorite Song: Fireplace
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
Yeah I do not like REM. It’s like they’re trying too hard I don’t like that guy’s voice it’s just bad. It’s like U2 but worse....wayyyyy worse
Document was one of the first CDs I ever bought. I thought End of the World as We Know it was such a cool song. I had no idea the rest of the record was so good until I had absorbed it all. I still love End of the World, One I Love, FInest Worksong, Oddfellows Local 151, Exhuming McCarthy...the whole album is a must listen for me.
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
R.E.M. has always been one of those bands were I enjoy the hits and struggle to vibe with the rest of the album. This particular album, which have some of their biggest hits on it, resonates more so with me. Really enjoyed the vibe all the way through.
Думаю, достаточно типичен для того времени - немного гаражный рок и двуголосье в вокале. Почему то, напомнило весну, весну года 2019-2021, когда я шла со школы, и еще картинками в пинтерест весенними, когда только закончился дождь и выглянуло солнышко. Первая песня была по звучанию немного грустной, но потом остальной альбом держался плюс-минус на одном уровне по настроению. К концу ( ну ток Fireplace, Lightnin` Hopkins) стало поинтереснее, трубы в в LH прям оч хорошо Состарился, думаю, состраился еще в начале 00х. Не думаю, что буду к нему возвращаться хехе
Mmm no hay algo que destaque de este album para mí, no es un mal álbum pero hasta ahí
Endlessly cool. It's just a shame Michael Stipe sounds the same regardless of what he's singing.
REM actually blows
It's hard to pin down exactly why I like this album. But I do. Unfortunately I also listened to this album multiple times while putting together IKEA furniture, which may have colored my opinion of it. Sort of cheesy and fun in its own way.
this album makes It's The End Of The World sound annoying. otherwise i like it! i only have a vague awareness of R.E.M., but the record still didn't really measure up to the R.E.M. highs i was aware of. the lyricism was cool and some of the tunes were catchy. favorite song is probably Lightnin' Hopkins
Rating: 7/10 R.E.M. is a surprising blind spot for me as I really haven’t gotten into them before, and Document is an interesting one for me. The songs can really verge on annoying sometimes but can also be really enjoyable. I didn’t really especially like the last few tracks of the album, which didn’t help with the length of them. There’s some bangers though. This is clearly a very influential band, they have their own brand of the post-post derived jangly sound of the 80’s while also having aspects, good and bad, that really influenced some 90’s stuff in the pop/rock field that I don’t enjoy. it’s the end of the world as we know it it’s the end of the world as we know it it’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine it’s the end of the world as we know it it’s the end of the world as we know it it’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine it’s the end of the world as we know it it’s the end of the world as we know it it’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine
It's fine, I'm not a fan of the "formula" and vocals in general, even if the album is a little interesting song-to-song with almost interesting ideas. In short, I almost like it 5.1/10
A good template for the indie rock to come, especially bands like Deathcab. The intro guitar riff is quite nice, and this has the “end of the world” song we all love.
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.
mouth gang I was afraid this was just gonna be another overrated boomer rock album but this is kinda sick
I reviewed Green last June and really enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to listening to Document today. Before starting this challenge I had tried a few times to get into R.E.M. but never fully got into them. These albums have really helped change that. Document sits in that interesting period before they became huge mainstream stars, and you can hear a band that is confident in its own sound. It feels rawer and a little more direct than some of their later records. The jangling guitars, slightly mysterious lyrics and driving rhythms all come together really well. There is a real energy running through the album that makes it an engaging listen from start to finish. I have always enjoyed their bigger albums like Out of Time and Automatic for the People, and I am sure those will still come up later in this challenge. Hearing the earlier records like this is giving me a much better appreciation of how the band developed and found their sound. Favourite song: The One I Love Least favourite song: None. Every track works well within the album Album artwork: A cool and distinctive cover that fits the late 80s alternative feel
Far and away the best R.E.M album I've heard because there seems to be actual emotion to it and makes me feel something for once. 7/10
Another incredible album!
Eh kinda boring idk had a good song or two
This is probably biased as I am not a fan of REM at all, but came off as mediocre music from a mediocre band (End of the World has to be one of my least favorite songs of all time which probably doesn’t help lmao)
Classic
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.
For the most part it was fine, I wouldn’t mind hearing it but I wouldn’t choose to put it on. A few songs I did add to my library
I just don't like rem or his voice, what can I say
Not my favorite REM album, but as with most of their albums there's are some real bangers and some fairly forgettable filler.
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.
Solid listen, couple of big hits in there too.
While I generally enjoy R.E.M., it's appreciation more than adoration. I've listened to every album that has Bill Berry on it and I definitely like all of them, but a large percentage honestly starts to bore me halfway through. The exceptions are three albums that are coincidentally on this list: * Murmur, Document and Automatic For The People. Document might be my favourite, honestly. It's their first step towards a more polished sound and they pull it off very well. It's a punchy, fun and consistent set of songs (bar a couple of tracks near the end). I should definitely listen to some of their later work sometime in the future. I've heard good things about New Adventures in Hi-Fi, so I'll probably start with that one. Favourite track: Welcome To The Occupation
Good first pick. I already know some of the songs and I like the chill indie vibes.
Deafult
86. lightnin hopkins
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
As a middle class white suburban male of a certain age, i am legally bound to give any R.E.M. album no less than a 3, and any 80s R.E.M. album no less than a 4. This was my introduction to them, and i would have given it a 5 back in the day, but it's damned only for not being *as* perfect as the four albums before it. Mainly, it's just a little bit of Side B filler that makes it suffer slightly - most of it is top notch.
The hits are great but the rest of the album feels kind of soulless. The vibe I get is a very technically proficient cover band working on a cruise ship.
America's greatest (or at least, my favourite) band takes their biggest and most important step, bringing rhythmic muscle and pop confidence to their established gawky genius - it loses some nervy intensity, but not much charm. Favourite tracks: Finest Worksong, The One I Love, King of Birds
As is the way with REM this contains a couple of absolute Crackers (End of the World &The One I Love) ; a couple of things that make you go hmmm (Finest Worksong has you wondering how many tines they listened to U2. Lightning Hopkins makes you want to listen to Ligtning Hopkins instead) and a few songs that you'd cheerfully skip. (Looking at you Exhuming McCarthy) Wouldn't be my first choice to play.
Classic REM at its finest
Decent song
Pretty decent rock album not bad 7/10
6/10. Fav Track - It's The End Of The World As We Know It The first album where I already had some listening experience with two of the songs, which needed little to be enjoyable. The rest of the album had a similar sound but only really peaked one or two more times for me.
Ok for rem
Enjoyable alt rock album. It's pretty consistent but apart from the singles I've already heard (The One I Love and End of the World), my favourite was Exhuming McCarthy.
Joda
Довольно просто Не очень хитово Вокал не надоедает Инструментал разнообразный 3.2
Découverte. Album un peu plat avec 2-3 musiques mémorables. Clairement pas mon préféré de R.E.M.
Pas ouf dans l’ensemble. Je connaissais déjà le titre « It’s the end of the World as we know it »
Standout beloved tracks “end of the world..” and “the one I love” classic bangers. I love love REM’s distinct sounds, the bass, the guitar that’s constantly swirling. So atmospheric, bold, rich. I’m running for the train in the 90s to meet my anarchist friends.
Now this sounds like an REM album, at least this is the sound I think of when I hear it. Good album.
Released on my birthday
I think I have fully come to terms with the fact that I just don't get R.E.M. I just find them so uninteresting and to be honest, pretty generic. Their whole style of being an American take on jangle pop just doesn't work, that really should be left to British bands like The Smiths. And the vocals are also really weird, like he has a decent enough voice and is a perfectly competent singer, but the actual style of singing I just find really annoying and off putting.
Really mid start but peaked in the middle with end of the world and the one I love. Ending finished like the start in that it was mid. Overall, not a fan of the production of the album.
This was pretty good.
Such an iconic sound. As soon as I heard the first song I knew which songs were coming (2 in particular). I probably won't be seeking out the rest of the album again, but it was fine to listen to today. Just not entirely to my taste. Happy to hear out in the wild
This was convenient because it's actually the only 80s REM album I hadn't listened to. Honestly I'm not big on R.E.M and especially wasn't big on Green, so not big on this either. Sounds like average slightly off-kilter 80s pop rock to me. Kind of repetitive outside of a couple variations. Also Michael Stipe's voice really clashes with the big 80s production. Like End of the World though
Another collection of bangers from REM, the consistency is astounding.
Decent album but not their best. Only 1 single I recognize and that one not great.
wait is REM good? i liked this
Good stuff. Clean vocals while still being a lil grungy. Lyrics are a little visceral in a rock and roll way.
Pretty good
meh
Love this album for when I'm grinding. Keeps the focus
Great listen, already knew a lot more songs than I thought
Holy man wails, batman. I can appreciate a good man wail but wouldn’t typically listen to a whole album of it. The hits are great of course, although I realized I only really like the chorus of “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It.” My favorite song on the album is easily “The One I Love.” The beginning of “Lightnin’ Hopkins” felt like a skim milk version of The One I Love.
A fine album. REM has a very recognizable and interesting voice. I didn’t dislike or lose interest in any of the songs, listening to each of them all the way through. I wouldn’t mind having the album on again in the background. However, I don’t think I will be revisiting it again to listen to with intentionality. The two hits on the album, End of the World as We Know It and The One I Love, are the only tracks I liked enough to save, but they are good hits.
Some good somgs but I was bored
I haven't been much of an REM fan over the years. I don't dislike them, but other artists are ahead, however, this was better than I expected and I actually enjoyed it. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit 🫳 Fine ★★★☆☆ (6/10) Total reviewed : 240 Already owned : 54 Purchased : 12 To buy list : 3 Nope : 171
Not an album I would have normally listened to but it wasn’t bad, more diverse than expected
REM is a white whale of mine. Never knowing more than the hits I've always been so curious as to why exactly they are so beloved and canonised. Two albums in on the project it's becoming clear, people love them as much for what they created as for what they represent, and those two things marry beautifully- the idea of artists as craftspeople, using attainable skills to make things of beauty that speak to common truthes and concerns. The idea of a band that isn't critically lauded because of their virtuosity, or their avant-garde experimentalism, or their shocking left turns, but they did the work, and the work was good. That is a band you can believe in and feel good about living with your whole heart.
It’s half decent, but not really anything special. It’s the end of the world… is just insipid and so is The One I Love (although this I blame on it being so overplayed). Finest Worksong and Fireplace are the only tracks I heard that I thought I might revisit, the rest of it is just boring radio rock.
I thought that while the quality of the songs were high, none of the songs really shone bright to me. Some songs I really liked, but the rest just didn't stick out at all
Not the best REM record front to back but there are some classics, One i love, and discovered a new jawn i like, Oddfellows Local 151. Can’t say its one id just let play all the way through if i owned the record, its just not my style
Classic, good reminder of an album I once enjoyed that somehow got lost. Timeless songwriting and production value that still holds up. Still dropping to a 4, because of personal preference. 1 song made it to a playlist.
Enjoyable
What a nice change of pace! I found my head swaying to the End of the World song without a care in the world.
Whenever I thought the world was going to end, it ended up being just fine. Like another tuesday. REM was ahead of its time with this sound and you should hear this album for the history.
A definite standout record, one of REM’s best. The opener is a belter, as is the first half of the album. 2nd half perhaps not reaching the massive standards. Deserving of its place.
Listened to this once all the way through last year and a couple of the songs a bunch of times. It's really a two hit album with a bunch of other good politically lyrical tracks on the first side. As good as REM is this probably their 5th best album.
I wasn’t ready to like this one m, but their vibe is pretty solid. Enjoyable, all the tracks are good. 4 stars
Not a big fan of R.E.M. Some of the initial songs had a solid guitar, but not enough to overcome Michael Stipes voice. It grinds on me by the end.
Me gustaron pocas canciones, no está mal. Pero siento que es algo que quiere ser y no es.
Te transporta a lo más crudo de los 90s, sombrío, con mucha energía. Debe ser uno de los mejores LP de REM.
I really don’t know why we, as a society, stopped making music like this and started making buttrock instead.
Didn't like a single track except the two in the middle that everyone knows.
Not bad. More alternative than [[Rock]]. Pretty jammy. Not bad. High 3.
I hadn’t listened to this one in years, so I really enjoyed hearing it again. To me, it sounds like it could have been a double album if combined with “Green”.; if you like one, you will like the other. As I have said before, sometimes Michael Stipe’s voice gets a bit whiny for me, but I think it’s still a very good album…four stars.
- 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. -
damn i dont like rem
REM is definitely appealing to me. On a first listen, I can’t quite follow the lyrics but I can tell they are interesting and have depth. The music is creative. The overall sound would have very much appealed to a younger me - for me, right now, in need of solace and comforting, it’s too jagged. A high 3 in my current state.
I had a brief R.E.M. phase at 15, I'm honestly a little giddy with excitement to revisit beyond the greatest hits CD or whatever it was that gave me access to them back then. It's so funny because it's not a style of music I ever consciously tried to ape, or even felt particularly in love with. But what I do know is that when I started writing my first songs in bands with friends at school, the minor, modal tonality, the parallel 5th harmonic motion, the lyrical sensibility, the narrow repetitive melodic ideas almost drone like, are hauntingly familiar. It seems like writing songs like REM just came very naturally to me. And I guess by that I mean the less good ones. `Oddfellows Local 151` really epitomises what I'm talking about here. The record really soars when the Jangle Pop shines through. It's the Smithsian guitar arpeggios. `Disturbance at the Heron House` breaks out of the melodic drones and does some trademark REM moves in it's switches between sections. By far and a way the biggest song on the record is `It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)`. The spiritual sibling and forerunner of Billie Joel's `We Didn't Start The Fire`, it's an absolute tank of a song, you can just imagine the crowd waiting patiently and going nuts for it when they finally blast it out. In a nutshell, the band has real range. Lyrically it doesn't have the elegance of early Morrissey, sometimes it feels like Stipe is just singing a list of lines he thought individually sounded interesting even though they bear no relation to one another, `King Of Birds` is the most blatant example of this. But structurally there are similarities to the Smiths that I don't think I appreciated before. There's an awful lot in this record, and Peter Buck deserves a lot of credit for bringing the jangle, cause without it I think Michael Stipe would have gotten very stuck in a rut. It's at it's best when the vocal melodies are running the show, it's at its worst when the chords are simply walking up and down in parallel with each word Stipe sings, a la `Fireplace`. It's a raw, pretty simple record, not a lot of funny business sonically, but it's the sound of a band cranking out songs and getting one banger for every two they make. It's a decent rate of return for mature garage band in the 80's.
I understand that REM is a big part of the 80s/90s music culture, but this album just...isn't good. It amazes me that a group with such little care for music theory (i.e. use of basic guitar chords in favor of riffs) was so popular for so long
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.
R.E.M is one of those bands that I respect, but will never love. They’re the opposite of your mum.
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.
Welcome to the occupation. Iconic album.
Well, this has a couple of crowd pleasing favourites on it. As a band I used to quite like, though from a bit of a distance, again I expected more from this album. It is though less disappointing than the last one on this list. Perhaps I’m being generous. It is a good album, well produced and executed.
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.
eh
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.
Like REM in the abstract. This felt schlocky somehow, with the sharpness of some of their other stuff.
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
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.
Favourite Track: Finest Worksong. Lot of great tunes.
Loved the first album, Reckoning, more romantic melodies, the singing was lower, mumblier, almost impossible to distinguish the lyrics, sounded a lot closer to Dire Straits minus the virtuoso guitar. On this one I find the harsher cleaner sound really forgettable. Except The End of the World, that's just plain grand.
I feel as though id have to re-listen to give a more accurate review, but tbh i think thats just how the list goes. Somedays there more effort and time to listen more in depth, and some days you just gotta skim through. Other than its the end of the world and the one I love, I dont think was anything too crazy to write home about? Love the end of the world as we know it though, feels like theres a lot of albums on this list that just house these one hit wonders, so its interesting to hear the songs that accompany them.
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.
not my type of music at all. i can see why people love it but still all of the songs in this album couldnt catch my attention.
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.
The album probably deserves a higher rating. But ever since Shiny Happy People came out, the sound of REM has become an instant spawn for anger spren.
Tiresome
Enough already!!!!! Didn’t like it, sounded like a musical but somehow more annoying.
Ok this feels Canadian. It's giving nickelback. I think they're American but this is overwhelmingly Canadian rock. Also very divorced dad. I'm not quite the right demographic but I'll let it slide. Definition of divorced dad rock. Is this anticapitalist dad rock ok I'm hearing you... I know it's the end of the world. Speak on it lowkey it is the end of the world as we know it. I don't know if I feel fine about it lowkey. This is not for me but I like it. Not a fan of this it's way too doom for me. Favourite: Finest Worksong Least favourite: Strange
REM is my jam
my fave
Lingers in your head
When this came out I was in highschool and already an REM fan and thought this was when they "sold out" lol. A lot of the songs fell flat for me then (and now), and I wasn't a fan of the lead single (One I Love) but there were some highlights, and mediocre early-REM was still better than 99% of what was out there.
If automatic for the ppl has this thread of nostalgic sadness throughout, this record has a real thread of anger through it. I find it’s also very of its late 80’s time. An REM record I’m not super fluent in but as always, excellent.
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.
I played the hell out of this cassette 25 years ago. Bill Berry is huge, the Mike Mills harmonies are wonderful.. straight 5.
Michael Stipes voice is just not for me. I can’t even get behind the lyrics. Music sounded cool, though.
LOVEEDDD IT
Ok. End of the world is good. Not much else I’m interested in relistening.
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.
(67/100)
Maybe my favorite REM???
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.
My brother had a Paperjamz guitar with It’s the End of the World As We Know It on it and he would “play” it over and over and over again. There are better moments than that on this album but a lot of it kinda sounds hokey to me.
Celtic revival gone indie, so gooood
Probably more like 3.5 for me, I knew a couple of songs off of this but never heard the majority pretty good album.
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
Not bad, but I'm definitely not a fan.
This was great
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.
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
I liked the album, the vocals are interesting Fav song - It's The End Of The World As We Know It 3/5
I rated this a lot higher on my previous listen, according to my Spotify likes. I like REM, but I find myself not listening to them very often. This one was too grating for today, but that's probably mostly on my current mood.
It was ok
I preferred the other REM album
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.
You know, it’s not my favorite R.E.M. album, but it’s pretty damn great. For sure my least favorite of the IRS era, but all of them are worth hearing.
Pretty good! Not their best.
This one ranges meh to timeless. “End of the World” and “The One I Love” are two of the best pop/rock tunes of our time but I’m struggling to find too much else I really enjoy on this one. 6/10 Favorite Track- “Exhuming McCarthy” “End of the World” and “The One I Love”
I am not a hard rock fan, so this didn’t strike that cord for me.
When people say they like 80's music, this is the kind of music I think of in my head.
Didn’t listen the whole way through but liked a couple songs
"Album with ""End of the World As We Know It"" and ""One I Love"".
Solid 3.5 stars
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 want to like this, but it's not hitting me.
I liked
Very underwhelmed. Kinda boring. It’s the end of the world really carries the album
I loved this album
If this had a different vocalist it would be a definite 4. Great songs, great guitars, great production. What a shame about Michael Stipe’s voice. Still, much better than Automatic for the People.
Eh
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
good enough
Like the other R.E.M. album I got on here, there's some interesting ideas and parts but I'm not fully invested. Cool lyrics.
I don't really like his voice but this is a solid album, with good jangly guitars.
Feels like the 90s. Songs still topical, the world is still ending...
Mouais/10
A band that falls neatly in the category of "I get why people like them. I do not". Even the hits here are uninspiring to me, perhaps since I've heard them 50+ times in shows and movies. It's listenable, it's inoffensive, it's R.E.M.
End of the World and "The One I Love" are bangers - the rest hovers between "acceptable" and "annoying"
Love this album!!
Not their best album, but fine. Includes a couple of bangers
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"
Wierd album, songs all sound the same, decent tho
Album #49 R.E.M.: Document Of the R.E.M. albums that I’ve heard, I’ve enjoyed all of them, and of the ones that I’ve heard multiple times, I’ve really enjoyed both of them (Murmur and Automatic for the People). So I’m unsure why I never decided to give R.E.M. a complete discography listen. To me, they are sort of just an always the bridesmaid never the bride type band, consistently enjoyable, yet never my absolute favourite. When it comes to 80s alternative bands from the United States, I’m far more likely to put on some Pixies or Replacements. But that doesn’t mean that R.E.M. aren’t around that level, they are a band with undeniable hits (which this album has a few of), as well as having really consistent and fun deeper cuts. Document leans more into the sound of Automatic for the People than it does Murmur, more conventional and clean-sounding, with quirky lyricism. I do think that I prefer the earlier R.E.M. stuff, which has a more hazy feel to it for me. End of the World was the first big R.E.M. song that I found, and it probably remains my favourite from this album, such an undeniably fun and energetic song. The only bad thing about R.E.M. is that they spawned a series of imitators who just simply weren’t as talented or clever as them, but thought they were. As a Canadian I have seen firsthand the good and the bad R.E.M. clones, on one hand we have the Tragically Hip who borrow R.E.M.’s sound yet make it their own through themes and lyricism, and on the other hand we have The Barenaked Ladies who attempt to steal R.E.M.’s formula but with even more quirkiness, the result is an abomination like the song “One Week”. Though I wouldn’t put Document amongst my favourite albums by R.E.M., it is still a great album by most standards. I like the commentary on labour throughout, and there really isn’t a bad song here. Best Songs: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It, Exhuming McCarthy, King of Birds Worst Song: Lightnin’ Hopkins Score out of 10: 7.5
❤️
It's the end of the album and I hated it.
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
Guitar tones and drums are often have an echoey and energetic sound. Bass tone and sound is quite notable throughout the album. Certain lyrics carry strong messages, making it clear what the band stands for. No song on the album sounds the exact same from the last, making every minute feel new and exciting. Standout track: Fireplace.
It's nice but not really my taste right now I am sure there will be a time that I will listen to this. For me it's a 6.5/10
3 decent but not my kind of music
kind of annoying and boring but I liked It's The End Of The World As We Know It
My mum had a crush on Michael Stipe when I was a teenager and, obviously, that was really icky to a 14-year-old girl and that has always coloured my view of REM. That being said, listening now to them as a 46 year old woman, I can better appreciate them. The lyrics are intelligent without being patronising and "ooohhh look at me, don't I know long words". The musicality is spot on and the pace of the album meant that didn't get bored. Surely a 4 or a 5, then??!! Trouble is, I like music to move me. I don't care what it is, just make me feel it. I didn't get that with this album and I don't get it with REM at all. My head nodded along but my heart stayed still. So, 3 stars, I'm afraid.
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.
Very easy listening. Enjoying this so far - more than I was expecting. Good choruses - has a 90s feel to it, which I think, because of that, it does sound a bit dated in places - e.g. 'It's the end of the world as we know it'. A bit twangy for me as an overall sound, but a pleasant 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!
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
É um rock psicodelico, não acredito que seja muito minha vibe.
2 stand out songs end of the world and the one I love. The albums is almost a precursor for grunge .
Cool and influential alternative rock album with a couple of fillers - but singles are great and so are two final tracks
R.E.M. is always a good time.
I can't say I would listen to this album by choice but if someone listened to it or it would come up on the radio I wouldn't be bothered by it. I would describe it as divorced dad rock that you would listen to on a roadtrip with said dad. For me it also sounds like any old Romanian rock band:))) (this band probably was one of their inspirations so it makes sense).
This band just ain’t for me, but even I know this isn’t their best record.
It's an alright one
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
It's REM!
Okay but for me nothing special
2,5* - spoko mi się go przesłuchało, ale nie pochłąnał mnie, ani żadna piosenka nie trafiła do playlisty polubionych. Also,nie włączyłabym go sobie drugi raz
Love it. Own it.
endof the world as we know it is a banger!
Outside of a couple tunes REM is a band I missed. I hear about them being important to college rock in the 80s but search me if I know why. Still, pretty good music.
Overrated
Unreal jumpscare on this one
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.
it was a decent album! i haven’t listened to their whole discography so this was a great way to start. Theres a few songs I will add to my rotation
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!!
not my favorite R.E.M. album but it's good. Scott Litt some rough choices (from the 80s). 'Welcome to the Occupation' is my favorite. IT"S OK
This is fine at best, saved by a few decent tracks
Not much here beyond the two songs I already know. Quite forgettable
long time favorite
Nightswimming by REM was my only experience with this band, and that is such an incredible song !!!! Hate to say it....did not feel particularly strongly ab this album, do not see myself returning - maybe should have done two listens...
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.
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.
Favorite Track: The One I Love
Nice debut album, Songs I like: it’s the end of the world as we know it
Top Songs: It's The End of the World As We Know It The One I Love
Loves this! Trodde inte R.E.M var såhär mångsidiga.
I guess it's a classic?
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.
it was ok
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.
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!
very good
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 ♡
Some great tunes on this one. I think I'm admitting I like the poppier R.E.M. Is that so wrong?
These guys really knew how to make music.
Having trouble finding something that stands out, but overall it's a nice album so far (up to Fireplace). Will probably rate it 3/5, unless one of the three last ones feels special, then it will be a decent 4/5.
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!