Reviews (page 5 of 14)
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
Unique sound and good songs
Another saved album. 10/10
Really Excellent Music Red Egg Man
Michael voice is on point. I love REM since being a kid and their early stuff really resonates with me.
Document is less of a R.E.M. sleeper than Automatic but both are good ones. Can't go wrong with the frantic pace of "ITEOTWAWKI(AIFF)" and "The One I Love" is a classic. "Lightin' Hopkins" I had forgotten about but really like. There are a few slower, weaker tracks towards the end on B-side. Stipe can get a little whiney as well but it's not overly annoying. With their 5th album making the list, I expect a few more earlier recordings showing up as well. This one gets 3.65 stars.
R.E.M. continue to surprise me with how creative they are. They definitely carved out their own signature sound, but they managed to keep it relatively fresh and varied from album to album somehow. I can't understand how Stipe's whiny vocals work but they do. I've become a big R.E.M. fan over the years. Document is an example of some of their best work from their prime. It's solid pretty much all the way down the line and has a couple of top hits included. I wouldn't begrudge anyone who says they aren't a fan of them, but their albums continue to engage and scratch a certain itch for me. File Under Fire because this is a great one. 3.86 stars
Angular and musical
It was good. Enjoyed more songs than i remembered
Liked this one overall! Odd fellows Local 151 was my favorite song.
Enjoyed this. Hadn't really listened to it before, but knew the singles. Worthy album for this list. Foreshadows style and themes of later albums.
Awesome album. One of those records that’s hard to believe I’d never listened to before, but at least I’ve discovered it now.
It's a very good REM record, doesn't quite stick the landing.
As a college student in the early 90s, this was crossing a band in regular rotation. After I (temporarily) grew out of my metal and punk rock phases, bands like R.E.M., Pixies, Sonic Youth, etc ruled my world for a few years. R.E.M. was also a favorite of my wife's. She's a UGA alumnus, should I expect anything less? Document is solid and catapulted them into stardom. But it's not my favorite R.E.M. album. 4/5 #101
Great album
R.E.M's greatest hits album was a constant CD in rotation in my car growing up. This album did not disappoint
A great example of literate mid-80s jangle-pop filled with killer hooks and melodies. You can hear the influence of the band’s Athens peers like The B-52s and Pylon, but also the Talking Heads. Occasionally Michael Stipe’s nasal vocal delivery grates, such as on “Lightnin’ Hopkins.” But “Oddfellows Local 151” and “Finest Worksong” are great tracks, and “It’s the End of the World (And I Feel Fine)” and “The One I Love” are generational touchstones.
I don't think I have ever actually listened to this entire album. It's what you'd expect from R.E.M. Good hooks. Fun songs. I want to hate "It's the End of the World..." but I can't. It's just a well written song. LEONARD BERNSTEIN. We can save our hate for Billy Joe's version ("We Didn't Start The Fire").
love a few songs on this record!
A transitionary album, taking the band from college rock darlings to pop stars.
An Athens, Ga classic.
Really enjoyable album. My REM knowledge was basically Automatic For The People, Out Of Time and Monster, but I knew both The One I Love and It’s The End Of The World As We Know It from this album, and I really liked the rest of it too. Happy day.
I really enjoyed this one all the way through, steady enjoyable songs for the most part.
Quite a few songs I knew. Ok mixing for range of instruments
I started to listen to the album just hearing the R.E.M. sound, not really thinking about the lyrics at all, but the second song "Welcome to the Occupation" made me rethink my approach to the record as a whole. I hit restart and opened up the lyrics to try and read in a bit more, and was met with a general cry against the American government machine. I don't know why I didn't initially catch that "It's the end of the world as we know it" came from this album, but it was an instant recognition, as well as "the One I Love". Fireplace was cool with the saxophone addition, but I think I need a second listen to the album as a whole with more time.
I almost groaned when this album came up as my next selection. As an early REM fan, my associations with this album was that it was REM’s “sell out” album. The production was too slick. You could hear Michael Stipe’s words, for god’s sake. However, re-listening to it, I was taken right back to the height of the Reagan years. The songs truly stand up to almost 40 years of aging. It sounds as vibrant and relevant today, if not more so. The deeper cuts on this one are as solid as the “hits.” “Welcome to the Occupation,” is like a blow to the gut, especially witnessing what is going on in the US today.
This is much better than R.E.M.'s other album, "Murmurs". "ItEotWAWKI" isn't even the best song on "Document". The first song sounds 20 years ahead of its time. This week seems to be amazing so far. Better yet, my WiFi is back. 4 stars for "Document".
it's finally something i've listened to before! (i've listened to around 10% on the albums on this list for what its worth.) r.e.m. was always on my radar for a period of time, but i never picked them up until recently (think, like, three days before writing this review). i picked this album as my first foray into their expansive discography because i heard a cover of "the one i love" from a very early sufjan concert while he was touring michigan/seven swans (so, prior to the release of his most acclaimed album illinois, which i'm also looking forward to getting as my album of the day from this website). i was intrigued and decided to give it a shot - and i enjoyed this album a lot more than i expected. "the one i love" is my favourite off this album, but i also enjoy the entire package of post-punky guitars, pleasing vocals and witty lyrics. i'm a huge fan of the tracks with a moodier sound; probably a deeply unpopular opinion but "it's the end of the world as we know it" grows more annoying as i listen to it once more.
I liked this! Sounds like classic 80s. Also found out the lead singer is gay so happy pride again!
A little late in life to really appreciate REM, but they are amazing, as is this album!
A very tardy listen - I just thought it flowed nicely, lovely jangles and Stipes vocals always hit. Couple of huge singles, rest was generally enjoyable, especially the first 3/4 songs
Damn good album.
이건 그냥 노래가 좋네.
Some great, classic songs. Some duds.
Når ikke helt toppen, men har perlen «The one I love».
3.5
R.E.M are like Springsteen or Dylan for me. I don't stan them like a lot of people do, but it's obvious why they're an all time great.
Heard it before. What can I say, it's nice to listen to R.E.M. 4/5
3.5
Probably my favourite R.E.M. record. "The One I Love" and "King of Birds" are the highlights for me. 4.5 stars
I'm definitely not as high on Document as a lot of people. I think all three singles are terrific -- "The One I Love", "It's the End of the World as We Know It" and "Finest Worksong" are all perfect -- but I think when you get past those, this album is a bit of a mixed bag. I do like "Disturbance at the Heron House" a good bit, but stuff like "Lightnin' Hopkins", "Fireplace" and "King of Birds" are sort of mid for R.E.M. Still a very good to great album, but not my favorite from the band. 4 stars.
4.5
A very good document from R.E.M but not their best one. That would be either Automatic For The People or Murmur. This one has a punchy, tight, more rockin and polemic feel and maybe 3 or so real classic tracks - Finest Worksong, It’s The End Of The World As We Know It and The One I Love and at a push maybe Exhuming McCarthy. Not so many good tracks on side B so it’s perhaps a bit of a rushed document. Overall grade A minus.
Not the best REM album, but it's still got some belters on it. The singles are definitely the standout tracks, though.
Two great hits, good flow.
Fav: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Least Fav: Oddfellows Local 151 R.E.Mbo No. 5 is a good album, even with that odd closer
Et par meget gode sanger. Høy og jevn kvalitet på musiseringen.
This one has the song where they say a lot of words about the end of the world
4.5 sadly, exhuming mcarthy is more relevant to 2025
Classic 80s REM
Very good album with cutting lyrics. While they do have better albums, this one is a great jumping off point to get into R.E.M.
good Album, liked it more than the other R.E.M. Album I had to listen to before
Definitely a 4
All the energy and sparkle you expect from 80s REM.
This is a pretty hefty document. An impressive fifth and final blow out on IRS records before shooting off into superstardom. Their incredible success as a band is in part thanks to the singles It's the End of the World as We Know It and The One I Love which both make it onto close to 100% of all mix-tapes spanning REM's 15 albums. With some notable exceptions, its a darker record than most of their output, moving closer to what we saw with Fables of the Reconstruction. Unlike Fables though, the songs are relentless, robust and overbold. Finest Worksong feels like you're in a boxing ring with the band, getting absolutely pummeled. They just don't give up. My favourite songs tend to be the brighter ones. The lyrics to Exhuming McCarthy are really funny. "You're sharpening stones, walking on coals, to improve your business acumen." The way Michael Stipe's vocals dance around the piano stabs and strumming is a genuine delight. The pummeling continues with It's the End of the World... but here they are pummeling you with kindness and slightly niche references. "LEONARD BERNSTEIN." Its a timeless song that feels more relevant with each passing year. My enjoyment of the record does cool slightly over the course of the closing tracks, but it still stands as easily one of their most important and popular albums. While in my opinion Lifes Rich Pageant from the year before stands as their best release, there is no doubting that it is Document which got bums on seats.
Forever grateful to my friend Richard informing me that early REM is as good as or superior to middle REM!
Great 80s album but could you tune the snare drum down -2? Jeeeeeeeez.
Solid tunes and hits that i didn’t know the origin of. I liked the production and the range of the songs on this one. Would live through the end of the world as we know it again.
It still sounds contemporary. Great songs and production
I liked Document quite a bit more than i thought i would have. I thought that this album was just gonna be good and nothing else just like the last two R.E.M. albums i looked at but i was proven to be wrong as this one in my eyes goes beyond being just good. The songs were all incredibly lively which was the main thing that made me like this album more than the past two R.E.M. albums i looked at. There are several more aspects i like too including the fun melodies, great musicianship from each instrument and the lyrics and vocals were also very well done too. This album was also paced just right. It may not be a perfect but its still a really good album. Best Song: Fireplace Worst Song: Welcome To The Occupation
Finest Worksong - 4/5 Welcome To The Occupation - 4/5 Exhuming McCarthy - 4/5 Disturbance At The Heron House - 4/5 Strange - 3/5 It's The End Of The World... - 5/5 The One I Love - 5/5 Fireplace - 3/5 Lightnin' Hopkins - 3/5 King Of Birds - 4/5 Oddfellows Local 151 - 4/5 Average score - 3.9/5 (rounding up) having already heard Automatic For The People last month, i think i can confidently say i enjoyed this album a little bit more. maybe it's the fact the songs sound a bit more upbeat and faster paced? this kind of sound isn't typically what i choose to listen to regularly. however, i liked most of the tracks just fine, and i could see myself going back to listen to R.E.M. in the future
“All the way from Athens, GA”
Highlights: "It's the end of the world" und "The one I love". Sehr gutes Rock-Album 4/5
One of those albums where the songs all sound kind of the same. My Spotify was (inadvertently) set to loop, and I didn’t realise I was halfway through a second round. I suppose that’s what you’d call cohesive. Not bad at all. 4/5
A strong collection from Rapid Eye Movement that showcases some of their most well known stuff and generates a few deep cuts as well
Good album, not their best
This record is the last of the best of REM. It still has the sound that made me love the band but starts to show the direction they end up going.
Really enjoyable
R.E.M. macht eigentlech no gueti Rock musig. Vorallem "It's the end of the World as we know it" fühli no rächt. De räscht esch au sehr okay, mer esch jetzt aber nüd als banger ufgfalle.
It started out a bit lacklustre and unfocused, but about mid-way it started to come together. In the end I found it to be a perfectly fine album with some quite inspired and engaging parts.
Some real classics on this one. A mood.
Pretty brilliant, not perfect.
A quality album. 5 stars for It’s The End Of The World As We Know It, which brings the album as a whole up to a 4 for me. As always, male artists of the 80s and 90s rock genre do uptempo way better than slow crooning.
The music is great. Stipe’s voice is very much an acquired taste though. But overall, I like this album. The stand outs are the singles.
Pick your review, you have 2 choices: 1.) Better than Frank Ocean but not as good as The Beatles or even The Monkees. 2.) Reminds me of William Faulkner.
Finest Worksong 3.8 Welcome to the Occupation 3.6 Exhuming McCarthy 3.4 Disturbance at the Heron House 3.3 Strange 3.6 It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) 4 The One I Love 4.2 Fireplace 3.4 Lightnin' Hopkins 3.2 King of Birds 3.4 Oddfellows Local 151 3.7 Score: 3.6
7/10 This is a good foundational record. I like R.E.M for the next few albums a bit more. 4-30-2025
La voz de michael stipe esta zarpada, bien adelante, y la bateria no se queda atras. Es un disco que los representa, con una guitarra que siempre esta sobre todo en sus primeros discos, y tiene mas forma que los discos anteriores, que son mas disparejos. Temas favoritos: finest worksong, welcome to the occupation (locura de ambiente crea), the one i love, lighting hopkins Tema que no me gusto: its the end of the world as we know it, es demasiado todo.
gran introduccion a la banda, album concreto
Great album. Reminds me of high school.
Not generally an REM fan - but this was a great album. Tight and not much filler and through and through a well paced record.
Rating: 4/5 | Favorite Track: The One I Love --- I really enjoyed this album and really appreciate REM as a band. This is by no means a perfect album but It's the End of the World As We Know It and The One I Love really elevate this to an essential listen.
This is the first album in a while that I actually want to return to, I feel that there is a tonne of depth below the surface which was fantastic in its own right. Rating: 4.5
Good.
Interestingly contains their song with the most lyrics and their song with the least! A great album with 2 of my favourite REM songs, the 2 I mentioned earlier!
Bello!
On the border between 4 & 5. It lacks much of the mystery and depth of feeling of their earlier (but not earliest) work. Life’s Rich Pageant and Fables of the Reconstruction are, to my ear, their best albums. “The one I love” is such a tremendous merger of passion and cynicism, on par with “Boots of Spanish Leather” that it almost tipped the whole album into the 5 zone. But, there are definitely a song or two i could skip and i think it’s too straightforward to be an REM “5”. They can do better. It’s a four.
A solid addition to the R.E.M. canon, I know it best for "It's the end of the world as we know it".
Hørte albummet gennem flere gange. Jeg kan ret godt lide det faktisk. Jeg kommer ikke nødvendigvis tilbage til det igen, men oplevelsen var rigtig god.
Det er sgu rimelig godt. Kendte er par sange. Resten var hyggeligt. Den når ikke samme højder som AftP, men mindre kan også gøre det. Giver lyst til at tjekke flere R.E.M. albums ud.
Good one
Unpolished, but still decent classic R.E.M.
The late 80s always seemed to be the weakest stretch of R.E.M.'s discography to me, honestly. More straightforward than their earlier work, but without all the stylistic experimentation of the 90s. This one's probably the best of that stretch, though; the darker tone of the music works really well with the more overtly political bent many of the songs take. And let's be honest, even the worst R.E.M. album (with Bill Berry, of course) is still better than most bands' best albums.
It's well documented that R E M. is a successful band, and this album is no exception. What a fun album filled with catchy riffs, and amazing singing by Michael Stipes. Favorite Track: "The One I Love".
honestly really cool I fw this heavy
Starts for me slow but builds up to some iconic songs.
A few bangers that I already knew, but am now annoyed at myself for not digging into this album before. There are signs here of the band that (in my opinion) produce one of the great runs of near-perfect albums within a decade. Will definitely listen again.
Ich find R.E.M. spitze. Its the End of the World as we know it kommt auf die Playlist. Klassiker und Banger
Ich dachte, die machten nur Balladen... das sind Banger.
Great album. Michael Stipe's unique voice and their chill groove are excellent. The One I Love and It's The End of the World are alt rock top tier tracks.
82% Best: Exhuming McCarthy; It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine); The One I Love; Lightnin' Hopkins Must-Hear? Sure
01) Finest Worksong - 7,0 02) Welcome to the Occupation - 7,0 03) Exhuming McCarthy - 7,0 04) Disturbance at the Heron House - 7,0 05) Strange - 7,0 06) It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - 10,0 07) The One I Love - 10,0 08) Fireplace - 7,5 09) Lightnin' Hopkins - 7,0 10) King of Birds - 7,5 11) Oddfellows Local 151 - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,68 (77/100) Current ranking: 215/516
This is really good, but I'm starting to worry i'll never love REM because I'm leaning more towards a 4 for this, even though I enjoyed pretty much every track. But you have to give them credit, I've come across a few albums on here where the artist sounds like they are trying to imitate someone else, but REM have such a strong stylistic identity, to me, they sound like no one else. And that's not just from the distinctive vocals of Michael Stipe, but the entirety of the sound, guitar tones and songwriting, drumming patterns, even after only listening to 2 of their albums, they are uniquely their own. Huge props.
Great Album
For whatever reason, I've always thought of R.E.M. as a nerdy, dad-rock band. Document shows me why they were such a force in rock music. I hope other Gen-Z have a chance to listen and make sure R.E.M. doesn't fall by the wayside. Best Songs: Welcome To The Occupation, Disturbance At The Heron House, It's The End Of The World As We Know It, The One I Love Worst Songs: Strange
'The One I Love' is the Hit.
Innehåller världens bästa låtar som The one I love och It's the end of the world as we know it.
I haven't heard a full R.E.M. album but I obviously know who they are and love their hits. This album was a lovely listen, start to finish. There was really no weak song, and I actually listened to it twice because I liked it so much.
8/1001 This was a solid album. Being mid eighties (‘87) it was ahead of its times. 80s kids who made rock/alternative music in the 90s were very much influenced by this album, and REM as a whole. Not being familiar with much of the none popular REM songs this album was what I anticipated, but better. I have been mostly apathetic towards REM, they’re fine, never mad when they get played. But I knew their sound and thought a whole album of that sound would be tiresome. The songs were what I anticipated, but found myself enjoying it more, particularly as the album went along. Glad I heard this album, well add to my rotation.
Fun album to listen to, as the hits still resonate and the deeper tracks are enjoyable. I could still hear some of the earlier REM sound and at one point heard a vocal that in someway reminded me of Kurt Cobain. Glad I listened.
Solid. Though vocals are perhaps normal for its time, I can't help but feel awkward about it? Like sometimes good instruments are spoiled by the way he sings a lot
Nice
Love me some rem. I enjoyed this album and the nostalgia, my mom had this album playing a lot as a kid and I hadn’t listened to a lot of the songs since
Interesting beyond the hits
Holds up well!
Pretty nice
REM albums are always so surprising because they filled with songs you’ve heard a million times and songs you swear you never heard before.
i like rem. good album.
Я ничего не знал про R.E.M. до этого момента. В принципе, не скажу, что капитально что-то было упущено, но это интересный альбом. Во-первых, он звучит как что-то очень восьмидесяточное, он похож одновременно на постпанк типа Smiths/Cure с точки зрения инструментов, с элементами классического рока тех лет аля Дэвид Боуи и немного шумовыми моментами в стиле Sonic Youth. Встречается частенько саксофон, что радует. В тексты я особо не вслушивался, но как будто бы там что-то глубокое про общество и политику и личные переживания по этому поводу. Вообще, звуковая палитра очень разнообразна и я бы слушал этот альбом больше ради звука. Тут есть и отсылки к блюзу, и песня в 5/4 размере, в общем есть за что уху зацепиться. Но глобально я не сказал бы, что это нечто, что перевернуло моё сознание и осталось надолго, хотя хорошие песни здесь есть - King Of Birds, например, мне понравилась
Хороший роцк такой
I was pretty meh on the first R.E.M. album I got for this project, "Automatic for the People." I didn't really "get" that album, and was mostly bored with it. This one felt different, and while I don't think I really "got" this one either, I liked it much better. There seems to be a more cohesive sound, both sonically and in attitude and message. This album feels more like an album "for the people" than "Automatic for the People," funnily enough. It's dark at times, as though they're telling tales of either a grim past or grimmer future. Hell, there's even "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." But there's more than just dread and foreboding on this album. There's politics, and there's even a little bit of optimism. On the whole, it makes for a well-rounded, cohesive album that actually makes me want to listen to more R.E.M. Go figure. Four stars. Standout Tracks: Finest Worksong, Exhuming McCarthy, It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), Fireplace, Oddfellows Local 151
One of the best!
Had a lot of R.E.M. recently but thankfully unlike a lot of repeat artists on this list, I really enjoy listening to them, so this is welcome. Felt like this record was more of the typical R.E.M. sound I'm familiar with, more upbeat despite the morose subject matter of the lyrics.
First half - maybe the finest REM album ever Second half - good but nowhere near as good Everything up to One I Love is classic REM. Everything after it is fine but the songwriting gets a bit woolly Call it an exceptionally high 4 that just takes a step on the landing
Better slap
I see REM are considered Indie Rock - I’m not a fan, so to me it just sound like pop music, perhaps because I only know their big hits. They are certainly talented and have a distinctive sound, but I couldn't listen to the whole album. So a 4 for being influential, not because I like them especially.
good
I like the album it's pretty good. I must document this.
This was really good - a couple of standout tracks, but wouldn't play the whole album on repeat. Weirdly the version of this on Deezer contains the song "It's the End of the World..." twice in a row. I don't really mind since it's my favourite track on the album. I really like the way the different instruments and vocals layer up on this album. Feels like there's loads going on at once but it all fits together well without seeming overwhelming or noisy
Pretty classic R.E.M. here: tight, kinda cerebral, a little emotionally detached. It’s exactly the sound I picture when I think of them. But then “Lightnin’ Hopkins” comes outta nowhere with this wild RHCP energy?? Totally caught me off guard in a good way.
Thoughts before listening: One of the classics from one of the most important bands of the 80s. REM was a college rock band that made it huge and ushered in a lot of the music that I would become obsessed with 10 years later. This album has some of their earliest hit songs and was important in the band's ascent from the indie ranks to being a huge band. Review: This isn't my favorite REM album, but its still very good. All of the band's 80s and early 90s releases are quintessential listens, and this is no different. There is definitely a more polished, hard rock sound here that was a natural progression for the band, but lacks some of the charm of their earlier albums. 4-stars
Coming in at a merciful length of 39:51, Document No 5 is like the evil mirror universe rival of Hotel California. The most frontloaded album of all time meets the most backloaded. Yeah, the first side of the album has its moments like the lap bass at the end of Finest Worksong that only lasted for a blip? Why? Did the producer do this as some kind of 38-year long prank to fuck with me for enjoying slap bass? The saxophone on Fireplace was an another groovy production choice, in fact I quite enjoyed the variety in production and musical style on this album. And despite the variety in style here, the album still feels cohesive and you can put it on at any point (even during the cover of the Wire Song) and still think 'yes, this is REM'. This is an album I struggled to interface with when I was a teenager, though I absolutely adored Automatic For The People and Green, but coming back to it now after a decade I appreciate it much more. Though it does always pain me when I realise how much I enjoy the same music as irritating Gen X coworkers I've had before. Time for some quiet reflection and 100 Hail Marys. Highlights: Finest Worksong, It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine), The One I Love, Fireplace, Oddfellows Local 151
This was their best so far in my view
As a big REM fan I can admit they have far too many albums on here. I reckon Automatic For the People and this or their other early one would have covered them fine
Another "shut up and take your 4 moment".
I haven't heard this album before and I like it a lot after my first listen. It has the distinctive REM sound, it is more alternative rock/jangle pop than their later, more commercial albums, and it is fantastically produced given that it was recorded in mid-80s. Stipe's vocals are front and center. It works very well as an album, it is cohesive, though none of the songs were familiar from radio etc. Lyrics are great as well. It's a 4.5 album.
This band is great. This record is a good one.
Familiar sounding, even aside from all the popular songs on the record. I’m listening for musicality but I think it is a lyrics heavy album too. Obvious political references and grievances that still hold up today (unfortunately). Melancholy, ironic, and at times intense in tone.
R.E.M. at their best.
Catchy songs in a unique way
The first album in a while that I did not mind looping over a couple of times!
Iconic voice and lyrics
The album that first attracted my attention to the band. Full of great songs, a definite classic
Probably biased here with R.E.M. in my top few favourite bands but it’s a good record. Feels like a bit of a transitional record sitting between the early more insular college rock style R.E.M. and the later more popular bigger commercial numbers. Bit of both covered on this album. Obviously a couple of standout songs but others have grown on me over the years and are good listens. Hard to believe that this was 5 albums in and it still feels like they were just getting going.
2 obvious stand out tracks make this album, but I liked some of the others too.
Not one of the REM albums I knew, although I bought, I think, the following two. I remember not liking It's The End Of The World As We Know It, but loving This One Goes Out To The One I Love. Overall, I do really like REM; they're essentially a pop band in my opinion, but with a dark, moody twist. I always enjoy their guitar sound, chord choice and the singalong backing vocals. Occasionally, they go too far into quirky, and I find them annoying. But 90% of their stuff is great, and I enjoyed getting to know another album. Struggling to decide 3 or 4; I'll be nice.
Cool album. It felt very relevant for today. Reagan era politics definitely influenced this progressive power album. Lyrics were great, music was powerful. Had a blast with this one.
REM two days running has been great.
fun album to listen to, very different for 1987
arra számítottam, hogy ezt nem fogom szeretni, aztán meglepően tetszik! az end of the world as we know it meg a the one I love egyenesen kurvajo, és a többi is nagyon szépen van összerakva.
This might be my favorite album so far, it’s at least tied with my favorites. I loved It’s The End Of The World As We Know It, The One I Love, King of Birds, and Oddfellows Local 151.
i enjoyed this a lot, every song was enjoyable and interesting
Two REM albums in the last couple days... I know It's The End of the World but not the rest... curious if it'll be any good. This is pretty good, I'm a fan. Not much else to say lol, I like the harmonies a lot, just some good, inoffensive alternative rock.
7.5/10
I enjoyed this one a little more than I was expecting - this album doesn't get the same sort of hype as their 90s albums. Really hits it's stride in the middle of the album, but there wasn't a weak track.
Another day, another rem album. This one’s pretty good
Hard to feel fine during the end of the world as we know it (2025 is a crazy year huh) but R.E.M. kinda convinced me it can be done.
Its the end of the world as we know it is a classic, second half was better imo. 8/10
man i loved this so much
It's a great album, and it belongs on the list. It's in my collection, and I would argue it is essential. They did something amazing on this record. Oddly, at least for me, it's a timely record to return to in 2025; I think I will spin this one for a few more days. My only issue with this album is how much it falters with Fireplace and Lightning Hopkins, thus making it a 3.5 at best. Posted a 4-star as the system does not permit half-stars.
Very good, chill vibe n shit
Really good album
Listened while working so a load of the lyrics went right past me, I would concentrate harder on this with a relisten. But in terms of the music composition this is a great album. Two all timer REM tracks on it as well (It's The End Of The World As We Know It and The One I Love).
Jelly bean, boom.
Excellent
Another album where I’ve heard all the singles but I think it’s been a long time since I listened to it straight through. I really enjoyed it, there was a level of cheesiness that I think comes from how old it is. Cool sound, but some of the songs start to blend together a bit
R.E.M.'s Document was both a turning point and a confident statement of intent. With sharper production, bigger hooks, and a fearless dive into Reagan-era politics, the band shed their indie skin without losing their fire. From the brass-blasted urgency of "Finest Worksong" to the misunderstood cynicism of "The One I Love," they proved that a band with something to say could still break into the mainstream. Document didn’t just propel R.E.M. forward—it helped shape the band's imminent superstardom and the future of alternative rock.
REM are a great band and sometimes I think easy to overlook due to their stratospheric stature. This is the sound of a band evolving from indie outsiders into mainstream radio mainstays. Enough weird to keep it interesting. King Of Birds really stood out this time alongside the obvious double hit of End Of The World/The One I Love.
listened on commute home from smithfield 1/29/25
American youth being inspired by the sound of their predecessors. I dig it.
It's an excellent album. Michael Stipe is a criminally underrated singer/frontman. I don't have a whole lot else to say other than the vocals were enthralling throughout. The last 4 songs aren't quite as strong as the first two thirds of the album, but that's not enough to pull it down, especially since I do like the last song quite a bit. A unique album for its time and just a great listen.
Some absolute bangers on there and ‘end of the world as we know it’ slaps so hard it has to get 4 stars for that alone.
First REM album I've listened to and I rather liked it.
It's the End of the World and The One I Love hit like a bolt of lightning right in the middle of this album. It's pretty crazy that they're back-to-back like that, really rising above the rest. I still enjoyed the surrounding songs, and the overall effect of this was very good.
Classic R.E.M. accessible but not too accessible. Solid songs.
Nice, pretty cool.
Songs i knew : some Songs i liked : most of em Liked this more than I thought, I reckon I'd written REM off as an 80s Coldplay but I enjoyed this. Mid 4.
Belter of an album and one of the first (along with Lifes Rich Pageant) where REM started sounding like the REM we know and love and ditched the jangly college radio sound (mostly) Full of some of their best songs on here like Finest Worksong, Exhuming McCarthy, ITEOTWAWKI, One I Love and Fireplace. First album with Scott Litt who would help make them the biggest band in the world for a period of time in the early 90s. Love this album and it doesn't get enough props and often gets overshadowed by their following 4 albums.
Pretty good listen. Some of it's very noisy and unpleasant.
Absolutely slaps.
I haven't left many substantive reviews lately. This is a 4* because it's a 5* first half of the album followed by a 3* back half. But, maybe as close to a 5* without being one. The best thing that REM ever did was making sure people could hear what they had to say.
cool
I love R. E. M. Today was a good album!
You can never go wrong with R.E.M. Still holds up!
Has some of the edge that 90s REM lacks. Stipe's voice should be kryptonite to my ears but northern Englishmen of my generation often have a surprising soft spot for these lads. No exception and this album is stong. The one I love is the only standout track but there are no stinkers.
I love me some R.E.M., but this is probably my 4th favorite album by them behind New Adventures In Hi-Fi, Monster and Out Of Time (or maybe Lifes Rich Pageant, but in that order). I'm pressed to believe that this album made this list because of the mainstream success they finally saw with this album and the powerhouse hits of It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) and The One I Love. Still though, it's a great record!
The uplifting nature of the album was very refreshing and contained some subtle intricacies with the drumming and saxophone solo. However, the single "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" feels completely out of place and interrupts the album's flow. This results in an enjoyable album to listen to however nothing groundbreaking. Favourite song: The One I Love
Taken right back in time to early teenage years. Includes End of the World and the beautiful The One I Love.
wanted to give it a 5 but one or two duff tracks
Not their best, still great
лайтовенько, приятно. слушается легко