Document

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!

7.5/10 I enjoyed the first half of the album a lot more than the second half, with exception of King Of Birds but that could just be primary bias - surprised that The One I Love is the single on this album because it's oddly mediocre in comparison to the rest. All together i like the big drum section & the slap bass but there's just something I don't love about it. The End of The World As We Know it just remined me of the big bang theory theme so idk about that one. Song added to playlist: - Finest Worksong - Welcome to the Occupation - King of Birds

Reminds me of high school. I like their earlier stuff more.

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.

Nostalgic, classic REM!

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".

A 2.5, it is easy listening and reminded me of a Tony Hawk soundtrack.

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.

First half is a 5/5 then it tails off in tir second half.

40 minutes of alternative magic.

Pretty generic “rock”, with some little flourishes that make it stand out from the crowd a bit. Very thin sound though.

Good one

Unpolished, but still decent classic R.E.M.

I have listened to this album more times than I can count. While not my favorite REM album I still enjoy it. My old roommate was obsessed with REM and I had gone through their catalog. The band never really latched onto me as it had him, but it reminds me of frantically cleaning our apartment from half empty beer cans, bongs, and cigarette butts when his Mom would make a surprise visit.

ist halt so dad rock. am anfang so hintergrundbeschallung, aber "it's the end of the world as we know it" ist SO EIN BANGER, so, kannte ich halt, aber zurecht war ich am viben. Insgesamt die 2. Hälfte vom Album generell besser als die erste overall kann man das gut machen, is nix weltbewegendes aber yeah. wär so bei 2,5 probably

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".

A couple gems but overall not as captivating as I had hoped.

eh, ko proto-grindej, glazba načelno dobra i gdjegdje super, al glas mi nije neš

One of the better REM albums

honestly really cool I fw this heavy

Decent

Starts for me slow but builds up to some iconic songs.

Arg 80er. Bin leider kein Boomer. Wär ich 50 und würde mit meinen Homies in ner Kneipe Billiard spielen würde, würde es safe fetzen

is chill aber nichts außergewöhnliches, kann man machen

was good, but not very many dynamics.

End of the world and One I Love are both bangers, but I didn’t love the rest

Aikas tylsää settiä. Lyhyestä kuvaus kaunis.

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.

Klang für mich wie ein typisches R.E.M. Album :D Nichts besonderes, aber auch nicht kacke und angenehm zum Hören. Mag man ihnen die "Gleichheit" der Songs zur Last legen? :/ 3 Sterne

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.

Second half is meh

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

rem no. 5 for 5 stars

I love the political aspects of this album, but it doesn’t speak to me the way other REM albums have. I appreciate that their sound isn’t bogged down in 90s tropes. There is some of that, but really only the loud, jangly, rhythm guitar.

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.

This is the second REM I got here, the first being Automatic For The People. Both great albums. This is an interesting album, what many consider to be the last early period college rock darling album. This is their last independent label album, and is sort of the start of their transition into stardom, which will be at full swing in Out of Time, two albums later. This album already contains two quintessential REM hits - The One I Love and It’s The End Of The World As We Know It, showing the bands ability to write their own brand of its hits. Anyway I don’t know. I like it but it’s not my favorite and assuming Out of Time will also be here I think this is a bit too much REM.

The album gets progressively worse until you hit the middle, where they slapped their hits, and the continues to get worse. I liked “Fireplace”, though. Whole thing was too repetitive, could have benefited from some better arrangement of the tracks. Split up your two big hits, why don’t ya? Oh well, pretty good, even if I’m not R.E.M.s biggest fan. 3/5

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

Very good but nowhere near Automatic For The People

REM have a vibe all their own. I could always take them or leave them, apart from some beautiful tracks on Automatic for the People. Michael Stipe’s droning vocals don’t inspire much in me. Strictly mid-level for me.

I've never been the biggest R.E.M. fan, and I'm 100% sure the reasons as to why come from personal preference. Maybe it's the genre of the music in general, or a vocalist I don't entirely like. But I gave this album the benefit of the doubt. It's not bad, it's just not fantastic. The band has some bangers, and I'll admit that. The chorus on And I Feel Fine is freaking amazing, even if the rest of the song is.. Not great. The only issue is that R.E.M. is nowhere near an album artist. They have a tendency of just placing songs where they want to, and not really caring if it ruins the album experience because the songs before were pretty good. And that's what ruins this album for me, how it can change from some undeniable bops (like Strange, for example) to the blandest and unmemorable last four songs I've heard in a while. They're not fun, they're not memorable, and they should've been replaced. Or at least put somewhere else in the tracklist so it ended on at least a higher note? Some of the ideas weren't exactly there either. I've already mentioned And I Feel Fine, but the fast-paced energy just kind of feels like a jumbled up acoustic version of We Didn't Start the Fire (which is a killer song, tbf). The One I Love honestly did have a cool idea though. It sounds like a love song on the surface, and I was even in the middle of saying something along the lines of: "aww, what a cute love song" when I was rudely interrupted by "FIREEEEEEEEEEEEEE." It's honestly really good. That's about it. That's the end. That's the end of this review. Love you <3

'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.

Was ok.

Paar klassiekers, voor de rest beetje zaagplaat

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.

I’ve never been a huge fan of R.E.M and unfortunately this didn’t change my opinion. It’s not bad by any means, but just not for me

Lame Christian rock

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

Kinda just background music for me, didn't really do much or catch my attention

Some really good songs here, and the rest are decent too. Feels a little dated in places, but overall better than I was expecting.

I was dating a man in 1987 from Atlanta and I was introduced to this album then. It’s as great today as it was back then. And even with the lyrics right in front of me, I will never be able to nail down the words to It’s the End of the World. Bet you can’t either.

Pretty good! I grew up with a handful of these songs and had some of their albums

One for my favourite bands, 5 Star, no notes.

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

Meh. All sounded the same. likely won't revisit.

Certainly deserves to be among the top 1001. A great mix of melody and rock.

2 stars

Interesting beyond the hits

Holds up well!

Not my favourite set of tracks of theirs. The One I Love is very good and a few others caught my ear though.

I am not sure about this one I feel it gives very hunger game vibes?. I liked a few songs, so overall I’d rate it 3/5. It’s quite nice and I see why people might like it I am just not sure if I will, I can def listen to the songs I like again

An all-time favorite album.

Jangly guitars get louder! Obscure lyrics, you bet. I do love this album.

Definitely an improvement over the formless mumble of Murmur. I like the jangle pop direction and I think REM pull it off well. 6/10

No hace más que alimentarme cada vez que REM está de visita en mis oídos. Puede que sea una banda muy diferente al resto y eso le da su valor especial.

"The One I Love" is the clearly catchy standout track, as a kind of ominously cryptic, almost callous, view of relationships. "It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" is controlled chaos, a rapid-fire fever dream of cultural references. This is the album where R.E.M. stops just hinting at bigger things and actually starts becoming one of the biggest bands in the world. It’s raw, it’s tight, and it still holds up.

Pretty nice

Don't like REM. Never have, no matter how many times I tried. Listening to this again did not change my mind. I liked tracks 1, 6, 7 and (maybe?) 9.

Boring pop-rock. R.E.M. deserves max 1 album if any on this list, and this is not one of them.

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.

62/1001 - Nothing happened but it wasn't awful sounding.

I expected them to be more of my thing than THIS. I knew they were goofy but didn't expect mediocrity too.

Not for everyone but definitely for me. Recently did a chronological run of REM albums during a work day and got to the end of Automatic for the People. Green was the first REM cassette I bought but I burned this vinyl from the library. It just rocks and has fire.

i like rem. good album.

Albeit, still not my favorite artists, this is some nice easy 90's alt rock fare that I don't mind in the background.

Stipe's voice when he's trying to sing "angry" never really does it for me. The slower songs were good, and of course "It's the End of the World As We Know It" is great. 3.5 stars

Truly great all the way through as an album.

This is objectively a better album than 2/5 but speaking solely from personal preference, was just not doing it for me apart from a couple exceptions.

A couple of highs, but I didn't find it especially inspiring. Some great vocals lines, harmonies and counter melodies though.

This album is where REM jumped the shark for me. It’s arena, rock disguised as jangle pop… Really feel they lost their way as an underground band. I hear so much of Scott Litt in the sound, to the point where it’s in distinguishable from the songs. Were they intentionally going for a popular audience here? Or were they the victims of a studio system that knew they had something with these guys? In either case aside from a few songs that I do enjoy, this is one that never gets played, by a huge REM fan. “ disturbance at the Heron house” “Welcome to the Occupation” and their cover of “Strange” are deserving. But I’d love to hear them produced differently

R.E.M. are the band I most regret not seeing, so it’s always good to have an excuse to listen to them. Document is one of their weaker releases in my opinion, but it’s R.E.M., it is still really good.

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

Geggjuð plata. Ég er meiri automatic maður en finnst þessi samt alveg sturluð líka. Góðir textar, þétt tónlist.

Svakalega góð plata sem stenst tímans tönn vel. Ekki eitt leiðinlegt lag. Bjuggu til Alt Rock sándið. Ég er mikill aðdáandi fyrstu þriggja platnanna þeirra. :-)

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

7/10 Had to choose between a seven and seven and a half on this one. Obviously has the iconic 'Its the End of the World As we Know It' and some other nice songs - especially 'Fireplace' with it's fantastically jarring sad solos. Unfortunately I just finds the vocal style a bit.. corny? Is that just me? Do I just dislike obviously American vocals? Maybe 🤷

This is probably my favorite R.E.M. album that I’ve heard so far. Every song here is great. Much heavier than Murmur was especially on songs like Strange and Oddfellows Local 151. The shape of alternative rock to come.

meh kind of annoying and sounds like the old white bands

I liked it enough. The hits were the hits and everything else aside from the closer, Oddfellows didn’t do a whole lot to really pull me in. They’re very consistent with their output though, I rarely hear a song that I think is bad. 3 stars

Just not my style really I liked the instrumentals tho

R.E.M is just fine, never my favourite band, but never anything I've actively disliked. I probably prefer their 80's work over what followed in later decades. My favourite hit of theirs resides on this album, otherwise I don't really have any expectations. I've listened through the album once before but didn't really pay attention. Viewing this as a fresh listen. Finest Worksong Classic alternative rock guitars. Michael Stipe's vocals could be recognized anywhere. Very serious, not very charming. Ends well. Not much to say about the production, the track sounds fine. Isn't spectacular but does nothing wrong. Decent. 3.5/5 Welcome to the Occupation I'm not quite in the mood for this type of writing at the moment of listening. It sounds good, the instrumentation is quite well put together, especially appreciate the drumming. The lyrics are decent I guess, has a good message. Again, very serious to the point of approaching preachiness. I quite like the vocals. Short, which helps as the song is quite slow. Fine. 3/5 Exhuming McCarthy Don't love the mixing. The guitars are a bit loud. It's a bit heavy handed, feels like I'm being lectured to. Critical commentary has it's place in music, but it's a bit exhausting to listen to in this format. Like the background vocals. Fine. 3/5 Disturbance at the Heron House I have no idea as to what the lyrics are referring to. I like the drumming, has a decent energy to it. The guitars are really boring. The bass is boring. The vocal performance is fine. Might be better if I took more time to analyze and pick apart the lyrics, but I'm not doing that on a blind first listen. Average. 2.5/5 Strange A different energy to the song, quicker tempo. Awful chorus. The tambourine is really annoying and loud. A bit pointless. Average. 2.5/5 It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Very fun to attempt to sing along with. Iconic chorus, hopelessly relatable at times. There's a mashup where they play this song alongside Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire which is really funny. This song is honestly a bit carthartic after feeling a bit on edge about world affairs. The interplay between the main and the background vocals is magnetic. It feels like a very serious song, but I do think the lyrics have some fun bounce to them where the clever writing does something extra to keep me invested. The song has shrunk a bit on me in recent years after covid ended, and at the current moment of listening (12th of March, 2025) I don''t exactly feel "fine" about what feels like yet another "end of the world as we know it". That being said I still think it's pretty great. 4.5/5 The One I Love The other hit on this album. Great guitar riff, decent bassline. A bit repetitive. A bir moody. Decently dramatic. I like it. 4/5 Fireplace The bassline and the ominous background guitar makes for a quite dark atmosphere. Decent rhythm. The saxophone adds a much needed break in instrumental composition for the album. The chorus is a bit abrupt and lacks a kick, feels slightly monotone. A bit of a sonic shift. Decent. 3.5/5 Lightnin' Hopkins Another new sonic direction. The funky bassline and the guitar feeling a bit separate from the rest of the track works surprisingly well. Good drumming again. Too bad the vocals don't work, they're a bit nasally for my taste. The chanting "ooooh"s don't really work either. Inconsistent. 3/5 King of Birds Eastern motifs are unexpected. Dulcimer adds some psychedelia to the track. Really slow, meanders a lot on the verses. Does to much to be calming and hypnotic, but too little to be engaging. Honestly leaves it being quite a boring track. Really goes nowhere. Average. 2.5/5 Oddfellows Local 151 Had to look up the meaning of the song. Comes across as smug and pretentious. The only thing instrumentally that sticks out is the bassline, it adds moodiness to the track which I can appreciate. Fairly standard vocal performance, a few eccentricites at the end sort of sets it apart. All in all pretty laborous and uninteresting. Boring 2/5 It's the end of the album as we know it (And I feel whelmed). There's a lot of quality here, but the album really isn't that engaging to me. Most of it falls into the category "artistically solid yet uninteresting" Instrumentally, vocally, lyrically, in any aspect the album does not make me feel anything that makes me engage with it. The few songs that actually do break the mold do so by either being simple or by having clever writing performed at a high tempo. Current mood might have affected my enthusiasm for the album somewhat, so I'll probably revisit it at some point. It got a bit exhausting by the end, hopefully it grows on me. Low 3/5 Fave track. It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) Least fave track. Oddfellows Local 151

One of the best!

Well made, some real bangers, some real duds though too. I generally like Mike Stipe's voice and the instrument work is super solid. I'd say a 3.5 just because of those duds. Really was not into a bunch of songs toward the end.

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.

3.5

A good album but not the best by R.E.M. A few weak tracks in my opinion.

2.8/5. I thought there were couple good ones in there with the rest sounding pretty much the same. Very distinct vocals and harmonizing. Big fan of King of Birds with its marching drums and Scottish esque vibe. Also big fan of the opening drums in the opening song. Good way to start an album. Overall: not bad R.E.M., you’ve got potential

I enjoyed the A side, but B side mehhh. I’ve heard a lot about REM and was curious to what their sound was, particularly because of the era of music they became popular in. Aka I’m not a huge 80’s music fan. I just feel that in the scope of music, this style just doesn’t stand the test of time. The one I love was an enjoyable song, and the A side has some good writing but I don’t think I’ll revisit this much.

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.

Brings back fond memories of Guitar Hero

good

Classic after classic, REM never disappoints and this album is some of their best work

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

Another classic R.E.M. album. I said all I needed to say on the other ones. This is a favorite of mine from them and they really show their growth as songwriters here.

Not sure why there's would be multiple REM albums on this list... One was enough, if it was necessary to have in the first place. I just got some new ear buds, and this was my first time using them. The first song had the volume all the way up. Almost blew out my hearing. How terrible would it be to have the last thing I hear to be R.E.M.? Anyway, enough of the REM hatred. This is a pleasant enough album. Good musicianship, nice production, solid lyrics. It's actually a good album, but I like their next one better. I'm sure it will end up on this list, as well. The hits are favorites, and I liked Disturbance At The Heron House. This gets a 3.

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.

Ohhh R.E.M again. Man, I don't know. I'm just not an R.E.M guy. I like Finest Work Song and End of the World As We Know It but the album for me is just ok.

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

Not bad per-se, but nothing really spoke to me and it felt pretty boring. The sax in "Fireplace" was cool at least. Overall though nothing special.

Just not my thing. Instrumentally I don’t find it particularly interesting, and the lyrics don’t really speak to me, with the exception of some of the classics on this album. End of The World still holds up thematically in 2025.

Absolutely unreal that I got this album the day Cyclone Alfred is due to hit my home. I like to think that End of the World as We Know It is on loop in people's heads as they sell out toilet paper, gotta avoid that cyclone-induced spitty bum. Really not a fan of old mates vocal style. I don't like that weird American country twang. This reminds me a lot of America's (the band) Horse With No Name vocal style, but over a whole album. The instrumentals were great, very fit for the time - but fuck me I cannot get over how annoying this cunts voice was. The relatively short runtime made it tolerable, but if this thing was an hour I'd genuinely struggle. This is my first time listening to R.E.M, and I must say, pretty average album. The hits off this thing stand out like a sore thumb (in a good way), but there's not a whole lot of substance past those.

Having an irritating sounding singer who over-enunciates his american twang constantly and loading all of your decent stuff at the very end is not a good way to build goodwill with me as a listener. The accent thing really irks me, I wasn’t a fan of it with The Flaming Lips vocals and I certainly didn’t like it on that one Regatta De Blanc song

Psychic warfare to anyone who has ever had a blue collar job with a site radio where the crusty old cunts you work with won’t let you change it off triple M or whatever your equivalent local classic rock bloke radio station is. I won’t say R.E.M are my favourite - not a fan of the vocals personally but I’m not gonna argue that it’s perfectly cromulant music.

This was a displeasure to listen to. Genuinely upsets me that everything on this list that is considered essential hard rock listening is just dogshit gen x nostalgia shit It's the end of the world as we know was good tho I guess 3/10

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 is #day208 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it's my second R.E.M. album here. Once again, a strong effort from the band. Their breakthrough record, if memory serves me correctly? As a Technical Documentation Engineer by day, I can't help but appreciate this album, after all, it's called "Document." Jokes aside, it's clear why this album solidified the band's signature style, one that would only continue to evolve with their next few releases, all the way to New Adventures in Hi-Fi. The anthemic Finest Worksong, the still-so-relevant It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), the pre-90s alt-rock classic The One I Love... and then Michael Stipe singing "Crazy, crazy world, crazy, crazy times" on Fireplace... Hey, Mike, was it really that crazy in 1987? How about now? Collapse into now, right? The saxophone in that song caught me completely off guard. I loved it! This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day209.

it's a winner

Yep.

This album made me feel sick.

Well this somehow gave me two R.E.M. albums back to back and this one feels worse than the previous, so...

Two saved songs. Reading a book about them which gives them a favorable lean. Didn't love the whole album so 3 stars. I may not be punky enough for them to be my shit

Brilliant.

This was their best so far in my view

Is that 4 or 5 REMs we’ve had? Liked that this one was slightly heavier but I think I’m done and will just skip anymore we get.

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".

3 maybe 4

Distinct R.E.M. sound was honed with this album. Worth the read.

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 got a little dull and repetitive for me.

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.

Fun Rock album, I quite enjoyed

R.E.M. at their best.

6/10

Catchy songs in a unique way

2.5 but I feel generous so I round up. Alright background music. Not a total utter waste of sound waves.

The first album in a while that I did not mind looping over a couple of times!

This is VERY gen x, maybe too much so

I try to give every album on here a fair listen, even when I am familiar with the band's music and not a huge fan. REM is definitely one of those bands that I don't hate, but I don't exactly like. Sure, they have a few good songs, but they're overall sound, mainly Michael Stipe just doesn't do it for me. Document, as it turns out, is a pretty decent album. It's much better than I expected. But, by the end, I just wanted it to be over.

Great album for its time. Definitely listen to it again

If you haven’t heard it before, check out Great Big Sea’s cover of End Of The World, it’s Celtic rock awesomeness.

helll yeahhhhhh this fucking sucksssssss

Not bad at all. Not sure I’ll ever go back to it. But it’s listenable. Even if it starts to overstay it’s welcome for me halfway after “It’s the End of the World…” That might just be my least favorite song on here, which is funny because I think it’s their most famous, but that’s when it starts losing me. Their style gives way to a lot of songs that sound samey and that styles becomes grating for me after this song.

Pues no está mal. Un álbum típico de R.E.M., el primero en encontrar la fórmula que les lanzaría al estrellato. Como ya dije en mi reseña de "Green", R.E.M. tienen un sonido alt rock noventero estándar, lo cual no es malo. Supongo que, en contexto, se puede ver como un álbum pionero que sentó las bases de ese sonido tan típicamente noventero ya en los ochenta. Además, se hace fácil y entretenido de escuchar, y la producción es muy buena. Pero siguen sin ser santos de mi devoción. Aunque en la segunda mitad del álbum se ven elementos más experimentales, me parece un rock demasiado "seguro", por decirlo de alguna forma; una fórmula puramente radiofónica. Ni fu ni fa.

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.

It’s rare you find an album with such a marked difference in quality. The two famous songs are really strong and very catchy. Everything else is pretty uninspiring melody wise and musically. I’m guessing we have the next 2-3 albums coming, in my mind this theme continues but let’s see….

Some bands catch a wave, others are the wave. Document proves that in 1987, R.E.M. wasn’t just ahead of the curve—they were the curve, writing songs that would shape the sound of the ’90s before the decade had even begun. It’s an album stacked with urgency, grit, and melody, where every track feels vital, every riff purposeful, and every chorus impossible to ignore. Michael Stipe’s cryptic, commanding vocals, Peter Buck’s unmistakable chiming guitar, and the propulsive rhythm section of Mike Mills and Bill Berry all lock together into something that feels both raw and meticulously crafted. This isn’t just great alternative rock for its time—it’s the blueprint for what would come next. And then there’s The One I Love—a song so deceptively simple yet so utterly massive that it still stops you in your tracks. That iconic opening riff, the way Stipe’s detached, almost bitter delivery turns "This one goes out to the one I love" from a love song into something darker, more haunting—it’s pure brilliance. It’s the kind of song that lesser bands spend entire careers trying to write, yet for R.E.M., it’s just one of the many moments on Document that hit like a hammer. Finest Worksong kicks the album off with sheer force, Exhuming McCarthy sneers with political fire, It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) is a manic masterpiece of lyrical chaos, and King of Birds brings in an eerie, poetic beauty that lingers long after the album ends. This is R.E.M. at their sharpest, boldest, and most forward-thinking. Document isn’t just a great album—it’s a defining moment in alternative rock history. Every track is a banger, every song feels urgent, and the whole thing plays like a warning shot for the decade to come. It’s not just a 5/5—it’s essential.

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.

Loved the ones I knew, didn’t mind the ones I didn’t as background, but would I ever revisit? Nah.

80s init Eh

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

Hm, klingt gar nicht nach 1987, überrascht mich. Ok, diese ganze Alternative-Indie-Rock-Welle hat mich nicht erreicht. Aber das Album hier ist hörenswert.

I liked this album quite a lot. It has some really good songs and the rest aren't bad by any means.

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.

High 3

Day403 - their fifth studio album and maybe their sixth best album but it’s still amazing

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

Nerd music Singles are good

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.

6/10. Добрые и плотные. Альбом все равно качественный

If yesterday’s album was a 3.1, this is a 3.9. Almost a 4 but their voice just doesn’t do it for me

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.

Yep, that's R.E.M. alright.

First? 3,5 /5 Again? 3/5

I can deal with a couple REM songs, but I find the singers voice grating after a while.

REM songs are pretty similar to each other. I have no idea why there are so many REM albums in this list but it's tedious.

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.

I just don’t like REM 😕

Very good, chill vibe n shit

For some reason this one has never clicked with me as much as others from this era of the band. Some great highs tho

If you heard one song you've heard them all. Whilst I enjoy an REM song, it's all a bit much of the same. End of the world is a banger, and drags it up from 2 to 3 stars

A rather good REM album.

Really good album

I’ve never been able to get into R.E.M. and this record doesn’t help. The music is mediocre and the vocals are piercing at best. R.E.M. and Dave Matthews Band can be canceled together.

Has some good songs, but I wouldn't consider myself a REM fan or huge enjoyer. The music is solid but don't make me euphorically want to hit repeat.

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.

it's the end of the world as we know it (and this was fine)

Excellent

i like R.E.M…. but i can’t ever seem to love them 3.5

Oho, tämähän oli pop-levy! Mutta tylsä. Synkeemmällö REMillä on paremmat biisit, iskevämmät. Tää tuntuu joltain hairahdukselta. Mut ihan ok kuunnella kuitenkin.

Keskiosan hittituokio vääristää levyn jättämää mielikuvaa. Muut osuudet eivät herätä innostusta, eikä Wire-coveri mielestäni oikein toimi.

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

Muzycznie całkiem moje klimaty. Mocne, brudnawe, wyraźne instrumenty - ciężkawe riffy, dobrze wyartykułowany bas, perkusja, która żyje, a nie tylko wystukuje rytm w tle. To dla mnie ta fajna twarz późnych lat osiemdziesiątych. Tekstowo natomiast jestem kompletnie pogubiony. Czuję, że to album, który ma misję. To album, który chce coś powiedzieć. Wreszcie album, który jest na coś zły i chce ten gniew wyrazić. Tylko ja niestety w ogóle nie jestem w stanie zrozumieć, jaka to wiadomość ani nawet w którą stronę jest wycelowana. Gubię się w niejasnościach, aluzjach, skojarzeniach. Czuję, że tam jest sens, ale jest on głęboko przędę mną ukryty. I nie wiem, czy winą za to obarczać moją nieznajomość kontekstu, moją niedostateczną znajomość angielskiego, mój brak poetyckiej wyobraźni? Czy po prostu autor specjalnie zaciemnia znaczenie, gmatwa sensy i kryje swoje przesłanie za kurtyną niejasności? Muzycznie czuję, że dostałem kawał soczystej surowizny. Tekściarsko mam wrażenie, jakbym stał przed dziełami sztuki nowoczesnej i nie miał w rękach programu wystawy, który wyjaśni mi, na co patrzę i jak mam to zrozumieć.

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.

Starting to see where those early nineties grunge bands found their influence. Haven’t got any strong feelings about R.E.M but I can see why they’re popular. Top song - Exhuming McCarthy

A classic record - The One I Love still makes me a bit emotional. I remember be affected by it when travelling in my twenties.

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.

What I love about Document is that you literally are watching this band grow up before you eyes. Each album of there's is taking bolder steps, but they also expand their musical ambitions. Excellent work from the boys from Athens!

listened on commute home from smithfield 1/29/25

Of the 80s, this is an album that was released. 2/10

American youth being inspired by the sound of their predecessors. I dig it.

Not R.E.M.'s finest work, and reminded me of why I didn't always like them in the first place.

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.

nope

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.

2.5 probably

Sixth Form in a nutshell! I had forgotten how much this was a soundtrack of that time for me, fantastic album, much better than the later ones

just some rock, not even drive me. not a song what hooked me. dropped.

..I really love R.E.M. but honestly? This one didn’t really do it for me, there were a few great songs, but it fell a little flat. The one I love and it’s the end of the world are still amazing though.

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.

"Document" is the fifth studio album by American rock band R.E.M. It was their first album produced by Scott Litt. The album was noted for more audible lyrics and a harder rock sound than their previous albums. It was their greatest success at the time hitting #10 in the US and #28 in the UK and was met with critical acclaim for its tougher, meaner and leaner sound. I kind of like the meandering R.E.M. Side One or the "Page Side" opens with "Finest Worksong." The drums, grinding guitar and bass drop. Wow, clean vocals from Michael Stipe. A great rockin' opener and similar start to an album as "Begin the Begin" on "Life's Rich Pageant." Most people are unsung heroes in day-to-day life and go unnoticed. A melodic guitar opens ans stays throughout "Disturbance at the Heron House." A nice guitar solo and criss-cross baking vocals from Mike Mills. Stipe finally admitted in the 2000's that this song was inspired by George Orwell's "Animal Farm" and a revolt against the hard-line totalitarianism during the Reagan era. I can't even imagine what Stipe is thinking today. Drum rolls please. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)." A stream of consciousness rant by Stipe based on Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues." Stipe said he daydreams alot and sometimes about the end of the world with images coming to him. And this is that song. A spit-fire vocal delivery great backing vocals by Mills. What can you say but "jelly bean, boom!" Along with Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA," "The One I Love" may be one of the most misinterpreted songs. Stipe laughed at the time and eventually gave up accepted people's interpretation of a romantic song. It's about using people and leaving them behind. Minimal vocals. Pete Buck's guitar riff and solo really make this song go and memorable. A really good song to listen to the expertise of Bill Berry's drumming and Mike Mill's bass playing is the "Lightnin' Hopkins." I have no idea what it's about. It named after the band seeing Peter Buck playing a Lightnin' Hopkins' album. A dulcimer and a marching drum beat start "King of Birds." Stipe in almost a numb, emotionless state. A sing that builds. People, icluding yourself, are put on pedestals and don't deserve it. Sadly, gone are Peter Buck's jangly guitar and Michael Stipe's mumbling vocals. I really didn't care what "Radio Free Europe"'s lyrics meant. In are a harder, edgier guitar and cleaner vocals which seem to have a political tilt or no meaning at all. And, it's still a great album. I have to admit, along with "Monster" and "Out of the Time," it probably has been my least played album out of their first ten. I don't know why but I was glad I got listen to it again. The band is rock solid and there still are remnants of their earlier selves. A recommended listen at any time.

Easily forgettable

# Album Name: Document # Artist: REM # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: I was honestly expecting more from REM. Its a pretty bland album with 2 good tracks. Shame really. # Top Tunes: End of the world / The one i love # Would I listen to it again? No

Classic R.E.M. accessible but not too accessible. Solid songs.

Indie guitar rock. A couple of good tunes here (as we know), but overall a bit ploddy and one-dimensional for me. Not a fan of Stipe's voice, either, which doesn't help. And one star less for that turgid cover of 'Strange'.

This is surprisingly upbeat, if in tone, and not lyrics. I must have played it hundreds of times previously, without ever really understanding the lyrics. I' still not sure that I do.

Like the hits but gets a bit repetitive for my taste

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!

I have no idea why this is on the list. End of the world is kind of fun but the entire album is inoffensive at best dull at worst.

You can never go wrong with R.E.M. Still holds up!

This album was such a moment.

Ah just fine isn't it. I didn't massively care. Some a bit annoying. The one about Business Acumen was a fucking joke. But broadly not too bad

meh, it was fine. Just R.E.M. ennit. All sort of sounds the same to me, but it's not bad, just a bit bland. I don't think they really do it for me but I can see they are good.

I love this album so much. I thought it was just nostalgia but a fresh listen confirms it.

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.

The End of the World and The One I Love are 5 star songs on a 3 star album.

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!

Ok.

This album is… interesting. I am sure that this album could have gone without being on the “1001 albums to listen to before you die”, as it’s not anything special from what I’ve heard from R.E.M. I had to give this album multiple repeeps to actually get a favourite because I like… forgot it. All I can remember from the album is the part where he says “monkey monkey monkey” LMAOOO. I really hope their other albums are better, esp with the 18 million monthly. Fav song: fireplace

The first stretch of this album is really good. Like those first 3 songs back to back to back hit quite well. Where this album suffers is the long road of mid that follows this. My only real highlight from this part was the Sax parts at the end of a Fireplace. The closer is a bit of an uptick, but this album as a whole lacks some of the hooks heard in other REM songs. Fave Songs - Finest Worksong, Welcome To The Occupation, Oddfellows Local 151

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

Really fun album. This is R.E.M. after they were huge and were able to take a risk this album is very political but still has fun tracks like it's the end of the world as we know. If feels like a bit of a downgrade from their previous albums and would only go further downhill but this album is still strong

Never heard a REM album before just songs, it was great. 3/5

Solid. Singles are obvious standouts. Mike Mills is an interesting bassist. Mixed feelings about Fireplace, but has to be one of the most different REM songs I’ve heard (multiple sax solos?!?)

Found out that I don’t really understand the political landscape of the 1980s or am a big fan of 1980s based on this album and the album by tears for fears.

The continuous success wave of a top 3 band of the 80s before their coming transformation into icons.

Taken right back in time to early teenage years. Includes End of the World and the beautiful The One I Love.

Oh R.E.M… again…

Good not great

eh its fine. nothing that wowed me

Rätt tradig. Några okej låtar. 5/10

This is peak REM and their breakthrough to big mainstream success. I haven't listened to the whole thing in a long time, but it is still great. Although my contrarian self in 1987 couldn't stand The One I Love because it was WAY too popular, it is a great song. Side One of the LP starting with Finest Worksong and ending with It's the End of the World is one of my favorites sides ever. This is an incredible album and as close to REM perfection as you can get.

Fine

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!

another earlier r.e.m. pick. i swear, this jangle rock sound is something completely absent from a lot of modern rock circles. i think this album is one of their best. there's more than a few hits in here, and the tracks that are lesser known are great as well. i love rock music where i can just thrash my head and my body... it's so fun to indulge. i love it. i love it all. these guys deserve to be up there with the likes of pearl jam and alice in chains when it comes to iconic alt rock.

The hits weren’t even the best tracks. Especially compared with their earlier stuff, it’s much more engaging and dynamic.

I have always liked R.E.M. and the sound on this album is their good - but nothing on it rises to their best. Many great songs later, I'm not sure they've ever topped their first.

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

Was excited to hear this as I’m a fan of their later out of time and automatic for the people albums . Unfortunately this album didn’t really click with me and i added just a song or two … a low 2

Very REM. I don't know what they sounded like before, but obvs sorry recognisable here with their early hits. I like it. I'd listen again. Don't think I'd pay for it though. Three stars.

Claramente un pionero del punk 90ero

Wow. I’ve always loved their hits, but never got into a full album until now. Pretty much perfect from start to finish. Infectious singing, beautiful melodies. Hard hitting and punchy instruments. You can hear the entirety of 90’s rock that was to follow in this album. A new favorite. Cannot wait to listen to the rest of their albums.

Best: Its the End of the World as We Know it (and i feel fine) Worst: lightnin' Hopkins Liked songs: 100%, 11/11 Low 5, 93/100 LE NARD BERN STEIN. To be honest, I kinda irrationally hated R.E.M before this. Probably had something to do with Michael Stipes' voice taking some getting used to, or the fact that I always mixed them up with REO Speedwagon (who are also pretty great), but I just sorta hated them. Now that I've listened to a full album though, they're fantastic. The songwriting is slightly above average, but very much above average for the 80s, especially on songs like exhuming McCarthy and King of Birds, and the other political songs like the opener. Tracks 1-8 are all certified bangers, and are easily some of the best alt rock ever produced. The album fades a little bit in the last 3 songs, but not enough to lower the albums overall standing very much, since they are all great, just not A-side great. Something about the album cover is also really cool to me too even though i literally have no idea what's going on. Fantastic album, and a pretty easy 5/5.

reasonable album. not entirely my cup of tea but it's very put together, cohesive, and well produced.

I've heard this album many times. R.E.M. is one of my favorite bands. Document fits in between their early masterpieces and their later pop-oriented (and more successful) albums. The band sounds great, as always, although some of the music (Finest Worksong, Disturbance..., King of Birds) seems like retreads of songs from earlier albums . Others (It's the End..., The One I Love, Exhuming McCarthy, Strange) are the first move in the direction the band would showcase in later albums. All in all it's a bit uneven. Despite my love for the band I'm only giving it a strong 3 stars.

It's not my favorite, but it's good. I enjoyed listening to it once more, but don't feel like I need to rush out and buy the vinyl or CD versions to listen to more frequently. One of the songs did lead me to go to a biographical play about Lenny Bruce while I was in NYC, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I guess that means a 3.5...

Yep, this is my music. Used to own this album (vinyl). Although it's not my favorite R.E.M. album, I don't see Fables Of the Reconstruction or Lifes Rich Pageant on the list, so I'll give it a five star by proxy. "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" is one of those songs that also defines my generation. Glad we had this album over the weekend so I could turn it into a R.E.M. marathon weekend.

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...

one of my favorite albums ever, 5 stars

I bought this on cassette tape on holiday in Canada as a teenager, along with Murmur. They are to this day my two favourite R.E.M. albums but this one probably just edges it.

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 album. I like the beat.

It was alright. I don’t really like the main singer’s voice that much, which is a shame because I liked the instrumentals.

I cannot stand the voice on this guy but some of the songs were kinda fun 6/10

Favorite Track: The One I Love

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.