I think this album deserves more love than I've king given it. As a entry into the world of REM it's a pretty good gateway drug. This is where REM says maybe we can join U2 as arena rock gods. It's got all the ingredients...a banger of an opening track that says sure we're kings of melody but we can play in the big leagues too. Stand also is a radio friendly song that is worthy of allvtre attention that it was getting and Orange Crush is an anthem worthy of the moniker. And REM has something that most others didn't have, the tasteful harmonies of Mike Mills and the incredible versatility of Peter Buck. When it came out I railed against it as the sound of a band that was giving in to the masses but what it is in fact is the flowering of a great band finally getting the wider audience that they deserved. 4 stars