Reviews (page 9 of 12)
REM really ushered in the 90s. I'm always a little surprised to be reminded that they were doing this in the late 80s because it seems so ahead of the time. Stipe's trademark "whininess" gets to me after a while, but - still - great band. Good album.
I like R.E.M.'s sound but I'm not a fan of their lyricism is a bit rough at points in the album.
REM is great, not my favorite album
I actually enjoyed this, but I can’t listen to it all the time especially when seasonal depression is ruining my life 😀 3.5/5
This one was hard to choose between 3 or 4, id give it a 3.5 if I could. I find Stipes vocals to be very hit or miss. Some songs I really enjoyed but others did nothing for me. The guitar and drums are average for the genre and time period.
I don't approve of REM switching to major key pop songs, but none of these are bad. I like Orange Crush.
I like REM just fine, but they never reeeeeally do it for me. No exception here. A good album, some standout songs (like Stand!). But nothing I’m terribly likely to go back to.
Its REM so I certainly enjoyed it. It didn't push above some of their other high bars though
Not bad but nothing that stick except for the underated song turn you inside out (might have been featured in a game and be the reason i like it a bit extra, haha)
альтернатива. мне не особо заходит альтернатива, я уже говорил. ну эти ребята вроде неплохи. правда сморило в сон под них чутка) норм)
It's kind of amazing to me this came out in 1988
Alt rock
3 / 5 Some stand out tunes: Stand, World Pretend Leader, Orange Crush, Hairshirt Overall good album But some songs did blur into one. Some weaker REM songs, not saying much and repeating lines
REM made the whole mainstream music industry pay attention with this release. Only a few years later and the while mainstream was trying to be REM.
Michael Stipe’s yodeling sound drives this album forward. He really lays it on thick in the last song, which I loved. The single “Stand” is fun but doesn’t do too much for me. It’s a really cool sound for 1988.
Another R.E.M. album, another album I enjoyed but aren’t enthused about! Some songs I really like, but it just doesn’t get “pushed over the edge” for me. They’re just a band I respect, not love. 3.5
3.5
Decent listen. R.E.M. definitely had their sound on lock fairly early on. I’m more partial to their later works but it was find to see the beginning. Stand Out Track: Orange Crush
I liked it way more than expected, given that I'm not someone who listens to REM very often. They definitely have their style.
Unoffensively okay.
Mostly forgettable, but nothing too bad
Still quite enjoyable
Pretty bland. Some great songwriting. Great melodies. Just a bit samey
Not bad. Very REM.
Many classics. High 3, could'Ve been 4 but oh well.
Good driving jams. Solid 3.
Has its moments.
Couple hits in here. That’s about all I want to hear from this band.
There were only one or two songs I really like, but I generally enjoyed the whole album. The sound is cool, but not terribly unique to me. Stand was the stand out (hehe). Favs: Stand, World Leader Pretend
Probably about 3.5, a few good songs but overall not really my cup of tea
-this is the THIRD REM album ive gotten and it’s been less than 100 days, idk how many there are in here… this one’s decent but markedly less enjoyable than Document and AFTP. none of the tracks really gripped me as much but it held together pretty well -Favorites are Pop Song 89 and World Leader Pretend
Green is the beginning of what R.E.M would perfect later. A lot of haunting beauty on this record. It’s also a bit all over the place. You Are The Everything a severely underrated masterpiece but Pop Song 89 mocks pop than 3 songs later, there is Stand 7.7/10
Intricate jangly guitars chiming away under dense cryptic lyrics, all with a kind of country tinge to it. Some of it sounds like the logical culmination of the 80s new wave sound, other parts like an experimental folk act, sometimes like an Americana Smiths, at best they're sweeping and epic like War-era U2. I've tried many times but really can't connect with 80s REM beyond the singles, there's something weirdly inaccessible or uninteresting about so many tracks on these albums, so I never got why they were such a big fixture of the alt/college rock scene. I just like them better as 90s major label sell outs and in radio dominating greatest hits mode I guess... Favorites: World leader pretend, orange crush, I remember California
Came out almost exactly a year after I was born but somehow still sounds like "college radio" to me. I guess that speaks to its staying power of their music. For me personally, it's good but nothing special and a lot of the songs run together kind of sounding the same.
Not bad
MICHAEL STIPE PISSES ME OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what the hell is up with this guy. he makes "monster" (1994), one of the best albums ever of all time which SHOULD be on this list but isn't—my conspiracy theory is that nobody likes that record because it's too faggy BUT IT'S LITERALLY THEIR BEST ONE. and nothing else in their discography sounds like it. anyway. we aren't talking about "monster" here, unfortunately. we're talking about "green," which is in fact the only other R.E.M. album that i will classify as good. this record has some beautiful lyricism and hints of the sound that would later define monster (i.e. "orange crush"). "you are the everything" and "hairshirt" are both fantastic in terms of the lyrical imagery and dynamism of the music imo. the back half of the album is really very good overall and stipe mostly manages to avoid the stipiest elements of his voice. however this record is ruined by the inclusion of "stand" which is actually one of the worst songs ever committed to tape. i hate that song more than words can possibly say. i couldn't get to my phone fast enough while listening to skip it entirely and i accidentally heard like one millisecond of it, and that was one millisecond too many. i find it humiliating to listen to. so minus five billion stars for "stand," 3.5 stars for everything else. i fucking guess. fav tracks: orange crush; you are the everything; hairshirt; i remember california
That was fine but not that special for me. I don’t think there was even one song I saved or wanted to add to a playlist but it wasn’t like actively bad.
It's fine, I enjoy some songs but I wouldn't return to the album
REM was one of the college bands that were fun to see live - they had their sound and stuck with it. OK for nostalgia, but even the hits on this album are not my fave REM tracks.
It was an ok album to listen to. Not too impressed but can see it’s relevance
What do you get if you mix Orange Crush (REM) with Lemon Crush (Prince)? Answers on a postcard.
what 3/5 maybe 3.5/5
I think this was the first time the band became known to the general public despite them being around for most of the 80s and producing plenty of good songs. This is definitely the warm up to their huge MTV success. It has a slightly annoying trebly sound to it, but it's packed full of strong songs, you can really hear they've matured and there's probably more to come. Yeah a really good album which is near the start of MTV realising the whole world wants to listen to "alternative" or "indie" music, because it's just music.
I think you either really love R.E.M. or passively dislike them. I'm in the latter camp. Its fine, I cant stand Michael Stipe's voice but overall the album is just ok.
I can’t… STAND when I hear REM Mi-chael Stipe Thinkabout this album and how bad I thought-it-was Jk it was fine and REM are a fine band but I just don’t have any desire to listen to them
3/5
A couple good songs, accompanied by a. lot of really weird songs.
Geht so
Great album, didn't floor me but I get it
It was fine. I'm not a huge REM fan, but they're fine.
Turn You Inside Out is awesome, the rest was boring.
Pretty decent rock record. Especially for the late 80s. This truly has a 'before its time' feel. Could almost say this record came out in the late 90s. Michael Stipe has a great voice. Reminds me of Gord Downie. Wouldn't it be cool if Stipe did a few shows with the remaining Tragically Hip members? I'm picking up some U2-esque feels in some of the music. But this band is far better than U2. U2 is pretty over rated.
To me, REM were at their best in the 90's. Still this is a great album.
It's okay, just like every other R.E.M. album on this list.
There are some great songs here but also a considerable amount of meh. There are better R.E.M. albums.
Some (ahem) might say this is where REM dropped off, but I quite liked most of this, at least as much as some of the earlier stuff
Mostly enjoyable.
Listened to whole album and only remember Stand.
Pretty subpar album compared to their usual high quality work
2,5
It was okay.
REM had a lot of great singles in the 80s (and a couple more in the 90s), but every album track surrounding them is like church music for people who spend Sunday mornings listening to A Prairie Home Companion
just kinda boring
Seems like this album was made in a small box or room, feels congested (not necessarily a bad thing but the feeling i got). Lyrics were cool and the main vocals were unique to say the least. 2.7
One of stipes lesser works. Has so many better albums but not a bad album.
I've never really enjoyed REM beyond a couple of obvious singles so Green was probably not going to excite me in the same way it might for some of you. There's no particular dislike, they're just there doing their thing and it doesn't really overlap with things I like, Michael Stipe is a fabulous lyricist who creates a great atmosphere with his voice and style but I guess I find that the music behind him doesn't get close to doing anything of the same quality. Much of this album does nothing to me, but it does finish very well, Hairshirt is cool, I Remember California is hauntingly beautiful, Untitled is a nice uplifting send-off. Those three tracks probably lift it to a low 3 from me and hopefully avoid your collective ire. Like what you like imo.
Enjoyed this more than anything we've had for about 20 albums. There are some really nice songs here - I like the lower key World Leader Pretend and the last couple of tracks, the poppier stuff (Pop Song 89, Stand, and Orange Crush) is also pretty good. Some of the rest falls in between and doesn't really work - REM have a tendency to go a bit twee and janky at times, and The Wrong Child is a nasty example of this. I think it's a high 3.
I do not understand the hype around this album. I am going to give a really good second listen through.
Stand Orange crush Pop song 89
Was never crazy about the well-known tracks from this album & have a hard time listening to Stipe in general, but some of the songs I'd never heard before were actually pretty good. Always enjoy a little mando as well.
131/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.
Another good album from REM, deserves to be on the list, but not quiet in the same league as mumour or automatic for the people.
He vaikuttavat vieläkin siinä määrin taiderokkareilta, että joku saattaisi olla huolissaan. Silti musiikin kekseliäs, simplistinen melodisuus voittaa kuulijan puolelleen - ajan kuluessa mahdollisesti kasvavissa määrin.
an alt-rock classic that contains all the DNA for what would become Automatic for the People. in spite of the in-studio explorations the band was making at the time it does feel less adventurous than any of their previous 5 albums. they lost some edge after Lifes Beauty Pagaent and didn't fully replace it until they mastered this sound on AFTP.
Definitely liked this better than the first REM album we had. More personality and variety but I just still don’t totally love their sound. Still very solid though.
I read the Wikipedia summary and had high hopes for this album. Unfortunately, I found it pretty bland. There are a couple songs I enjoyed, Stand and Orange Crush, but otherwise it was a mostly forgettable album. It would be good for background music but I don’t know if I’d go back to it. Not bad but also not great.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't know why R.E.M. is so popular. I've tried to like them for a long time, but they've never broken through for me. This is probably my favorite of their albums so far, but I still don't love it. https://youtu.be/2jqKiVHS6x4?si=u5sNkKLiwO-CJ1Lb
Kláraði ekki
I dont really understand the REM love but i was vibing with this toward the end.
Original, polished, college music of late 80s
I think this is overall a pretty high quality album, but at the same time it’s just kind of forgettable for me. Lots of respect for REM, and enjoy their music, and this one was no different, but just wasn’t really resonating with me this time around.
not special
“Stand” was a parody of bubblegum pop. But it became a hit, and then they had to perform their own joke on big stages.
In retrospect this album is more pop than I remember. Sort of a sickly sweet mix of pop. I do like the song Stand. A lot of the others weren’t that great 35+ yrs later.
The last R.E.M. album I got from this list, Murmur, introduced me to one of my most streamed songs of the year, Sitting Still. This had no such luxury. Not a bad listen, but there was no individual song that jumped out and won me over this time.
I liked this one. Didn't love it, didn't hate it, fell right in the middle for me.
Boring. Good for uphill walks.
Mid
I think five albums into this band's discography, I can officially say I'm not really a hater nor a fan of R.E.M. They create plenty of songs I enjoy, and can even make an album or two that I would define as "good," but whenever I have to sit down and check out another one of their albums, I sort of just sit there in disinterest. I'm not a fan of Michael Stipe's voice, and it feels like the later you get in their discography, the more he plays it up, but at the same time the instrumentation is solid. Albeit, it is a bit generic, but I do enjoy enough of it to say an album usually comes out somewhat on top, but I really feel like I never needed to listen to all of this from them. Any song that does catch my attention here seems to refuse to have a bridge or climax to change the song up, and it leads to me enjoying the first two minutes consistently, before realizing I've heard everything the song has to offer. There are the hits here, and they're okay, but they follow the same formula, and it all just comes up empty for me. I'd say it is burnout, but I've listened to these albums so far apart from each other that I think I can accept it just isn't for me, much to the chagrin of my mother. Sorry, mom. At least you were right about the Smiths.
I don't listen to R.E.M. that often, but I really like a few of their songs. I didn't hear any of them on this album. The music didn't bother me, but that's all it was. I probably won't listen to it again. 3/5
Nice album, special mention to "Stand".
Always felt like I should get into R.E.M. but… why? Why am I required to have an opinion on everything? It’s okay not to be fussed about R.E.M.
STANDOUTS Pop Song 89 Stand OVERALL: 3/5
Was it a coincidence that I got R.E.M. on the day they were in the news due to their one-off Songwriters Hall Of Fame performance, or did the 1001 Albums Generator creator plant this? I really like R.E.M.'s radio singles but I struggle to get into their album tracks. Green had a couple of huge 5★ hits but the in-between songs are fairly mediocre, it evens out at a strong 3/5.
Ok. I liked “World Leader Pretend,” “Orange Crush,” and “I Remember California.”
Meh, I mean it's not really my vibe. I like The Smiths aesthetic of the Jangley rock thing better. Not into R.E.M. vocal melodies they sound too loose. Some cool compositional stuff though, interesting guitar parts sometimes.
Good album, a bit more poppy than their other releases. Songs sound the same throughout though
Not bad
A good album, shows why were so successful.
позитивный такой и прото много жанров/групп. надо потом продолжить
For the first few tracks I thought I could be listening to my new favourite R.E.M. album. They sounded fresh and energetic and silly, but in a clever way (or clever in a silly way?). After that my enthusiasm waned - except for Orange Crush of course.
Definitely some good songs and enjoyable but I dont think I'd revisit it
I'm extremely torn on this album. On one hand it has Orange Crush, by far my favourite REM song ever. On the other hand it has Stand, which makes me feel ill whenever I hear it. The remainder of the album is okay, but there's nothing stand out here, so I'm going to go with 3 stars, which feels awfully low. It's probably a 3.5, but I just can't bring myself to push it up to a 4.
Yeah, pretty good this time around. Purchased in the past, and ignored. This time, yeah, I got into it.
Solid overall, i'd probably put this at 3.5
while i never really got into r.e.m. for the most part, i respect their legacy as one of the pioneering acts of the “alternative music” movement. this album was not bad and “orange crush” is a legit great song.
Sounds like it could be in the Shrek soundtrack
This was really good. A good number of strong songs and I really enjoyed Micheal stripe’s voice
Theres no real bangers here but the quality of this band is undeniable . I spent a pleasant time listening to this but in the final analysis, I'm not going to rush back. Its a 3
Don't get this pick, every album released by REM prior to this is much stronger. REM light to be honest, more radio friendly pop sound. Hate to rate an REM album from the 80's this low. I think every other 80's album except perhaps Fables would be 5 stars.
The first REM record I honestly was disappointed in. After 4 (maybe 5) great records in a row this felt like the definitive move to keeping the momentum of the radio hits from Document. It worked for that but not for me.
I'm probably too hard on this album. But it's a step down from pretty much everything they did before it, and even some of the things they did after it. It's, like, somewhere around maybe the 6th best REM album? And, all things considered, it's still pretty good.
Sounds like R.E.M. Not my fave album of theirs but they have a distinct sound, singer's voice can get kinda whiny/boring. Fine album, highlights weren't super high and lowlights weren't super low for me. Highlight tracks that stood out for me were "Stand" - I feel like I recognize this from a TV show or something but not sure where. "Hairshirt" - I think this one had a mandolin in it. "Orange Crush" - apparently the most popular track on the album but dodn't stand out too much, wondering if it is about the soda??? Always really liked Peter Buck's guitar tones, makes 6 strings sound like 12, assuming he recorded this album on a Rickenbacker 6.
Respectable Even-Though Middling.
Look it's pretty good but I can't say it truly vibed with me like some of their other stuff. Have to see how some of their earlier albums go.
Mid
Det er bra i guess men ikke særlig spennende. Nun to crazy you feel me. Har ikke noe imot det da. rett over mid ut av 5. Egt orange crush slapper så litt ratingen går litt opp ig. mby siste halvdelen er det shit, turn you inside out er også nice. idk hairshirt hitter ikke. Siste to sangene er ait ig måtte locke inn før å løse FM oppgaven så hørte ikke så nøye etter.
Stand World Leader Pretend Orange Crush
Found the slower songs very enjoyable, slow rock slightly far from my usual listens but definitely piqued my interest. Many of the influences on modern music shows through in a number of songs as well.
'Green' definitely suffers from autopilot syndrome, despite them obviously trying out new things with this more pop-oriented, softer direction. It would go on to define the bulk of their later work, but they also never seemed to have recovered from the fatigue of recording this.
REM’s greatest hits album absolutely blew my head off when I was about 13, so I’ll always have affection for them and I like their sound enough to enjoy this. However, there are no songs here that aren’t on the hits album that would deserve to be. A bit too much of Stipe’s inner child for me, and ‘Stand’ has always sounded to me like it’s written to teach children something, not sure what, standing? Points on a compass? I just looked it up and this is their SIXTH album?!! Mad that they took over ten years to get in to their stride - they really had a good few years at the beginning of the 90s.
Some good songs, but the album as a whole is a bit samey for the most part.
There are better REM albums out there...
Nr. 166/1001 Pop Song 89 3/5 Get Up 3/5 You Are The Everything 4/5 Stand 3/5 World Leader Pretend 3/5 The Wrong Child 3/5 Orange Crush 3/5 Turn You Inside-Out 3/5 Hairshirt 3/5 I Remember California 3/5 Untitled 4/5 Average: 3,18 Wasn't bad, but lacked highlights for me.
If NIN was too aggressive, this is way too mellow. DNF
3/5
This album was good - but nothing special in my opinion. I liked the vocals, the mixing, and the fun mix of instruments throughout, but the lyrics were very repetitive and I lost interest about 1:30 into most of the songs. I would definitely put it on at a casual gathering or something, but don’t know if it’s worth another listen.
The album was very hit or miss for me. Some songs I really enjoyed and others I wanted to skip. Favs: pop song 89, orange crush
Ben, c’est REM, t’aime ou t’aime pas. Pour ma part j’ai bien aimé, mais on est loin de Automatic for the People, donc un solide 3 semble approprié
Better than expected
Stand and Orange crush are obviously pretty good, Pop Song 89 was okay, most of the others are kind of whatever. Would probably say 3.5, but can't, so 3.
It's a good album, but also the weakest of REM's 80s output
Kende wel wat nummers, niks dat er echt uit sprong
This album was okay, but the songs all sounded quite similar to me. I keep hearing 'Losing my Religion' in many of the songs, but I guess this is just the Michael Stipe signature song-writing style.
First half of the album is very good, 4-4.5 stars, second half of album is 2.5-3 stars. About a 3.5 star album.
I'm the weirdo who prefers REM's 'Monster' album.
Outside of the radio hits, Stand and Orange Crush, this album seems a bit one-dimensional. It's a fine pop album to play in the background.
Stand is maybe my least favorite REM song. There still Pop Song 89 and Orange Crush here, which I like. And some other songs that don't quite punch through but are still very REM.
It's got my favourite REM song on here - Orange Crush - and another one or two that I like. It's fine otherwise. Was never a big fan, will probably never be a big fan. The teenage version of me who thought Joe Satriani was the pinnacle would cringe at the notion I'd quite enjoy an REM platter.
Mostly upbeat with political undertones. Stand and Orange Crush are standout tracks. Interesting use of the mandolin on a few songs.
A little slow for me but it was fineeeeeee
Very R.E.M.
Good
Stand is always fun, but the rest doesn’t compare to Out of Time.
Liked it. The songs I’ve heard before were good, and I looked forward to them. Nothing else stood out.
I don’t really know R.E.M so I didn’t know the songs. I liked it though. I kinda zoned out listening to it but it was what I needed.
Fine but nothing special. 3 stars.
fine, not something id listen to regularly
3/5
It was fine!
this wasn’t anything special, but it wasn’t anything bad, i think it was just very run of the mill, there was a song or two that i found fun and a bit nostalgic even though i’ve never heard them before, there was a familiarity to the album which i enjoyed, i wouldn’t be mad if i heard the album again, but i wouldn’t go out of my way to.
I was never a big REM fan but I thought this album was pretty good
Wouldn't listen in my free time.
Solid REM pop album. Older stuff is better.
- great soft alt rock vibes - didn’t realize I’ve heard some of these songs before - a tiny bit soft for my taste but it was very good
Just REM being REM.
Ok
ein paar nette Titel
They're inoffensive but I just find them quite bland.
Ich habe das Album "Green" von R.E.M. vorher noch nie gehört. Aber ich kenne die Gruppe ab der Zeit nach "Green". Auf diesem Album kann man schon den musikalischen Richtungswechsel zum Mainstream erkennen und die Richtung des zukünftigen Stils wird ab hier eingeschlagen. "We are the Everything" und "Hairshirt" sind im typischen Mandolinenstil. "Orange Crush", "Stand" und "Pop Song 89" sind herausragende Songs im rauheren Stil. Insgesamt ein gutes Album, ein Zeichen für die ganz großen Alben, die noch folgen.
Indistinguishable from Automatic For The People. Pretty good, definitely era defining.
Понравилось, но второй раз слушать не буду.
not sure yet
REM is pretty weird, but in a good way. It's chill music with a story.
I love REM generally but this isn't one of their best in my view. A couple of hits but a bit MOR
R.E.M. biedt altijd kwaliteit. Alles klopt. Maar daardoor is het allemaal te gelikt. Wellicht mag je daar in de jaren 80 blij mee zijn. Het kan ook prima voor een nummer. Maar een heel album wordt snel saai. Wat meer afwisseling had vast geholpen. Nu belandt het in de bak 'continue kwaliteit zonder uitschieters'.
This certainly was a standout album and artist at the time. The hits were milestones of the time for sure, but they also have been played so frequently that this didn’t seem to hit me as much on the nostalgia level. The rest was ok. I’m middle of the road on this one. 3/5
It was good. Nice musically. Sounds distinct. Still holds up today which is tough to say about a lot of 80s music. Orange Crush is a most enjoyable song.
I have this odd REM-block where I generally like their well-known songs, but can't get into the rest of their stuff. This albums clearly has some great and popular songs like "Stand" and "Orange Crush" but the rest of the album didn't speak to me. I was only able to listen to it once, so my rating may change with additional listening, but at the moment this isn't higher than a 3* for me. Now please excuse me while I put on Everybody Hurts and have a good day-long cry. Bye. 3.5/5
3.5 Second R.E.M. album this week and second time in this project that I've gotten two albums from the same artist very close together. More pop/commercial than Document, which isn't a negative for me, but it feels less impressive so I am going with the same rating.
Was ok to listen to, but nothing that I really could connect to. Nothing really bad, but nothing outstanding either.
Ok, mee net iwerzegend
Solid album
I don't think I would buy this album, but I enjoyed it. Maybe if I heard it again I might want to buy it.
I've always hated REM, and I just realized that may have been unfounded.
Pretty good. Everything that is a clear influence on Oasis is much better than Oasis. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time, that I complain about Oasis on an album that is nothing to do with them.
easy r.e.m.
Nostalgia
Unfortunate that I randomly got two REM albums back to back. For me, this one pales next to AFTP. Some good songs, but doesn’t quite hang together as an organic whole. Just OK in the end.
Well, this was better than I expected. Not ALL pop songs from FM radio overplay. Michael Stipes voice has some curious range and inflections. Lyrics are thoughtful too. I could listen to more of this!
Several bangers but quite middle of the road overall, 65/100
Previously rated: Automatic for the People (3/5) Document (4/5) ************************************ Stand is a great song, Orange Crush and Inside Out pretty good. The rest range from dull to average.
Not great not bad
Love REM, but this isn’t one of my favorites.
Eh. Its ok.
I'm generally here for R.E.M.'s albums but this one didn't quite hit for me. Which is strange since it comes between "Document" and "Automatic for the People" - two of my favorite R.E.M. albums. Compared to those two, this one is just kinda... meh. Don't get me wrong, the musicianship is still great and the lyrics are still pure Stipe. It just feels kind of fuzzy. Like the guys weren't sure what they wanted this one to sound like so they just fumbled around until songs happened. Which is a little disappointing. I guess every band has their low points and when you have as many great albums as R.E.M., it's inevitable that at least one of them will be just okay. This is that album.
I could see why people like it but it got bland for me. Good quality however
Gran grupo que mejoraria este disco que se ha quedado un poco desfasado. Prefiero document de esa epoca
Ripe with unique folk influence, and the underlying melodies sounds very traditional. Outstanding example of genre blending, but. Its an album not best suited for my taste, that being said I can appreciate this album and REM much more thanks to this 1001 albo challenge.
Some fun songs, but Michael Stipe's voice is droning, and it doesn't take long to get your fill of R.E.M. songs for the day.
An ok REM album, not their best but also not their worst. Best: Pop Song 89 Worst: Hairshirt
Just couldn't get into it.
6/10 Not too much to say - another basic-ish choice on this list! Decent but not outstanding pop-rock Songs were either fun, uptempo or less fun, ballad It struck me that Stipe’s voice has a much heavier accent and is more country than I remember Best: World Leader Pretend
Kinda cool. A bit of an annoying voice sometimes. Not completely my band.
Better things to come
I like a lot of REM songs and I'm familiar with a few songs here, but I have never listened to this album before. "Orange Crush" is one of my favorite REM singles and "Stand" is one of my least favorite, and this album kind of follows that trend. There are beautiful slow mandolin songs like "Hairshirt" and then too maudlin for me "The Wrong Child". There is the awesome political rocker "World Leader Pretend" and the less good "I Remember California". I listened to the Scotts and Lance Bangs talk about this album, it was cool to hear some of the background of the release (first album for Warner Bros and trying out lots of new sounds).
Pued e ser
Thought this was okay, had some catchy songs and but most I found fairly dull. Stand is the best track on the album and I'll be adding that to some of my playlists. Highlights: Pop Song 89 Stand Orange Crush
Think this is the album just before they got really big with Out of Time…. Enjoyed.
I’m finally starting to understand these guys I enjoyed this much more than “Document.” Not really sure why but “Orange Crush” is a great song.
Side A show cased much of what I like about 80s REM. Energetic, intricate creative pop. Side B showcased much of what i don’t like about 90s REM overdramatic and irritating. Hairshirt may have single handedly moved this from a 4 to a 3
Upon first listen, it’s a solid pop rock album, it’s just not completely my cup of tea. A few songs made it to my liked songs on Spotify such as Orange Crush and I Remember California. But it’s your typical R.E.M. album. With that being said, probably not an album I’ll ever listen to all the way through again. But I did enjoy a few of the tracks!
Not bad
By the time Green was released in 1988, I was already starting to lose interest in R.E.M. The previous record, Document wasn't up to the standard of the earlier records and with Green, the band signed to a major label (Warner Bros.) and their sound was evolving into a mid-tempo, commercial sounding, MTV pandering machine. I didn't like the album, nor it's following two, which I found close to "sell-out" territory. Listening now, I acknowledge the album has it's moments, it's a solid collection of songs that are recognizable and not bad, but still doesn't have the originality and impact (to me) of the early "indie" albums. The record is good, but definitely not one of my favourite's from the band, who I consider myself a big fan..
Meh. I can do one or two REM songs, but not a whole album
This will be a grower. It seems to be the way with this band. The singles have an immediate connection. There are none that standout but it is solid fayre throughout.
This album reminded me of why I'm not much of an REM fan. I think it's just personal preference. I liked "Automatic for the People" much more.
Not sure if this is quite up to a 4 star rating but it’s def more than a 3 star. The problem is other than Pop Song, Stand and Orange Crush, most of these songs are mediocre. There’s a trend with REM, especially on earlier albums where Michael Stipe’s vocal melodies don’t quite fit the song melodies. He always seems to throw in an extra syllable or two. That happens a lot on this album. Ultimately I’m giving it a 3 because it’s not as good as other REM albums. I would give it 3.5 if half stars were possible.
Eclectic mix of rock & acoustic elements. Evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Pacing can feel a bit monotonous.
ok…voice was a bit too country. liked it more than the last album
Was good but not really special to me. Easy listen
3/5
In Junior High I hated REM for the song “Stand.” I didn’t become a fan until Automatic for the People. I have come to appreciate “Orange Crush” and “World Leader Pretend” ***
Fun record.
Possibly affected by having a different REM album last week. Good listen
A classic 80s/90s band. Personally, the lead singers voice has just been a bit nasally and whiny for my taste, but the tunes are catchy. I couldn't listen to this very often. 6/10
eh, about as good as document. fine, but a major step down from the murmur-life's rich pageant run.
Some albums are slow growers. For me, this is one of those. I bought this album shortly after release, but it was never an instant favourite. However it has grown on me over the years.
Couple of Classics on this Album.
I havent really like any REM album I've heard yet, but this is fine. I can at least appreciate the sound they are producing given the era it came out, much better than a lot of popular music in the mid to late 80s, I'm guessing they are so well regarded because they were early pioneers/influences for 90s alternative. 3.2.
I didn’t love this album when it came out, and I still don’t. A couple of tracks stick.
No es mi disco favorito de R.E.M., pero en él hay algunas canciones que siempre estarán en una selección del grupo de Athens. Por la fuerza de sus guitarras es el caso de "Orange Crush", o por el folk sensible también el de "The Wrong Child". Todo el disco suena a R.E.M. y apenas se nota su fichaje por una grande, pero también suena a una continuación (y menos brillante) de Document, su disco anterior.
forgettable. Doesnt contain any of my favorite REM songs. Probably wont ever listen to it again. not terrible but nothing special or standout about it.
I love R.E.M. but am not a big fan of this album. With this effort the band moved further away from the innovative sound that made their reputation and inspired a whole new generation of alternative bands. This record is largely mainstream pop and, while it was much more commercially successful, to me it represents a step backwards. Go listen to Reckoning or Fables Of The Reconstruction.
This REM album didn’t seem that bad. I’m not the biggest fan of their music but this one was somewhat enjoyable. They had a good mix of styles on this album compared to the previous ones I’ve heard where it was much more melodic. This felt more alternative which is what I prefer. Not sure how much I’d revisit this but it’s alright. 6.1/10
Favorite song: You Are The Everything; not sure if I'd listen again
Inoffensive. A lot of songs sounded too similar for my taste. Knew 2 songs
Ok
Solid
Certainly remember 2 cuts from this album, Stand & Orange Crust. They were among a few I liked of the entire list of songs. I would likely be more objective if the music videos weren’t rolling while listening. Will see about avoiding them in the future. Did appreciate their ability to vocalize clearly.
was alright, kind of background noise
I honestly enjoyed this album more than I expected. Not the biggest fan of Stipe's voice, but his performances worked for me on most of the songs on the album. Favorite songs: Stand, World Leader Pretend, Orange Crush, Turn Your Inside-Out
It's ok. Mostly only the hits are good on here plus a couple of songs. Not my jam.
This was okay, not a smash for me. It's a little too low key.
I'll just never truly enjoy REM.
Overall I didnt find it too much of a chore to listen to this album. I expected nothing more or nothing else and that’s exactly what I received. Didn’t find the mandolin on a few of the tracks was needed whatsoever. It’s a little like ordering an orange juice with bits of pulp. The little added extra bits won’t make the taste anymore refreshing with or without them. A little pointless. Highlights:- Stand Orange Crush
Was okay but got a bit monotonous after 3-4 songs. Good lyrics on several songs.
Listened to this while playing ISS Vanguard. I completed all my missions successfully! I never listened to R.E.M. growing up, but of course I had heard Stand before. My partner was singing along to a lot of the album. Another album that just oozes the 90s vibes. Nothing super remarkable.
Love the bass on this and how the vocal cuts through The opening track and stand were highlights. This would album would make a great musical! I love alt rock Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Stand Date listened: 04/01/2024
Some classics. Harsh sound. Not a favorite.
Not my favorite REM album, but some of the songs beyond the singles were better than I remembered.
Some good songs but his voice got kinda annoying at times 6.5/10
Angsty album. 1988. I know STAND. Song lyrics mostly don’t rhyme. I never use to “listen” to the song, lyrics above my head.
Interesting to hear that the band viewed this as an R.E.M album "without any R.E.M." songs. I'll need to listen to another to compare, but I can see how this was so influential to the alt rock movement with ease. Favorite Track: Turn You Inside-Out
Alright, I like the bells and the mandolin. I liked pop song 89 and world leader pretend
Buen disco de pop-rock suave, con voz característica y melodías facilonas. Ningún tema especialmente reseñable. Se puede escuchar tranquilamente en cualquier momento.
REM is an ok rock group and this is an ok album
Pretty good. Just can’t get into rem as much as people say I should.
Some really good music that holds up. Love the instrumentation. Lyrics still stick with me. Orange Crush and Inside out.
pas mal pour son époque mais à plutôt mal vieilli quand les grosses bombes des 90s surviennent après.
Ok,nothing special
Pretty great album honestly. Born in 80 I grew up with this version of REM right thru automatic.
Fine album of thoughtful twangy rock before they came mega famous.
This was a really okay album! My favorite song was “I Remember California”, because it had a Nirvana feel to it. 5/10
I like R.E.M. It sounds like R.E.M. I really wanted to like this more than I did. It’s not that it’s not good, it’s kind of just ok. Some songs like “The Wrong Child” felt unorganized and crowded. “Orange Crush” is the best song on the album. The others are not even really close, no not “Stand” STFU. The majority of the songs really are just cluttered with overlapping singing and unnecessary extra sounds. Not the worst but there are better R.E.M. albums that could have been picked. 5/10
definition of a 3 * album, quite enjoyed it, forgot it instantly.
1. Pop song - 2 2. Get up - 2 3. You are the everything- 3 4. Stand - 3 5. World leader - 2 6. Wrong child - 2 7. Orange crush- 3 8. Turn you - 2 9. Hairshirt - 3 10. I remember - 3 11. Untitled - 3 2.54 - so boring that both of my ears grew gray beards during the listen
12/11/23 3:00 S Tier————————— A Tier————————— Stand Pop Song 89 B Tier————————— Get Up Orange Crush World Leader Pretend Turn You Inside Out The Wrong Child I remember California Hairshirt Untitled C Tier————————— You Are The Everything
droney, dull, boring. Tried listening to it 2 or 3 times and just couldnt
Only one I’d heard off of here was ‘Stand’ (one of my favorite R.E.M. songs) so I was elated to find an LP full of other great tracks. Appreciate that this album never dips into the dour or sappy tendencies the band has when the tempo slows down, things moved along quickly and the album flowed quite well.
Have never listened to REM outside their hits. Enjoyable listen, 3*. Enjoyed: Stand, Pop Song 89, Orange Crush
One of my better liked REM albums. But I just can’t get them up over 3 stars. Good band almost great at times , but in the end. Solid 3 stars
back end goated
I think this album is where I finally understood how to interpret REM’s music. They’re not some alt rock band that randomly got popular, they’re just a pop group for Gen X. 5/10
Good, not the best REM album though
I discovered REM back in early 1983 when Murmur was fresh and new. And exciting and different. I saw them live in October 1983, one of the top 5 shows I’ve seen. And I was a huge fan of their first 4.5 albums (including the Chronic Town EP). But I never really latched on to Document and the subsequent albums, perhaps because I became a father and refocused. And perhaps because they shifted their style, and got really popular. I know (and own) the “hits” from this album, and they’re certainly worthy, so I was happy when this came up on the generator. Overall it’s a good album, though I still prefer the earlier sound when the vocals were unintelligible (and often incomprehensible) and the band seemed less political. The fact that they planned the album release for the same day as the US presidential election doesn’t impress me. Stick to music guys. The 4x singles are really good, the rest of it is just OK. I went into this expecting at least 3.5, probably rounding to 4. But I just can’t get that high, this is below all the other REM albums I own. A kind of disappointing 3/5
A few standout tracks but somewhat uneven as they explore new sounds. Odd how Stone Temple Pilots chose Orange Crush as the track to call out selling out on Big Bang Bang given this album includes Stand which eventually gave us Shiny Happy People. Not their best, the mandolin doesn't do it for me.
I remember California is nice, the wrong child auch Ansonsten ganz ok, kann man hören aber hat mich jetzt nicht gehooked.
R.E.M.'s weakest album so far. At this point, R.E.M. has long left behind the moody post-punk of methodical jangle guitar and kudzu-thick mumbled lyrics in favour of clean, anthemic alt-pop. After their previous record "Document" had already given us two great pop classics in "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" and "The One I Love", R.E.M. seemed poised to lead the alternative revolution into the mainstream, to become the American Smiths. And thus, Green is... fine. Just fine. In opener 'Pop Song 89', Michael Stipe suddenly finds himselves in the rung of the famous, asking around for help on how he should be a pop star: should he sing about frivolous stuff, or should he use fame as a platform to speak up, only getting tepid 'ayes' in response. Unfortunately, it's the unintended thesis of the album: you're getting both politically engaged songs and frivolous pop, but neither is executed in a passionate and memorable way. Stand is the sell-outy, child friendly pop single of the album, and it doesn't work as Michael Stipe is bad at sounding like he cares about kids stuff, sounding more like he is distant. Say what you will about 'Shiny Happy People', but at least his tone works for that songs. He certainly doesn't sound happy in 'Stand' 'Orange Crush' is the anti-war song and while it sounds good and my favourite cut from this album, it feels like there is something missing. The chorus and verse neatly follow to each other without modulating too much in the process, and without Mike Mills' dependable backing 'oooohhhs' in the chorus, it would probably be as forgettable as all the other songs on the album. It's just weird that, despite having two albums before that sound just like this one, "R.E.M. puts on the big anthemic pants without losing that thick Southern mood and queer/left-wing ethos" this one is downright forgettable. Perhaps it is forgettable because it is too much like those previous albums. R.E.M. may have become more popular with this formula, but it was apparant some change was needed in order to stay sustainable. And luckily, it would come; R.E.M. hasn't even reached 'Losing My Religion' yet. But for this album, it's unfortunately too late.
Meh
Pioneers of making mid moody music, some of the songs good though and sounds unique. Shoutout UGA go dawgs.
Vandaaaaag is groeeeeen de kleuuur van jou kipppen
Another one I loved as a teenager. I still like most of the songs - they are kind of strange and corny, like the best REM. Doesn't hit as hard today.
When they're good, they're very good. The rest of the time they sound as flat as Stipe's voice. I like them better now that I did when they were all over the airwaves. "Stand" and "Pop Song" are the standouts. "Get Up" had a nice hook to it. I never liked "Orange Crush", and never will. And so it goes....
I guess okay. Not my cup of tea but it’s not bad in any way
I love R.E.M but this isn't their best.
Okay, not bad. Listened to some of the songs while looking at other websites. Most of the music sounds the same tho honestly. It's not terrible but I wouldn't always listen to it. 3/5, 5/10.
Enjoyed some of it. Seemed to lose its way a bit towards the end. They've made better albums.
Hvis det skal være 80’er rock, så er det vel nok det her
Get Up vind ik een lekker nummertje, en doet me denken aan een ander nummer maar ik weet even niet welke (vgm iets van Nirvana?)... Als hij zingt "Dreams they complicate my life" Hairshirt is echt niet mijn ding :') Over het algemeen wel een leuk album maar niets echt bijzonder imo, would not buy
ja classic REM, erg leuk, maar ook melodramatisch. Heerlijke achtergrond muziek
R.E.M. what can I say, great band
Classics
Pleasant, not for me
Fan of R.E.M. and thought the album was solid
Generally know of and enjoy REM but never did a deep dive of all albums. Faves: Pop Song 89 & Stand.
Strong but not entirely my taste
It was not bad.
Yep, sounds like REM.
Wel een oke album, valt een beetje in dezelfde rij als de vorige albums
It was a good album but I didn't find any of the songs stood out to me so much so that Spotify started a different playlist and I didn't realise.
Pretty good, a lot of the songs in the middle section I really like. Still trying to decide if I like the guys voice or not (should probably know his name).
Not my style but not awful.
Not really a big fan. It had some highlights but otherwise pretty bland overall for me.
Solid songs, it's got that good old 80s vibe but nothing that was like "HOLY SHIT"
Superbe instrumentation, beau flow à l’album. Belle écriture. Le côté folksy/celtique fait grincer. Un peu beige par moment. Stand out : Orange Crush, World Leader Pretend, Untitled
It’s good! Each song sounds pretty similar in my opinion. Stand sounds different! I also know it though. The song, The Wrong Child, sounds like it is being sung by Trump. I like the guitar in Orange Crush. Hairshirt is also sung by Trump. Ditto for I Remember California. Same for Untitled.
Decent album, I may warm up to it on further listenings but not many songs beyond the singles (Pop Song 89, Stand, and Orange Crush) stand out for me.
Wasnt into this at the time. Can now appreciate the guitar and melodies. Unique voice, not sure i fully like it!