Document

Whingy. Whiny. Wanky.

Not a fan of Michael Stipe’s whiny, grating voice. So many of these songs remind me of being stuck in the back of the car during road trips with a headache and the sun beating down through the windows. I can appreciate the political nature of the lyrics.

So cool to dig into some more R.E.M. songs beyond the big ones and also learn a lot more about them. I had no idea they had released quite so many albums and were so established before making their true breakthrough (and this was already their fifth album!). I prefer their more upbeat stuff (as is my general proclivity) and therefore love It's The End of the World As We Know It... Also liked the clearly political messaging on here

Love this album, maybe it's just nostalgia

its the end of the world as we know it and the one I love are both bangers, but I didn't resonate with the rest of the album.

I've said it before, and I've said it again... it seems like all R.E.M. kind of sounds like the same R.E.M.

Weird revisiting this now. There’s more filler than I remember and some absolute bangers. I have to compare this against their earlier albums and this pales in comparison. Still pretty good.

Stand-out tracks: Finest Worksong, Welcome To The Occupation, It's The End Of The World As We Know It, The One I Love, Fireplace Despite this being one of the more popular ones, I enjoyed Murmur more. This one had more tracks that I felt were just ok.

7.5/10. Not in their top 3 albums but still great, that's how good REM are

most of the songs are very similar with absolutely changes in vibe but personally still loved the vibe didn't find any particular standouts

One of their finest albums.

It was a struggle to get through. It's the end of the world as we know it was the only highlight.

The best REM album to me. Just classics from beginning to end.

Not as consistent as "Murmur", but some all-time REM songs can be found here.

Honestly enjoyed so much more than I thought I would. I didn't realize/remember that REM was so political. On the Eve of the Blue Wave this was perfect.

I was excited for this one. I briefly had listened to a lot of R.E.M. in high school and have been slowly coming back to some of the records. However, I wasn't really blown away by this album. The two hits, "The One I Love" and End of the World were really fantastic, but the rest of the record was... okay. This is clearly a moment where the band was trying to create something that was more accessible, and it doesn't quite work out. At times it comes close to embracing elements of some of the worst parts of 80's production, which don't really build on the strengths of the band and there are moments that lose the emotional intensity the band is capable of. The earlier records are far more interesting, as are quite a few of the later records. That doesn't mean I disliked it, but it's on the bottom of the list of albums by the band that I will return to.

1987 - Alternative

Vibey, older style album. Not for me but great background to a late night stroll.

It's theeee end of the world as we know it! And I feel like the bass playing on this is pretty good. And I love rock albums where there's a sax solo.

Lite bättre än förra R.E.M.-skivan. Deras bra låtar är väldigt bra och de andra låtarna talar inte så mkt till mig. Helt ok men ingen skiva jag vill ha in på iPoden. Möjligtvis någon slags greatest hits. Svag 3/5

That's that shit. It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine) still amazes after all these years. I'm a card-carrying member of the Mike Mills background vocals fan club. Another master class in how to be arty and be good editors (looking at you Magnetic Fields and Sufjan).

I'm conflicted on this album, musically its good the themes are good. But the singers voice is not my favorite, thats why I rated it lower

Kaut ko atkal atgadinaja, bet nevaru saprast ko

Diezgan boring, bet nav slikti

This has always been my favorite R.E.M. album.

Better than Coldplay

This is awesome. I love political music so much and the guitars are great. I’ve heard a lot about this band but never actually listened. Finest Worksong is perfect and my favourite. I was a bit annoyed listening to this album as I had previously had my headphones on for an extended period of time before that and my ears fucking hurt so I’m going to round the 4.5 up for insurance. Awesome

Solid album, got a few songs i was already familar with.

I’m missing my green card

Solid stuff, I appreciate how it’s still heavily political but still palatable to the regular listener Playlist add: “Exhuming McCarthy” but one of my favorite R.E.M. songs is “The One I Love” so points for that

7.6

Very good album. I really like R.E.M., and this album contains two of my favourite tracks in their catalogue: "Finest Worksong" (probably my favourite in the album) and "It's The End Of The World...". Other than those, I also enjoy "The One I Love", "Welcome To The Occupation", "Disturbance At The Heron House", "Fireplace", or "King Of Birds". Overall, this is at least 4 stars for me. Probably not good enough to reach 5 stars...but pretty close.

Classic alternative rock! I've weirdly never listened to this album or R.E.M., minus knowing It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine). I blame a lot of that on my sheltered youth, but I've lived long enough and been exposed to enough things now that can't be a crutch anymore... It's right up my alley though. I'd maybe want a little more out of the drums (my preferred 90's alt band is Nirvana, due to my love of Grohl's drumming) but Stipe's voice is awesome and the guitar work is distinctive. Ironically the drums kicked up the jams a bit on the B side after I wrote this. Love that R.E.M. got more political here. I'll come back to this again and again.

It's the end of the world and we know it is a great song! The rest of the album is fine and easy enough to listen to.

Two strong songs. Fairly ambivalent about the other nine. And I feel fine.

I came to R.E.M., like many, in the mid-point (and high point) of their career - Automatic for the People. Since when I followed them forward for a few albums, but didn’t really venture backwards beyond Out of Time. So this is new, but also very originally R.E.M. The production is clean, and songwriting strong (though their lyrics have always largely baffled me). It can’t escape that “obviously R.E.M.” sound. But then perhaps it didn’t need to at this stage.

The two big hits were well placed among the other songs I did not know. Added to library. Would listen again.

As I'm sure everyone who religiously follows and reads my album reviews, the best part of this challenge is coming across popular songs that I had only heard alone previously and getting the chance to hear them within the larger framework of an album. Listening to the album, the voice sounded so familiar but I couldn't figure out why. When "It's The End Of The World" came on, it got me hyped. But, it was a weird album to listen to with him typecasted by one or two songs and just liking those but not the others. Going to give a 3/5 with all of those factors weighed.

Like the songs I knew but was a little disappointed by the ones I didn't

I think this album is amazing.

These guys ooze earnestness

It feels so wrong listening to this without watching the little differently-coloured bit of the tape hub rotating inside a cassette player. It's of its time. There's some uneven moments (Lightnin' Hopkins feels like a Jam/B-side to me, and Oddfellows Local 151 feels like the setup for something epic that never really gets there), but there's a real sense of a confidence in their sound here. There's a solo or two which I didn't really expect from REM, and yes, of course you have to be at peace with his voice; it's everywhere and in places quite exposed. He's not making anyone's top 20 vocalist lists. End of the World and The One I Love are clearly the most radio-friendly; I get the sense this is the kind of 'real' REM music the fans love and perhaps those two are the hits they're....most proud of? I feel like this makes the 1001 list because it's formulative and a document to the band's development rather than being particularly meaningful outside of that.

Never quite sure where REM sit amongst their peers some how It always ends up being below average.

Despite occasionally decent riffs and a good groove now and then from the rhythm section, I just can't get past my disdain for Michael Stipe's voice and vocal styling. It might have been possible to look past that in a few instances but, unfortunately, he is also responsible for some of the most eye-rolling lyrics known to popular music.

Everything you want from an REM album: jangly guitars, sublime bass playing, steady beat, and obtuse lyrics. It's just about perfect.

Good, but just not for me tbh, very dad-esque americana

I did not get into R.E.M. until Out Of Time but then I devoured their back catalogue and loved them all, including this one.

Second R.E.M album from the list, with Murmur and this now absorbed, my respect is raised. They are much more than just their popular songs and this album is very enjoyable, particularly the first two thirds.

Didn’t realize how many hits R.E.M. had!!! Obviously knew Losing My Religion, forgot about End Of The World, The One I Love, Shiny Happy People, Everybody Hurts…. Wish I’d liked the album as much I liked their hits.

Solid album, last album using their early sound. After this it seems as though rem have a pop rock sheen to their sound

Not quite my taste

There's a lot that I like and a lot that doesn't do anything for me in this album. The obvious singles are great, the Wire cover too, but I think it's another example of an album included in this list because of some singles that should not be missed, otherwise middle of the road for me.

Very good album. One of my early cd purchases back in 1987, just after I got my first cd player. REM was such a relief from the big two classic rock stations back then.

It was fine

I love the classic REM sound. Its atmospheric while still having a very rock type sound. Have not listened to this album before and was surprised to see some of their biggest hits on this album. Love "automatic for the people" and this has a very similar sound. I like that there is a cohesiveness all through the album. They definitely have a distinct sound. The political aspects are always great.

Good

There was a brief window where this might have been my favorite R.E.M. album, which is incredibly high praise. At some point into my teenage years when I began to learn more about leftist politics and some of the evils perpetrated by the U.S., this album, being R.E.M.'s most political, really sung to me. Feeling seen (and feeling smart) by unpacking lyrics dealing with our meddling in Latin America, McCarthyism, and the billion other things in "It's The End of the World ..." was deeply satisfying. Still love the album, but the unevenness of the deep tracks renders this mid-tier R.E.M. This is, to be clear, still A-tier stuff, just not stuff on the level of their best work. Best tracks: "Exhuming McCarthy" "It's The End ..." "Lightnin' Hopkins" "Welcome to the Occupation" "King of Birds" Worst tracks (which are still fine): "Strange" "Fireplace" "Oddfellows Local 151"

Catchy, moody, some classics that I grew up with on the radio. Would come back to it. Maybe not a ton of depth, but a very cohesive sound throughout and a tight album.

I can see why it’s on this list, but still “not quite my tempo.” At least it was a rock album.

Light booty. Odd that this band was popular.

REM's IRS years are so great, and this record is amazing, still REM-ish with cryptic obliqueness but also direct, political, funny, fiery, tough. Big hooks, hard beats, rich textures. And "big" "hits" with One I love and End of the World.

This album is indeed a solid document (vellum? No I don’t think Michael Stipe would approve, maybe cotton rag). The lesser known tracks are no less strong than the famous ones, and it’s funny because Stipe was often mocked for mumbling, but I found the arrangements, melodies and harmonies, vocals, and lyrics all crystal clear and engaging. Some of the very best the 80s offered and offers.

Heard some before; 3; I don't know what it is about R.E.M. No matter how much I've tried to listen to them, I never really liked them. That was again my experience through the first half of this album. The music feels like it's halfway between poppy and indie, and doesn't really do either in a way that I can enjoy. But "The One I Love" did manage to grab my interest, which was all the more interesting since it is a song that I have heard before. The second half of the album "clicked" a little more to me. Maybe it felt like it had a little more of an edge; maybe the album was just growing on me. Giving the album another listen after that, I was able to get into it a little more and could see the appeal of the jangly sound. Favorite Track: Oddfellows Local 151

I am super biased. I had this album in my Walkman from 8th through half of 9th grade and listened to it nonstop. I can tell you every note that comes next. I can't listen to this objectively. Many would not put this on their REM list, but I have to. It's "The End of the World as We Know It." "Open My Eyes" as James McCarthy. Always love the wordplay on "The One I Love." Peter Buffett's guitars are pretty darn good too

7/10 Buen album. Divertido, me gusto la voz del chabon y buenos ritmos

good album, liked "finest worksong", "welcome to the occupation", "disturbance at the heron house", "it's the end of the world as we know it (and i fell fine)", "the only i love", "king of birds", "oddfellows local 151". 4.

I think this may be the album that actually sold me on REM. ive listened to some of their stuff and I know how influential they are, I have just never had that urge to listen to them, but I kinda get it now. Fair play lads.

I loved the first half of this one but the back half wasn’t nearly as good. Overall still a great record!

Sounds really good and fresh, even now. The End of the World is great (the song, anyway) and The One I Love still hits. Two songs that transcend generations, back to back on one album, is enough for me to give this one a lot of credit.

A gentle listen

The last stand of indie rock before the majors came a calling. Document ended up being the Thriller of college radio rock. I haven't listened to this since the early 90's. Struck by the power pop ness, the hearable lyrics, the big drums, and lack of Byrd-style jangle, as I listen today. I think it's the first REM record I bought. Had to have it for DJing those college and high school parties. I like individual REM songs better, but this would be my fave record of theirs. I have a lot of respect for these guys, even though they aren't among my favorite bands..they never were.

Tengo dobelshi en la cartela

Если честно, у меня было другое представление о R. E. M и то, что оказалось на самом деле в три раза лучше ттго, что я представляла. Я немного завышала оценки, но, думаю, если Dinosaur Jr и Led Zep я поставила 5, то им точно.

Fine album, doesn't date at all

This one was in every changer in my fraternity, and half of it was included on every party mix tape for the next 2 years or more. Rounding this one up to a 5 to close out my R.E.M. reviews.

A couple of good songs mixed in here. Quite moody and atmospheric.

This is a late 80s album that is chill campfire music which, I hate to say, basically sounds like the other REM albums. NOT saying it’s bad, just that I think I’m lacking a little bit of variety from them. It’s always a good vibe though. I didn’t pay as much attention to this album as I should have though, I will probably need to revisit it someday.

Sonnnnnnn what is this. Only good song sounds like bearnaked ladies. Only vocalist in history more annoying than cranberries

Not a bad album and a few good tracks but Stipe and company never did it for me

Decent

ach ja loosing my religion...c

2/3

Listening to REM requires a commitment to Michael Stipes voice. Like the Hip and Gord Downey. I can’t do it for long before everything sounds the same.

It’s The End Of The World As We Know It And I Feel Fine (?) 🙂

great

the fact that i keep finding lit albums through this. idk where all this music had been all my life. clearly i havent been searching well enough. need to up my rym game soon

не мое. в целом прикольно но я немного не ловлю вайбы. в году 23 я бы влюбилась добавила к себе finest worksong

There’s something i admire about how unique Michael Stipe’s voice is even when it gets a little old. I love a big bright soaring guitar!

I debated between if this was a 3 or a 4 for a while. To me, 4 means it transfers to my vinyl collection. But how often would I reach for this album from my collection? Alas, it remains a 3.

I like rem

Prefer Automatic For The People but it's still decent.

I started with Green, worked forward, then later came back to this one - easily my favorite. My classmates roll their eyes when I tell this story, but I was class president and chose End of the World as our class song. Dana and Michelle outvoted me to choose ... So Hard to Say Goodbye by Boyz 2 Men. A crushing defeat the most public of my many humiliations. I don't think I will ever recover. Worse, I had to go pick up some bullshit trophy for most likely to have good hair or something from BJ's trophy shop that featured our "theme" - So Hard to Say Goodbye. I had ordered this via phone, being pre-internet days. I'm sitting in the car after before pulling away and decide to look at the piece of shit and he had engraved "Goodby" instead of the actual fucking spelling. I went in to fly into an impotent rage (misplaced anger &tc) and the son of a bitch has the nerve to tell me that both spellings are correct, and the 18 year old me is not about to win this one. Looks like our time is up.

I love R.E.M., and this is one of my favorite albums of theirs. The production on this album is great, and I love the extra rock energy that has been injected versus prior albums, while still sounding very much like R.E.M. Great album.

I've always kind of dug REM but never listened to a full album of theirs, excited to finall do that. Pretty good album. Two songs I recognize are probably the best on the album but the rest is all pretty decent. Just good early indie rock.

quite liked it but didnt really feel like anything special. just the classic sort of rock vibe youd expect. the singers voice is interesting too! except he sounds a bit too much like roger from RENT for my taste... rating it as a positive thumbs up meh!

One of the coolest outcomes from this project thus far has been my newfound appreciation for R.E.M. For most of my life, I wrote them off as that dad-rock band with the really annoying singer, but finally sitting down and listening to “Murmur” fully changed my perspective. Compared to that album’s haziness, and “Reckoning” after it, “Document” is shockingly direct. Stipe’s vocals are finally intelligible, and the political undertones are a far cry from yelps about European radio. The guitars feel especially propulsive on this record, more chugging than chiming. There’s a subtle darkness to the music this time around, a quality only further enhanced by Stipe’s Reagan-era frustrations. Altogether, this album doesn’t necessarily possess the same magic as the band’s earliest material, but as the bridge between their artsy folk-rock and their chart-topping singles, it’s essential. Fav Tracks: Finest Worksong, Welcome To the Occupation, Exhuming McCarthy, It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine), The One I Love, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Oddfellows Local 151 Least Fav: Fireplace Score: 7

Amazing. REM has legendary vocals.

Good album with several bangers, but you could've put Reckoning on here instead.

Did not know "It's The End of the World As We Know It" was on this and it did feel like hearing it for the first time. I'm honestly not in love with their sonics but this is so damn fun and well formed

After all this time, I still struggle to sonically grasp R.E.M.'s importance and role in alternative music. Yes, I can understand what's been documented, and that they're pretty much the most '90s-sounding '80s band out there. But, really, the early '90s was already ushering in grunge as the newest cool thing, so R.E.M.'s cleaner, jangly, and lighthearted sound's influence would already start waning by then. I understand their massive influence probably runs deeper than that, but the trail there I've always found super difficult to follow (again, strictly musically speaking). But with all that said, this was easily my favourite R.E.M. album up to this point. Maybe it's because I've been hammering these songs into my head for the past few days as I've been driving around for hours on a road trip, but so many of the tunes here just stuck with me, moreso than any other R.E.M. album on this list thus far. 'Welcome to the Occupation' especially is just so great on so many levels. I've never been one to question Stipe's ability to deliver a politically driven message in the most interesting ways, but he really brings it to another level here. And I love the way his vocal melody sort of hovers around being catchy; it took me many listens of this song to get it stuck in my head, but once it was there, I couldn't get it out. That verse guitar arpeggio has etched itself in my brain. Probably my favourite song by them so far. 'Disturbance at the Heron House' and 'The One I Love' were two other undeniable highlights here, just unique tracks that showcase Stipe's vocal ability more than anything else, especially on the latter - a simple but marvellously executed love song. And 'It's The End of the World' is such an all-timer tune that I knew from fucking Chicken Little of all things. I love the subtle harmonies on this one especially; the whole thing seems to parody itself in the catchiest way possible. It's no wonder it's a hit for them. I think I finally "get" R.E.M. after this record. Yes, they don't really have a unique sound; it feels like they're a fusion of many other bands I've heard, most of which were probably influenced by them. But goddamn, if they can't write some amazing, politically charged, catchy rock tunes, this album was the best showcase of that. So with that, I think I've concluded that R.E.M.'s definitive sound is "Good Music".