Reviews (page 5 of 15)
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!
Love this record. I think most REM albums would be a 4 or 5 star record.
i hate rem
This is the third REM album I've gotten on this list. I still don't particularly like REM, but I thought this one was a decent album. I find End of the World to be an annoying song, especially given how many times I've heard it (not true of The One I Love, which holds up). Without that track, I think this would be a really good album. Still, it's probably my favorite of theirs from the recommendations so far. I would even say it's good. My biggest issue was that I got bored by the end. That's a common thread for me with REM, for what that's worth. I just don't find them very engaging, even if they do seem to do enough to change things up throughout the album. Guess it's a personal preference thing. Overall: 3.25/5
it’s my vibe!!!!! 1,2,5,6,7,8 songs
7.5/10 I’m not big on REMs style of music, but I do respect them more than I actually enjoy listening to their music, most tracks here with the exception of a few I would not put on myself but wouldn’t be mad if a friend put it on or I heard it played in a bar. I understand they are a pivotal part of Alternative Rock along with bands like the pixies, sonic youth, etc but they are just a band I don’t entirely get, there are some great tracks on here, notably “the one I love” & “oddfellows local 151” though I think the latter drags out a bit. Overall a good band just one I don’t think I will get into. Favorite song: the one I love Least favorite: king of birds
Great sound the whole time, but a little one-dimensional. I wouldn’t recommend listening past the hits of this album
Objektiv gutes Album, paar eingängiger Songs. Ist wahrscheinlich so ne 3,5. Vllt nochmal hören, daher 4. Für die Zeit sicher crazy sound. Heute immer noch gut
I always play End Of The World before a test or exam. I had an exam today.
You're beautiful, more beautiful than me! You're honorable, more honorable than me! Loyal to the Bank of America! (It's a sign of the tiiiiiimes!) R.E.M. is a band with pretty distinct eras. Document marks a pretty big change into what has become how they are understood and considered by the "mainstream". "It's The End of the World As We Know It", a big hit and a cornerstone in "college rock", erring close to something like They Might Be Giants. "The One I Love" was an alt. rock hit, with everyone in a band in 1987 doing a cover of it. I love almost all of their career, although I gravitate towards their first four albums rather than the late-80's/early 90's albums. (Although I'm a weird R.E.M. fan that loves Monster as much as I love Automatic For The People.) Honestly, they're just one of those bands where if they click for you as a whole, you're gonna have an outlier favorite. This album rules, though. Even a lesser song like "Fireplace" has an interesting resolution to the melody at the end of the chorus. Also it has an unexpected horn section powering through the 2nd half of the song. Billy Joel ripped off "It's The End of the World As We Know It" with "We Didn't Start The Fire". Can't convince me otherwise. Favorites: "Finest Worksong", "Exhuming Mcarthy", "Disturbance At The Heron House", "It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)", "The One I Love", "King of Birds". But "Strange" gets a shout-out.
I have a secret. I thought that "It's the End of the World and We Know It" was a Barenaked Ladies song my entire life until today. Best Song: The One I Love Rating: 8.5/10 Stars: 4
Very good and better than expected.
Vocals not for me
неплохо весело
Great album!
I dont really like REM so didn't really like this album..
Next time I get into a 90’s mood this is probably going to be one of my go to’s. Classic sound.
i couldn’t get with this one unfortunately
every song sounded the same
I really liked the first five songs on this album
I didn’t listen to this one as thourougjly. Will prob come back to it. A few songs I recognized were on here though.
damn i only like the hits
This album was my introduction to R.E.M. back in 1987 and every note is engrained. The whole album still holds up but that first side is as good as it gets, and I'll get back to revisiting all of my old R.E.M. albums
I found this very meh. End Of The World has been played a lot.
Ok, segundo álbum de rem que me ponen, me gustó mas
Bleh didn’t care for it
rem more like mid rem
Good music and some recognizable hits. I don’t know much about the political climate of the 80s though.
I liked it very much and will definitely keep listening. Was a fun surprise and a huge throwback to see I already knew one of the songs.
Buen álbum pensé que sus canciones eran más oscuras tipo "Losing My Religion", que era la única que conocía, me parecieron un poco soundtrack de película universitaria de los 90's, lo cual no hace que sea malo, solo me parece un contraste interesante.
sick. perfect album. didn’t know this was the original “It’s the End of the World as We Know It”
not my fav but a few classics
What can I say? Ever since I first heard it at maybe 11 or 12 years old, I have been absolutely obsessed with this album and this band. Automatic may have been my first, but this one is my absolute favorite.
Gratuitous saxophone solos will almost always make me drop a number off an album's rating. Lucky I didn't give this a 2.
REM has a very distinct sound. I like it! Top 3 songs: Finest Worksong Disturbance at the Heron House The One I Love
exhuming mccarthy it’s the end of the world as we know it (and i feel fine) (also, i know this bc mom sings this!)
cant believe i hadn't listened to this sooner
nije za mene
Pretty good! It was a chill listening experience. I added two songs. 3/5 ⭐️
Favourite track- it’s the end of the world as we know it
Faves were - The One I Love and It’s The End Of The World As We Know It
4/5. I like this. Fades away a bit. Will add to vinyl collection potentially
nao gostei mto, musicas mto simples e de certa forma infantis (e tbm nostalgicas). so recebe 2 estrelas porque tinha uma musica q meus pais ouviam na minha infancia (the one i love)
4⭐️ LOVED the first song of the album and the overall sound songs I already knew: it’s the end of the world as we know it fave new song(s): finest worksong, welcome to the occupation
Amazing alternative rock. They are like are rougher version of the tragically hip
Repetitive Lyrics are not that strong
incredible album, finest worksong is an absolute screamer
4/5
This is the third R.E.M. album I’ve gotten on this list. After the second album, I optimistically expressed that maybe they’d eventually get 3 stars from me. I was wrong. I have no issue with the lyrical content, but these songs just don’t groove.
I refuse to listen
cool album name. cool album cover. It's The End Of The World As We Know It stands up to the 10 million listens a person goes through. that's an achievement. starting to think I have underappreciated REM music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
Another good one from REM. This one was maybe a bit more refined than some others, but it’s not detrimental. Just an observation. I’m rounding this one down though because I think End of the World is so frickin annoying.
Raspy. Okay. Rock. Very dun dun dun and a little cringe
It’s the end of the world as we know it baby!!!
cool
"Crazy, Crazy World; Crazy, Crazy Times." Not much has change in 28 years, REM.
Top performances by the boys on this one. The song quality is not consistent across the record but it is still a five-star collection in my opinion.
1001 albums before you die taught me I have beef with REM which I didn’t know before starting this journey
The best part of this album is knowing both McCarthy and Reagan are rotting in the ground where they belong.
A few bangers, but the rest I don't care too much for. A 2 point something
I think of all the R.E.M albums I've listened to, this is the most R.E.M album.
yeehaw voice thats all i remember
Not a huge fannnn 👎🏼
I feel like I've grown up on REM, despite this being released 5 years before I was born. REMs sound has permeated throughout my listening habits, albeit in a more chilled way than the band's they've (at least partially) inspired. With classics like It's The End Of The World As We Know It and The One I Love you really can't go wrong
it’s no “automatic for the people”, but still a great listen with a couple of fav’s … happy to reminisce and revisit this
Album that could definitely belong in the Cars soundtrack. Would listen to again in long road trips.
It was alright. Probably will not revisit.
Fine background music. End of the world is always fun, idk REM has never hit for me, just kinda boring imo. I can see how they inspired acts like Interpol, and the coming big arena indie wave but man I like interpol way more.
Like the two songs I knew, the rest was rather hum drum. Would not listen to again
I just love how REM sounds
this is peak rock right here
Their fifth album. Indie / Rock. I've always been a fan of R.E.M. Whilst this may not be my favourite album of theirs, it is still really good. Well produced, great vocals and cool general vibe. Also, I'll see your We Didn't Start The Fire, Billy Joel, and raise you It's The End Of The World As We Know It, R.E.M. ! The One I Love is a really good track too. Good album !
Funny voice
Not my kind of music but I’d give it another listen
overall okay, don’t really like this type of music right now, but can appreciate the album. that being said, would only listen to a couple of the songs again. 5/10
One of my all time favorites.
Great album with some awesome pieces
Yeah fine. Two famous songs and the rest are a bit samey
I couldn’t get through it, it’s just not right for me at the moment
Influential and melodic, interesting to listen to with the perspective of what it had accomplished in other musicians.
Obviously influential
2/11
Solid album that shows what REM was turning into
Easy 5 for me. One of the albums that completely changed my musical tastes. The 1-2 punch of End of the World and One I Love is wild and I still think The One I Love might be one of the most perfectly recorded songs ever.
They sound so big here. Two songs right in a row — It’s the end of the word as we know it and The One I Love — are masterpieces.
Lots of classics on here
There is arguably nothing wrong with these songs, how they are written and produced, the guitar playing, the vocals, but I just really really do not like it. I find the music kind of bland as fuck, and the vocals and lyrics pretensions and so fucking annoying. REM is just not for me. This is less annoying than automatic for the people though
Classic REM
Total blast from the past. Good to hear it again. Took me right back to a world before children 😁
it’s good , adequate reminds me of thrifting as a kid some funky bad boys in the mix okay
…sounds like R.E.M. to me!
There is a world in which I would have given this a 5, but that world doesn’t (currently) include him shouting “firehouse” at me for the final three minutes.
Pretty mixed album. Great in places, average in others. 4 seems fair.
Incisive
Any REM album on this list I will be giving 5 stars
bien, no es mi rollo, pero supongo que es mítico. me dio un poco padre de familia que no se sabe el nombre de las amigas de sus hijas.
Jangle pop like The Smiths while keeping most of the 80s pop rock sound. They have some sarcastic and witty lyrics.
I don’t like this genre
heard it before, all bangers
I've never been a huge REM fan. This one has a few hits, and I'm sure it's great for fans. Just not my thing.
Sound and production are solid, but not my cup of tea
I don't think I knew what REM sounded like although I'm sure I never would have admitted that. I love that the album is "jangle pop" according to Wikipedia and my ears, but has such impactful and deep lyrics in most songs. I really like the layered instruments with more simple vocals. The saxophone in Fireplace!! The double lyrics in King of Birds!!
Fav track: welcome to the occupation, the one I love, oddfellows local 151 Such an epic album, glad I got to explore REM more and definitely looking into them even more!
Actually quite good. Some hits. Some fun songs. is that a sitar?
REM
Great REM album
I thought I had never heard this album. Didn't remember the name at all. I started listening and went I know this. Then I realized it was a dubbed tape I had no name just said REM. Decent album, has a few hits of theirs. Some songs were meh to me, the last track I wasn't a fan of and honestly skipped it halfway through. As usual overall they have good music and for the most part match the time and place, not quite a time capsule album but if you want to do a deep dive this is a great place to start.
not my style, kinda rock and giving 80s vibes.
A couple of good songs but nothing much to highlight. Like a lot of bands, most songs sound somehow similar then if you’re not particularly into the style of their music, you’re left out of most of the rest they do.
I feel in two minds about this album. There were a few moments where it felt a bit bland, particularly in the first half - there are definitely a couple of songs that feel slightly lifeless. But the vocals & instrumentals are consistently engaging & impactful, and the stand out tracks are absolutely brilliant. During the middle of the record, it comes alive, and really picks up to become a very well made & strong album.
Listened to whilst on a morning run, Charlie stayed in bed. Favourite song: Exhuming McCarthy
Listened: in bed Doug sudoku
I have often heard REM suggested as an influence on early Radiohead and I could really hear it in Fireplace, with the progression and guitar sound very similar to something from the Bends. Another solid effort.
Some great songs on this and very few lowlights. Stipe and Mills sound great together here (it may be overplayed but how the two compliment each other on ‘it’s the end of the world as we know’ is still delightful). What they do, they do really well, but if there is one criticism I have that stops it just shy of getting a 5 is that lack of experimentation, or doing something out of their established style even just for a song or two that shakes things up a little.
Fantastic. If I listed my favorite tracks it would just be the playlist. Loved that the songs get longer as the album is wrapping up. Let’s you live in it just a little longer. My first time listening to a full album from this band.
Favorite: Disturbance At The Heron House Least Favorite: King Of Birds Overall Rating: 5/10 It was fine. I didn't actively dislike it, it was just kind of boring.
definitely intriguing in that you can hear the first dregs of 90s grunge/rock style in here like a decade before it became widespread. But I just dont really like R.E.M. sorry. I wish I did. you guys must be having so much fun.
Enjoyed this one !
A typically solid late 80s alt rock album.
I’ve never liked REM. I don’t know exactly what it is about them I don’t like. Wikipedia categorized their genre as indie and jangle pop and they definitely had a jangly sound to them when I listened to the album that I didn’t enjoy. Also not a fan of Michael’s voice. Giving it a 3 though because it’s not them, it’s me.
A very popular album from an 80s power band, Document was well received for songs like Finest Worksong, The One I Love, and the wildly famous It’s The End Of The World As We Know It. The rock sound from the band is clean and crisp and Michael Stipe’s vocals are calm yet strong. A great choice to be part of this project.
This is a bridge album for R.E.M. and it shows high points of two styles they are between: the tuneful, folk rock of their early music (like So. Central Rain, Driver 8, and Fall On Me) and the more raw, rock-driven edge of songs like The One I Love. This album works that line, albeit clumsily at times, with Stipe vacillating between kitschy sing song and passionate lyrical delivery. The instrumentation is strong, and overall, the full package holds up well. This album is definitely uneven but features a lot of great moments and hints at the big things to come.
Remember the college radio sub genre? I wonder if that's still a thing. Hope it is. REM has always been a favorite. They can deliver a great rock song then pivot on the next with a soulful melodies. I prefer the rock side and this album delivers a few great examples of those. I'm a fan of Michael Stipe as an artist, I enjoy his songwriting and voice. One of the true talents to come out of the 90s. One of the things I like most about REM is how they evolve over time, while always remaining very much themselves. I think they continue to get better through the 90's and hope to see more of them. Safe bet we get at least one more, fingers crossed we get at least two.
first listen meh
I liked “Strange” “It’s the end of the world”
Top songs: Finest worksong It’s the end of the world as we know it The one I love
Great record. Great sounds. Great poetic lyrics. Not all of the songs are there for me.
Enjoyed this album. They're a great band but this wasn't one I was as familiar with. Thought the sax bits on fireplace were a cool addition as well.
I didn’t realize they wrote end of the world as we know it
I like a few songs, but never realllly got into this album.
Classic rem sound
This album is going to remain relevant until the human species goes extinct, isn't it?
I don't know if the timing was just bad on my part or if this type of "dad rock" music just does not appeal to me, but this was the first album that felt like a drag to listen through. I liked the songs with a darker/moodier atmosphere ("Welcome to the Occupation", "The One I Love", and "Oddfellows Local 151") a bit better than others.
This was an okay first album! Not specifically my type, some of the lyricism was very repetitive and I didn't care too much for it, and nothing was very memorable to me. "Fireplace" however really grabbed my interest because of the sax solos!! Like holy shit where did that come from. Anyways, I'd give this likeeee a 2.5/5, wasn't really my cup of tea, but I'm glad I listened to it!
Álbum bom. Essa banda continua me surpreendendo. Minha faixa favorita é sem dúvida It’s The End Of The World, adoro ela de verdade desde que sou criança. O disco inteiro não me pegou totalmente. Sua atmosfera é agradável, análoga a um dia nublado, os refrões são bons. Algumas passagens pré-britpopianas certamente influenciaram outros artistas na época. Mas nem toda faixa me conquistou. O santo não bateu. 4/5
The turning point for R.E.M. The sound on this album is bigger and more resonant than their previous output. It's always cool to hear/see when bands successfully transition into a new mode, and part of what "successfully" means is to move into something fresh that starts another chapter while leaving an existing body of work that stands on its own. Early R.E.M. is great, as is this next stage of R.E.M. There's distinction between the phases, but it's all good stuff. "Finest Worksong" is so good. And of course can't ever fuck with "The One I Love." Great album.
Boring
Good for the time, kinda dull now
You can't go wrong with REM
just not hitting. bleh. i can appreciate the lyricism though. saved: n/a
Enjoyable, from songs I knew to new ones. Will listen again.
I wasn’t sure what to except from R.E.M as I’ve only really heard their music from the 90s. Safe to say, I was quite impressed. It’s an album which is well ahead of its time, each song is well produced with solid vocals from Michael Stipe in tandem. A stand-out song for me was ‘It’s the end of the world’, the song reminded me of We didn’t start the fire by Billy Joel, I was a big fan. Overall, the album was an easy-listen with a nostalgic feel and a classic. Favourite tracks: It’s the end of the world and Exhuming McCarthy My rating: 4/5
good but i didn’t like all of the songs tho but to listen again
R.E.M. is a band I’ve listened a lot to, but I only discovered them when they released Automatic For The People, so I actually don’t know their first albums very well. Document has three good singles that I enjoy a lot, and I also like the first few songs, but the latter part is rather bland. It’s close to a 4 star album, but only just…
Enjoyed some classic rem
Loved this! The sound, the voice, the lyrics, the 80s indieness of it all...I was very absorbed. The first track reminded me of the Smiths...One I Love gave me tingles, and although I've heard End of the World a gazillion times, listening to it as part of the album gave it a new spin- a good one. I might skip one of the slower tracks when heard again, but will seek this album out for sure...
80s take on mediaeval political troubadour type songs. Love Michael Stipes voice. The one I love is a outstanding track. Lightnin' Hopkins is a great song. I think I'm a sucker for group whoahs in songs.
More great songs, great music, and great vocals. Class act.
Right. This is helped massively by the apocalyptic banger to end all bangers, the end of the world as we know it, which could have listed the score on its own, but the rest of it is wall to wall bops too. TAKE MY 5
i dont like it. zn shocky "vibrato" irks me en de instrumentals doen niks voor me. kinda boring
Had a few songs I knew and was nice well put together album
Iconic 80's album and an iconic 80's song to kick it off. "The Finest Worksong" is a gem, so catchy and hooky! Then you add in radio friendly favorites like "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" (275M listens) and "The 1987 radio megahit "The One I Love" (168M). This album moved them from fringe college favorite to a mainstream audience. I know, I was in college then. This release stands the test of time, it has a large listen count from top to bottom and the 3 songs mentioned above will always have a home on the radio. Then you throw in fan favorites ("Disturbance At The Heron House", "Welcome To The Occupation", "Exhuming McCarthy", etc) and you have a solid album that helped make them superstars. "Fireplace" & "King Of Birds" were the only songs that should have died at birth, the rest all fit. The impact this album had cannot be overlooked, it ushered in an indie sound that hadn't been prevalent on mainstream radio prior and helped make them a household name. 3.5 stars, rounding up.
I don’t really care lol
Helt okej skiva, vet faktiskt inte riktigt varför den är med på listan? Tyckte att den va rätt ointressant
Below our expectations for a band that made some very famous and good songs.
Half the album feels corny, easy poppy. R-E-m is more country then I thiught
solid welcome to the occupation top song
Niet heel erg boeiend. Vind alles een beetje op elkaar lijken. Twee liedjes kende ik al en die vind ik ook best wel leuk. Een ander aardig leuk nummer dat ik nog niet kende is Exhuming McCarthy
La musique des années 80 c'est vraiment la meilleure musique. J'étais super contente d'avoir cet album aujourd'hui parce que j'avais en tête cette idée d'écouter plus de R.E.M mais je l'ai jamais fait ! Les deux seules chansons que je connaissais de eux c'est Losing my religion (évidemment, mon père l'écoutais) et It's the end of the world as we know it (c'est le générique du visiteur du futur, une webserie française iconique que je regardais au collège. Quand ils ont sortis le film il y a quelques années et qu'elle était au générique de fin j'étais super émue). Bref, passons à l'album ! Pour un album de R.E.M, j'aurais pensé que l'album iconique aurait été "Out of time". Mais cet album est vraiment vraiment super omg. Premier titre j'étais direct dedans. Il y a des super rifs, ça groove, c'est exactement le genre de rock joyeux et punk que j'adore (comme police on my back de the clash). Le mix est vraiment super, on sent que la technologie à vraiment évolué par rapport à l'album des 70's de the door d'hier. C'est clair, on entend bien tout. La voix du chanteur est super reconnaissable, c'est clair que c'est R.E.M quand on entend une chanson. Je re insiste sur le côté joyeux punk rock que vraiment j'adore. C'est comme une version plus moderne, moins punk et américaine des Clash (que j'adore évidement hehe). Cet album donne envie de faire un doigt d'honneur au gouvernement et de danser avec ses amis l'été jusqu'à ce que tu sue et que t'ai plus de souffle, t'assoir à la fin d'une chanson et être obligée de te relever et de danser de nouveau parce que celle d'après est aussi ta préférée. Parce que le monde est triste mais R.E.M le raconte avec une joie communicative. "It's the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine". Chansons préférées (dans l'ordre) : Finest work song; Its the end of the world as we know it; Exhuming McCarthy
Not quite the end of the world.
Not bad. Listened to about half the album. Maybe a bit more. Will have to do a bit of research on the band itself. There's at least one song i really enjoyed that i might add to my playlist I'll be conservative with my rating for now since this is the first one
Sounded like Midwest emo and rock had a child and the child was slightly out of tune. Really not a fan but I’m pretty sure my dad would love this if he doesn’t already
incredibile pensare che 39 minuti fa la mia opinione sui r.e.m. era di totale indifferenza e adesso dovrò passare il resto della mia vita a pregare che quella voce nasale e quelle chitarre bling-blang-blong non invadano mai più la sacralità del mio padiglione auricolare. ah, la gioia della scoperta!
the least interesting of their IRS records but still very good
This one was not bad, not great for me! I will always love "It's The End of the World..." but the rest of album doesn't hit as much for me.
I like REM especially the older stuff
i cam take only so much of his voice in this album.
REM is so good, and I love this early stuff that is a little more raw. Highlights: "It's The End of the World As We Know It" and "The One I Love"
One of the best ever. Period.
No me gustó del todo el álbum, es agradable para tenerlo de fondo pero no tengo todo el contexto sobre su crítica al gobierno y eso le quita algo de disfrute al escuharlo, aún así no me termina de gustar no es mi tipo de música aunque estaría dispuesto a escucharlo otra vez con el contexto presente, mi canción favorita fue "finest worksong"
Every song on this is iconic and defined R.E.M. as a band to pay attention to! This album got me through an entire summer.
a lot of these songs sound the same. listening to this album is kind of like watching the theme song of a bad tv sitcom. I get that it’s woke but their message is barely listenable.
This album is... better than what I thought it would be. It's not the R.E.M. I remember, it's much more interesting, to be honest. However, it's still not my cup of tea. The album is good though.
wasn’t my favorite. i recognized a couple songs. only really liked one song
Je ne comprend pas tant REM. Je comprend l'importance, mais je trouve ça... comment dire... plate.
C'est pas que c'est pas bon mais c'est pas assez bon pour que ça soit vraiment bon.
Great old college radio rock before they got HUGE.
Good album imo
Overall: 8/10 This might be my favourite R.E.M. album. After their stellar debut, they made a few good albums, but nothing that really stood out. Then this album comes out and they seem to have kicked things into high gear. The songs are just so catchy and poppy on this one, I can't help but love them. The rest of the world seemed to agree, as this was the album that broke them through to the mainstream. Fav Song: Disturbance at the Heron House
Same old REM
Probably REM at their best
Raw REM. Liked it
Pleasant.
Sounds a lot like the tragically hip tbh. Album was good, but nothing legendary. It's the End of the World As We Know It and The One I Love are the only really notable songs from this album.
Some super solid hits, a good album but not every song left a lasting impact. The artistry was still impressive.
roger from rent vibes
REM just doesnt quite do it for me. Feels like middle aged man music lol and I just dont enjoy the vocals enough.
Love
Excellent trackless
What a gem, great listen.
It was ok. I recognized It's The End Of The World As We Know It and The One I Love, and even those aren't anything spectacular.
A great bridge album on the cusp from when they were getting major but hadn't yet fully crossed to pop with Green. I could see that as being worst of both, but to me it's picked the finest elements from each. Still rocking and raw, but it's also dressed up with combed hair and a tucked in shirt.
Dull
REM is very much a hit or miss kind of band for me, even on an intra-album level. There are some classic songs on here (End of the World, One I Love) and quite a few just nice ones but at least one song has a terrible sax solo and towards the end there is a sort of attempt at funkrock that doesn't work at all. Also, more general, the 80ies drum sound gets on my nerves quite quickly. Nice to have spent some time with it as part of this project but unlikely I will return to it any time soon. Two-and-half stars rounded up.
Good stuff! Would listen again
Bon ben c’était un bon album, même si je suis pas sûr de ce qu’il fait dans une liste limitée à 1001 albums à écouter parce que c’était finalement assez classique pour un album sorti en 1987. Je suis sûr qu’il y a des albums qui y auraient plus leur place. Mais sinon, j’ai passé un bon moment !
May be a 4 if it wasn’t as long as it was.
Another strong record from R.E.M. with a couple of justifiably big hits and some hidden gem deep cuts.
Fun album to listen to
Not REM's best but a timeless and classic band nonetheless with some quality songs. More like a 3.9. Still great
Surprisingly good. I think they somehow got muddled with another band in my head because these songs are great
Very iconic singing voice. The bangers are bangers, but the rest of it grinds
Excellent. This is the sound of my early 90’s.
4/10
I think R.E.M are one of the bands that deserve to have this many entries on this list because this is the 4th album i’ve gotten from them (I know the losing my religion one is gonna be on here so that makes 5 in total) and each one has felt very unique in its own right whilst also having that signature catchiness that R.E.M seems to do so well. They feel very tight as a band and work really well together, Michael Stripe also has those inflections to his voice that make the vocals great. Not to single him out of course, throughout this entire album the band perform really well and, given this album is heavier than the others in sound, can be heard in the different guitar sounds and solos with the drums and bass complementing it well. This may be my favourite one from them but it’s close between this and their debut, again they are very different as R.E.M changed it up between them but this is an album where each song is good. Although, I wasn’t the biggest fan of The end of the world as we know it as it felt very out of place compared the rest of the album and didn’t even feel like a song from them, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I think the song is a bit annoying as well to be honest. Favourites: all but the one I mentioned. Overall, 8/10.
A very REM album, punctuated by two great songs in the middle.
Büro, Heidenheim, Deutschland. Fantastisches Album.
4.5. A near perfect record with some absolute bangers. Document is the perfect bridge album between their indie and major label sounds, showing the band wouldn’t lose any artistic integrity. Would be a 5 for 99% of bands, but I need to consider the rest of their excellent catalog in my score.
This music is such a vibe in a sense that it reminds me and melancholic but not sad cloudy day on a spring summer. The guitar riff and tempo are appealing, though a few segments lose their color and slip into monotony
I really dislike the singer
Not bad, though however good the lyrics are the only bit I'll really remember is shouting "Leonard Bernstein"
😐
Pretty good, plus a few tracks I've always loved.
Didn’t click with me aside from ‘It’s The End Of The World As We Know It’. I prefer other REM albums to this one but glad I listened through.
Of course, its rem
Fun! Solid 3
...
What is there not to love about this album. From the outset Finest worksong sets the tone. It perfectly blends REM’s musicality and lyrical greatness (i will even forgive “monkeys and the monkeys”). I would say that the first however many songs are so strong, but i dont think the pace drops off and whilst EOTWAWKI is my favourite REM song a(if not favourite full stop) that is st least in part due to how many times i have heard it as opposed to some of other tracks on Document. Just when you think the album gas delivered everything it can the almost military drum beat of King of Birds kicks in and delivers fresh energy which is carried through to vloser Oddfellows Local 151. If i could give this album more than 5 i would. There are other great REM albums but as they told you at track one these are the finest worksongs
I like plenty of R.E.M’s singles but have never dabbled in a full album, so I wasn’t sure how this would land with me. Given I already liked two singles from it (“It’s the End of the World As We Know It” and “The One I Love”), I was cautiously optimistic. And I was right to be. Lyrically, it’s a scathing political commentary in the typical Michael Stipe aesthetic - more poetic than in your face - over some brilliant guitar work. Musically, it’s made me realise I just love the backing vocals on R.E.M tracks, probably more than Stipe’s lead vocal, and a lot of that can be found on this album - “The One I Love” is my absolute favourite of those backing vocals here (and probably on any of their songs). Some of the tracks, particularly towards the end, had me losing interest: however, overall this is a tight, consistent, subtle, decimation of Reagan’s America.
During the pandemic, I tried to learn all the words to "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)". I utterly failed but in a world where we'd all lost all semblance of control, it helped me me feel like I still had a tiny bit left. All of which means, I heard this album a lot. Michael Stipe very much fits into the category of "I could listen to him sing the phone book and still have a wonderful time" - I love his voice. And Mike Mills is a fabulous backing vocalist (and lead vocalist on the rare occasion that happens). Despite them having extremely different voices, they combine beautifully. The whole band just fit together so well. And my goodness, they wrote catchy songs! I spent all day with "Your finest hour!" ringing in my head. I love this album, and though it's not my favourite R.E.M. record, it was never going to get less than: 5/5
And it isn’t even their best album. That’s how good they were.
6.0/10 Some solid tunes but felt it was inconsistent overall.
I didn’t think I could like REM this much but I enjoyed this album definitely took me back to the 80’s
iconic album with huge nostalgia factor
Enjoyed the lyricism, pretty solid record with some songs that could be written today and the lyrics would still ring very true. 'it's the end of the world as we know it' feels like the anthem of this generation. Look forward to the next REM entry. 3.5/5
I liked it pretty much. It was a pleasant listen.
Gets a little samey even though it is such a short album, but the highs are really high.
I have learned that R.E.M is more of a 'hits' band for me. I did not care much for this album. The album reminded me of They Might Be Giants, but without the enjoyment I get from listening to TMBG.
3/5 and I mean that in the way a professor says a C or a B is still not bad. It was nice to hear the full album where It’s The End of the World as we Know It (and I feel fine) comes from. I also think a lot of the album is caveman music. It just has a certain unga-bunga to it.
i can play "the one i love" on expert on guitar hero world tour but i'm not very good at "it's the end of the world and we know it (and i feel fine)" on rock band 2 because i didn't have rock band 2 as a kid and the controller felt weird and different so... three stars
What a fun time. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I always forget It's the End of the World As We Know It is an R.E.M. song and not a Barenaked Ladies song. Oddfellows Local 151 surprised me with its grit. R.E.M. was another band I've only ever been neutral on, but this one has me interested in listening to more. Now I just need list man to give me Out of Time so I feel obligated to listen to it.
There are certainly some jams here, but it all started to blur together after a while. For every song I liked there were 2 that just kinda passed me by. 2.5-3
This may seem like a lie after being exposed as the resident REM hater, but I actually like this album more than other REM albums. The concept (I know Stipe hates that label) really impresses me every time I hear it. The lyrics are maybe the most impressive part. Okay, switching to hater mode. Michael Stipe’s vocals do absolutely nothing for me. Their singles are incredibly overplayed to the point where I can’t take a single second of “It’s the End…” anymore. “The One I Love” is a boring song with no redeeming qualities and I heard it once a day on FM radio growing up. I have listened to so many REM albums and all of my friends have told me they’ll fix me, but nothing works. If there were a band I wanted to love, it’s this one. Sadly they’re not a different band.
Says a lot but really says nothing? Probably the issue our boy Dane has with them.
Allow me to be insufferable about R.E.M. for a moment. In their prime, they were one of the rarest breed of band, where each member was truly in-expendable. The band was run as a democracy, all 4 of them contributed something distinct. All songs were credited to all 4 members. All money was split 4 ways. I think with the vast majority of bands, there’s one or two central figures (usually a vocalist and/or a guitarist) who end up surrounded by a rotating cast of characters. There’s obviously exceptions to that rule (The Beatles are the obvious big one), but R.E.M. is a band with 4 members who straight up cannot be replaced. Michael Stipe is an incredible singer. Bill Berry and Mike Mills, as I said in my Who review, might be my favorite rhythm section of all time. Mills is at the very least my favorite backing vocalist of all time. Peter Buck is not a stellar guitarist but his love of rock music put the band together and we love him for it because passion > proficiency and Buck is a jangle icon. He's the working man's Johnny Marr. When Bill Berry left the band in the mid-90s (he had an on-stage brain hemorrhage and decided to retire from music to become a farmer), they didn’t even try to replace him and spent the last 15 years of their run without an official drummer. They also felt that whole time like they were going through the motions. While there’s some standout tracks, that era is basically consigned to history. I recently read a book about REM that spent 43 chapters on the 16 years that Bill Berry was in the band and 4 chapters on the 15 years after he left. Peak R.E.M. (Murmur - New Adventures in Hi-Fi; the Berry years) , is maybe the most consistently great American rock band of all time. They just flat out did not miss for 10 albums in the span of 16 years. I don't know that I've seen that replicated. All that said, this ranks pretty low in my peak R.E.M. ranking and is definitely my least favorite thing they put out in the 80s. But it has not 1 but 2 bona fide classics, so I get it. Everything else is solid, but the fact that you know exactly which 2 songs I'm talking about is proof enough that those songs are carrying. I think I could nail "It's the End of the World As We Know It" at karaoke if I was drunk enough.