Reviews (page 5 of 13)
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
There might be a temptation on my part to too easily write off REM as just another pop band. However, I am finding there is more to them and their sound as I listen to more of their music. A solid 4 for this album and another listen in the future!
The hits weren’t even the best tracks. Especially compared with their earlier stuff, it’s much more engaging and dynamic.
3.5 stars rounded up.
The album that put R.E.M. on the mainstream A solid records with two of my favorite R.E.M. songs - Finest Worksong and It’s The End….. Stipe has such a distinctive voice and this was the start of their prime. And the lyrics are top notch. There will never be another group like this and I’m glad I was along for the ride with them.
I never ever think to listen to this band, but when I do I usually end up thinking they’re pretty high quality
LEONARD BERENSTEIN
Good stuff. I can't listen to REM for long periods of time, like some other groups, so I can't give it a 5, but I do enjoy them.
Wasn't a huge REM fan but not really sure why...really enjoyed this. Can imagine hearing this while walking past West Dorm our senior year... For quite some time I thought that they were saying "Can I have some Tylenol" instead of "It's time I had some time alone". I like my lyrics better...
Sounds just like an R.E.M. album! Shocking, I know. In all seriousness, there's a couple of great tracks, and most of the rest are good but not particularly memorable. Unless you love R.E.M., then this'll be just what you were looking for.
Pretty good!
"Document" by R.E.M. is a landmark album that showcases the band’s unique blend of compelling lyrics and innovative sound. Released in 1987, it marks a significant evolution in their musical style, merging jangly guitars with socially conscious themes that resonate deeply with listeners. Tracks like "The One I Love" and "Finest Worksong" demonstrate their ability to craft memorable melodies while addressing complex issues, making the album a powerful commentary of its time. The raw energy and creativity present in "Document" not only solidified R.E.M.'s status as a vital force in alternative rock but also paved the way for future generations of musicians, ensuring its lasting impact on the music landscape.
This album is almost totally fucking awesome, just drags a bit sometimes
I can't even say why I like this, or R.E.M. in general, but I do.
A band with a message
Wow, REM goes harder than I ever knew.
it‘s the end of the world as we know it, and i feel fine..
One of those records where you can see the embryo of the 1990s start to take shape, as post-punk morphs into alt-rock via R.E.M's distinct cynical righteousness The production is flattering to every instrument, and Stipe's voice sounds incredible (as always!)
7.5/10 Not a big R.E.M. fan but this positively surprised me. Consistently good and interesting. Not nearly as pointlessly.meandering as I expected. Highlights: Oddfellow Local 151 The One I Love It's the End of the World Exhuming McCarthy Lightnin Hopkins
A good REM album?
Buen disco de REM
It turns out that R.E.M. wasn´t able to make a single bad record! Another strong album with the hits "It´s The End Of The World As We Know It..." and "The One I Love" and only a few weaker songs.
Had this a few days after Murmur, which I appreciate but it’s hard not to compare them directly. Document is definitely less fun and less catchy (End of the world as we know it… notwithstanding) but Finest Worksong is up there with my favourites. There are a few songs here that feel a bit samey and they were taking fewer risks at this point. I was tempted to give Murmur a 5 but rounded down in the end so it seems only fair as I’m feeling 3.5ish to round up this time.
Early REM all seems to be pretty consistent. I'm assuming this is the album that got them big due to the banger singles, and it makes sense since the rest of the album is pretty good too. The Wire cover in the middle was a bit of a jumpscare.
I never had a special opinion on R.E.M., and while I always knew their singles were good, I never delved deeply into their discography. Since this is their fifth studio album, I didn’t know what to expect. I already knew a few songs from the album, but I was thoroughly surprised to find that the deeper cuts were also really good. The themes felt very political and relevant to the times in which they were written. The One I Love is my favorite song from the album. There’s still that distinct 'R.E.M.' sound in every song, but it doesn't feel boring, and it doesn't get stale no matter how many times you listen to it. They're one of the very few bands that created a successful formula of having a standout sound in each song — you know it's R.E.M. as soon as you hear it, and I really like that.
Its the end of the world will always be a banger. Chicken little and growing up super nostalgic. Rest of album sounds pretty similar.
This feels ahead of it's time in terms of ushering in the 90's alt rock era. An enjoyable listen with some great tracks and not any duds. The standouts are the two hits "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" and "The One I Love".
A wonderful collection with 4 or 5 absolute highlights. 4 stars out of 5.
REM are a great band who I respect but the lead singer's voice grates on me.
Banger after banger after banger. Does get a bit samey by the end however. Documents approved.
Beyond the three singles, I was unfamiliar with the other eight songs - so it was nice getting to hear these for the first time. I wouldn't say they're overly strong tracks, with the side A four being noticeably better than the side B four, but I still dug the experience.
I think this can be considered R.E.M.'s first "real" breakthrough. "The One I Love" and "...End of the World..." both stand the test of time as two of the group's biggest songs. However, the rest of the album doesn't really follow their normal template that led up to this point, and instead opts to deliver a more "harder" rock sound with clearer vocals from Stipe. This was the first R.E.M. album produced by Scott Litt (first of many at the time), so this musical direction becomes clearer. There's still the familiar jangle pop here and there, but some sax and even a dulcimer is thrown in on the back half. I still slightly prefer "Automatic For The People", which would release a few albums later, but "Document' is still pretty strong for its runtime. A 3.8/5 seems appropriate. Favorite tracks: "Exhuming McCarthy", "...End of the World...", "The One I Love"
REM is one of those bands that I've liked but never really 'got into' like other bands. Monster was probably the album I listened to the most for some reason, and Out of Time and Automatic for the People were the ones I think of when thinking about REM. Document has gone underappreciated by me with the exception of the singles. The One I Love is the most jangle-pop song ever. It's great. End of the World is great too and seems appropriate for the times. I had never really listened to the rest of the album all the way through, but there are some other really great songs on here as well. Disturbance at the Heron House was a standout. Strange took me by surprise as well being a blues song.
Finest worksong - 3/5 Welcome to the occupation - 4.5/5 Exhuming McCarthy - 5/5 Disturbance at the heron house - 4.6/5 Strange - 3.8/5 It's the end of the world as we know it - 4.8/5 The one I love - 5/5 Fireplace - 5/5 Lighting Hopkins - 4.8/5 King of birds - 4/5 Oddfellows local 151 - 4.8/5 4.48/5
Bon REM des débuts, quelques tubes qui passeront dans leur rotation :”Finest Worksong”, “The One I love” et celle qui terminera la quasi totalité de leurs concerts “It’s the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)”. Ça s'essouffle sur la fin avec un morceau avec beaucoup trop de saxo (“Fireplace”), une qui fait trop whoohoo whooohoho (“Lightnin’ Hopkins”) et une dernière chanson dont le riff n’était pas suffisamment bon pour le faire durer sur plus de 5 minutes (Oddfellows Local 151”). Ca reste un bon album, avec quelques très bons titres. Ca manque parfois de variété dans le songwriting, certains titres n’étant que des variations d’une formule déjà entendue sur d’autres albums. Et à l’échelle de REM, il y en aura d'autres meilleurs.
and this is why I love this list....challenging engrained views of bands/genres/albums that originated at a time and place in my life that have changed. Totally reassessing my opinion of REM as a result of this album.
has some of my favourite buck guitar work on here but the record flames out far too soon begins a run of spotty rem records in my opinion, can't beat their old stuff best song: the one i love worst song: king of birds
I really like REM and was fortunate to have listened to them live. It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine) is one of the songs that marked my youth. I have listened all these songs before but never in order. I like the album a lot.
A lot of nice songs
Solid R.E.M. Didn't know this album (did know two songs,It's the end of the world as we know it and The one I love) really enjoyed it.
I was super into REM in my mid-teens and I remember this album quite well. They were a popular rock band by this point but not the mega stars that they would become with Automatic For The People. I really like the earlier sound captured here and if I could have seen them live it would probably have been in this era. Cool band. Cool album.
Now this is good rock and roll, uh, music
Another 4 star Going too far? Couldn't be further apart From Depeche mode for a start The bedrock of alt rock Times where people took stock Nuclear weapons and cold war R.E.M made it very far Later in the nineties This is beauty from the eighties
2 big hits and a lot of deep cuts. Stipes’ voice is monotonous but in a good way! Delightful
I found this so much more listenable and enjoyable than Green.
This is exactly the type of album I was hoping would be on this list. I have listened to it before and I likely will again. End of the World and The One I Love are just good songs. The album itself has some variety of sound and some clear devotion to a particular sound. If that makes sense. Like they know where they struck gold and mined strategically around that area. It just sounds good to me even before I dig into the creativeness of the music or lyrics or pairings therein and whatever. A band that can let its bassist shine is in my opinion one that has more than one ace up its sleeve. Individually the songs hold up and collectively I want to re-listen just to understand the political side of the lyrics more. It perhaps would be a 5 if I had reviewed more or even less albums but currently it’s a strong 4. Very solid with no notable flaws, but I tagged 5 songs I really like. I’ve got albums with 8-10 or more and I think I need to leave room for being blown away and not just impressed.
Awesome, rockin, REM is the best
Cool!
So much jangle. I love the combo of It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) and The One I Love. They're both fun, dark songs
Pretty good. Like most REM, it has a couple of fantastic tunes, but the rest is pleasant but sort of samey-samey.
R.E.M. are definitely growing on me, if only by exposure, but there is a certain sameness to the music here (low/high riffs, basically) that I don't think their later work has. That midpoint double-act of "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" and "The One I Love" is kind of breathtaking though.
4.1 3x couple classics
Really a 3.5 rating. Fun songs and such a unique voice. Most songs across movies for sure. But not my go to style
Not bad nothing special probably a 3
I forget how much I actually do like the early REM catalogue (through Green). Truly the ultimate "college" rock band. Guitars sound great, Stipe isn't mumbling on this one. The album is almost completely up tempo. I'd forgotten how good this one really is. And it's super accessible - I don't think you have to be in a specific mood to hear this one.
A classic R.E.M album with my favourite song of theirs “It’s the end of the world as we know it” That be a good karaoke song to learn
Own it
I've listened to R.E.M. before as an influential band on the alternative rock scene. I've heard the singles off this album, Document, and I consider them to be the highlights. The rest of the album is good, but I'm not quite over the moon about it as I would have liked. On a technical level, everyone in the band played well. In particular, Bill Berry's kept a driving rhythm on percussion, Pete Buck's guitar hooks were catchy, and Michael Stipe's off-kilter baritone vocals were complemented at times by the harmonized background vocals on songs like "It's the End of the World As We Know It (I Feel Fine)." My hang-up with this album comes from the lyrical content. I can tell from songs like "Exhuming McCarthy" and "Welcome to the Occupation" that the band tried to provide political commentary concerning the Reagan administration at the time. The problem is the imagery of the words is just opaque enough that the messaging doesn't work effectively. There might have been an attempt at balancing out the silly and serious tones with these songs, and as a result, it only felt serious to me with "Finest Worksong" and "The One I Love". I still enjoyed Document even if the songs didn't coalesce into a more meaningful impact. Regardless, the band still played well on this album, and as such it gets a solid recommendation from me.
Mycket bra skiva. Fantastisk pop. Bra röst. REM är given på den här listan. Finns bättre skivor med bandet men den här är värd en solid 4a.
REM är ett grymt band. Skulle tippa på att om jag betygsatte alla album skulle snittet bli högt. Just denna skiva har jag lyssnat en del på. På kassett!!! Då tyckte jag its the end of the world var bäst/roligast. Inte längre. Det är inte deras bästa skiva, men lägsta nivån är hög med REM. En stabil fyra.
Älskar R.E.M. och rent emotionellt så skulle jag vilja sätta en femma, men deras senare album från början på 90-talet är bättre och den här når inte riktigt hela vägen dit. Det är forfarande riktigt bra dock, så fyran är solklar.
What a time to be alive. Turning 18 and discovering lots of new exciting things. Music was changing for the better too. This album was my introduction to REM. A band who continually hit and miss for me. But this album grabbed me with the simplicity and perfection of ‘The One I Love’. Such an awesome rock pop song with harmonies, banging bass lines and dancing guitars. ‘Finest Worksong’, ‘Disturbance…’ and ‘Oddfellows…’ are other stand outs for me. Back then, I found the whole album fresh and interesting, and it still holds up well. 7/10 rounded to a low-ish 4.
I don’t know if it was the production or the quality of the music, but I swear R.E.M. never sounds like an 80’s band. Seriously, It’s The End Of The World As We Know It could have been released in the 90’s and I wouldn’t call it out of place. Maybe it Michael Stipe’s vocals or the Scott Litt production that give R.E.M. their sound. Document has to be one of the more cryptic, but refreshing albums of the decade. I think this might be the band’s most consistently good album to date. Everyone does their due diligence, from Bill Beery’s backing vocals to Peter Buck’s shredding, and the result is an extremely fun album. I tethered between a 4 or a 5 for this one. The score will show a 4, but it’s more of a 4.5. Favorite track: It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Other hits: The One I Love, Finest Worksong, Fireplace, Welcome to the Occupation
I suppose that I have never been as much of an REM fan than I should be. All of their 80s output (and most of their 90s) can be argued to be classics. Document is probably not my favourite, but it does have a couple of their most known singles. Solid from start to finish and an important artifact of its time maturing the College Rock level of play to something that could occupy a greater range.
This is the second REM album I've gotten, after Green, and I feel pretty similarly about both. Another very good album, and a rare one where the second half is significantly better than the first half. Favorite songs are The One I Love and the last track.
Always been a fan of R.E.M. and The One I Love and It’s The End Of The World As We Know It are classics. Not sure I’ve listened to this whole album before, but I also think it has a good variety of sound.
I haven’t listened to this before, but I have a soft spot for Automatic For The People and Monster. This was great.
Good album. Reminded me of other REM albums I've listened to. Sometimes haunting lyrics, good musicianship, ahead of it's time or maybe in a time of it's own.
Good sound
Classic REM.
solid. sounded like REM. had some of their classics
good
I love REM, but this is clearly one of their earlier offerings, as it’s not as polished as some of their later stuff. I really enjoy It’s The End Of A World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), as it’s quite different to the rest of the album. And Michael Stipe has a beautiful voice.
Enjoyable and recognised more than expected
R.E.M. getting more poppy, but still with an indie edge.
It's good, but it's not their best. It falls right between two great albums in their discography. It has a bunch of great songs, but in my opinion it falls flat compared to a handful of others in their discography
End of the world is worth at least +1 star
Lightnin’ Hopkins was my favourite song on the album.
I've never listened to REM aside from the odd single that I would hear on the radio or at bars, not quite grasping the appeal. Sitting down and listening to this album in its entirety has really piqued my interest! Definitely going to explore this group more, and revisit this album.
fajn
I only listened to two songs because I slept through the rest of the album, but I liked it
Enjoyable album with some super recognizable songs. Not an overall banger composition
I love REM have been listening since they came out-they came to Rutgers once while I was a freshman we thought they were the cooooolest... this is not my favorite album but I love how nicely it flows from Finest Worksong to the One I Love - It's the End of the World is always so fun
There are other albums I prefer more, but it was still a treat to hear his truly unique voice and their sound. It's been a beat since I've listened to them, and wow, it took me right back to when music was consumed so differently. I'd have my tape ready for the college radio station to record new music from KTXT. Some DJ friends premiered a documentary, "35000 WATTS: The Story of College Radio," and REM was front and center.
Vocals have never been clearer but this is ultimately Pete Bucks day. This album rocks and rolls and has riffs galore. The summation of their half decade rise - five albums in five years is such a different era - each album pushing them forward. The harmonies are still there the guitars are out front. Not a misstep from the Finest Worksong through Fireplace but then gets lost in the last quarter. S
Document is the only R.E.M. LP that I own, but it's been a hot minute since I've listened to all of it from start to finish. I've already reviewed Murmur (meh) and Green (loved it), so I'm excited to hit up my third R.E.M. album for this project. I wanted to really love this album, and while I think it's really good, it fell a little short of five stars for me. Document starts off with the criminally underrated "Finest Worksong," a stirring rock anthem that sets the tone for the album's themes of resistance, individual empowerment, and political corruption. "Welcome to the Occupation" slows things down a bit musically, but "Exhuming McCarthy" shifts back to a more upbeat song, with lyrics blisteringly critical of Reagan era politics set to a jangly pop rock sound that's almost impossible to not to tap your foot along too. Side 1 ends with one of the band's most well-known (and in my opinion, one of their best) songs, "It's The End of The World As We Know It." I love the opening drum blast, and the blistering pace of Michael Stipe's vocals make this one of the best rock songs of the decade. Bill Berry's backing vocals of "it's time I had some time alone" are absolutely perfect, and his vocal presence is a huge boon to the whole album. "The One I Love" is not one of my favorite R.E.M. songs, but it's a solid ballad, despite feeling a little out of place on this album. The rest of side 2 is good, and while I always enjoy R.E.M.'s music, there's not a lot on side 2 that I really love. I think it's objectively good (excellent songwriting, great guitars, and solid drumming), but it's just not something I really enjoy listening to, especially when you take all of R.E.M.'s catalog into consideration. This is a really good album, but it falls a bit short of greatness with me.
Pretty good. Low 8
Some great songs and anti-capitalist vibe on this one. After hearing Fireplace, I wished every other track on this had a saxophone part.
I liked it! Songs do blur into each other but it's an overall pleasant sound. I think it's a 3.5/4.
Fun music, end of the world is a very silly song
gonna try to bang this out for the last hour of work...definitly sounds like some new wave trendy music... i can see this as an inspiration for a lot of bands never listened to REM before
Entre Lifes Rich Pageant y Green, este disco es el puente entre ambos y supone la evolución definitiva en su sonido. Contiene además dos temas, It´s the end of the world y The one I love, que son dos obras maestras.Les deja una inercia imparable hacia la trilogía definitiva. Scott Litt logra el sonido canónico de REM y se convierte en su productor de cabecera para los próximos y findamentales 5 álbumes (la pentalogía pluscuamperfecta). El disco tiene una apertura potente con Finest Worksong, todo un clásico en sus conciertos. Welcome to the Occupation es un temazo con la chisporroteante guitarra de Buck, y el excelente bajo de Mills. Exhuming McCarthy es compleja y variada, con clara influencia de The B-52´s. Tiene un ritmo que luego seguirán en Stand (Green) aunque también tiene ritmos sincopados, cambios de todo tipo (meten saxo y vientos) y una voz que si no es la de Fred Schneider (The B-52´s) bien se le parece. Disturbance at the Heron House es otra gran canción en los parámetros de los REM más clásicos. Strange cambia ligeramente el sonido, con unos simpáticos coros que iluminan una gran canción ajena (Wire). Una de las pocas versiones en un disco de REM y cierre de la cara A. La apertura de la cara B es espectacular con It´s the end of the world y The One I love, dos clásicos de la música de fin de siglo. Poco o nada que comentar, simplemente escuchar (y ver sus vídeos musicales). En Fireplace meten un inquietante saxo (muy escaso en las canciones de REM) que no desentona en absoluto. Lightnin' Hopkins con otros estupendos coros, es el reverso oscuro de Finest Worksong. King of birds es una canción marca de la casa donde introduce mandolina, es una de las joyas de Document. Oddfellows Local 151 continua el lado siniestro y oscuro, supone el cierre del disco. Disco excepcional. 1987 tuvo muy buenos discos : U2- The Josua tree, Terence Trent D´Arby- Introducing the hard line according to, Depeche Mode- Music for the masses, Dinosaur Jr.- You´re living all over me, Prince- Sign of the times, Spacemen 3- The Perfect Prescription, George Michael- Faith, The Smiths- Strangeways here we come, Erik B & Rakim-Paid in Full , Hüsker Dü- Warehouse: Songs and stories, Guns and Roses- Appetite for destruction, The Jesus and Mary Chain- Darklands, Sonic Youth - Sister, The Triffds- Calenture, Michael Jackson- Bad, INXS- Kick, Pet Shop Boys- Actually, Aerosmith- Permanent vacation, Pixies- Come On Pilgrim, The Wedding Present- George Best, Simply Red- Men and Women, LL Cool J- Bigger and Deffer, Boogie Down Productions- Criminal Minded, 10.000 MANIACS - In my tribe. Radio Futura- La canción de Juan Perro, GABINETE CALIGARI - Camino Soria, Esclarecidos- Por amor al comercio, Los Ronaldos- Los Ronaldos, Pata Negra- Blues de la Frontera, Nacha Pop - El Momento , Alaska + Dinarama- Diez, La Polla Records-No somos nada, El Último de la Fila- Nuevas mezclas, Duncan Dhu-El grito del tiempo, Siniestro Total-De hoy no pasa, La Orquesta mondragón-Ellos las prefieren gordas, Héroes del Silencio -Héroes del Silencio y Loquillo y Trogloditas - Mis problemas con las mujeres. También Def Leppard- Hysteria, The Cult- Electric, The Sisters of Mercy- Floodland, Primal Scream- Sonic Flower Groove, Public Enemy-Yo! Bum Rush the Show, the Justified Ancients of Mu Mu (the JAMs, luego KLF)- 1987 (What the Fuck Is Going On?), Love and Rockets - Earth, Sun, Moon, The Communards-Red , Mike Oldfield- Islands, The Replacements- Pleased to Meet Me,The Cure- Kiss me, Kiss me , Kiss me, Sting- ...Nothing Like the Sun o Joe Satriani-Surfing With the Alien.
War ein ganz guten Album, würde ich so nicht nochmal hören aber einzelne Lieder aus dem Album vielleicht schon.
R.E.M.'s first great album, I think. Like the stripped-down sound, which gives a lot more room to the guitars.
We've had a few R.E.M. albums now and I'm starting to enjoy them. Will listen to more.
Solid album, enjoys the genre of music, wasn't to sure how the individual songs fitted together to create an album .
something about the tracks that aren't the stuff of legend strangely hook me a little bit more than "classic R.E.M." deep cuts. i love that period of R.E.M., they're like that cousin who's cooler and more down to earth than you, but that cousin now has a good job and a house and he's somehow cooler? and that's saying nothing of the two beasts right in the middle of the record. there's no cutting them out. "a serve", as the kids say. is it sacrilege to say i like seminal jangle pop band R.E.M. more after they "sold out"? am i stupid? am i gonna die?
Clearly a great influence to any indie rock and many other genres of the 90s and after.
Now this is rock. I'm giving it 4 stars because I'm stingy. Loved this album (hello?? the guitar riffs and strumming!), I'm glad I listened to it because now i have some new favorites.
It was good, it's unfortunate it was overshadowed by the other albums i was listening to right before it. A part of me was just waiting for it to end so i can go back to them.
7/9/24 A classic album by a classic band. One or two of their more known songs are here, it's an easy enough listen.
i’ve thinking for years that i needed to listen to more rem, and not just rely on the hits, and this album did not disappoint. ‘document’ showcases the band at one of their many peaks. michael stipe’s vocals are so satisfying to me, and they complement the band extremely well. i particularly enjoyed “it’s the end of the world as we know it” and “the one i love”. i feel inspired to listen to their entire back catalogue now, and am excited to see more of them.
love some fiercely political bangers 👍 favourite tracks: welcome to the occupation and of course it's the end of the world as we know it
I'm a little biased here because the two huge tracks here (ITEOTWAWKI and especially The One I Love) were kind of like childhood anthems for me. I grew up on Guitar Hero: World Tour, and The One I Love was my favourite song on there. Some of my best memories from the late '00s are jamming out on a plastic orange guitar with a Wii remote wedged into the back while my mom belted out "FIREEEEEE" at the top of her lungs. (I'm surprised our neighbours never complained.) So, as simple as the melodies and harmonies are in most of the tracks, R.E.M. gets a pass for pure nostalgia. The pure energy in the other track (with the funny long name) also bumps this album up significantly. Other than those two tracks, the songwriting isn't particularly memorable, and the main draws into the music are Buck's shining guitar arpeggios and Stipe's distinctive and heavily American vocal. I wasn't sure if R.E.M.'s music qualified as alt-rock, so I had to look it up, and it seems they're pioneers of the genre. I can definitely hear it towing the line between classic 70s rock, the clean, electronic "danciness" of the 80s, as well as something indescribable that's unique to alternative rock. 4/5 Key tracks: Finest Worksong, It's The End Of The World As We Know It, The One I Love
Probably more of a 3.5 than a 4 but I enjoyed it. Some greats.
I liked this but I think I need more time with it to decide if I love it.
Automatic for the people is better but this is still good
Great album with many iconic songs. Very joyable music :)
Very clearly the first instance of that recognizable "R.E.M." sound which would inspire many a 90's alt-rock band in the years to come. I don't think it's R.E.M.'s best album ever, I think that title belongs to 'Automatic For The People' but it's a very enjoyable album none-the-less and has a few big tracks too. I would listen to this album again on purpose Standouts It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Oddfellows Local 151 4/5
These songs are all so familiar to me. They're ingrained on my consciousness even though I don't really listen to REM on my own.
R.E.M. is one of my absolutely favorite bands. Document is a strong album with many highlights - some of these songs still move me deeply to this day.