1001 Albums Summary

R.E.M is one of those magical bands (mostly - but not only - thanks to Michael's unique voice) that you can identify imediately even if you don't know the song so that already makes any album from them quite special. I was surprised to learn that this album is from the 80s as it has real 90s rock vibes, mainly because of the punchy songs and political criticism in the lyrics, so this is evidence that REM were pioneers and ahead of their time. I think it's a great album, very diverse but at the same time consistent, and it has The One I Love which I love (pun intended). I give it 4 stars because I find R.E.M melodies a bit repetitive after a while but it's still a great album.

Sounds like a 14 year old boy ranting about women and other BS. Except for Stan, this album isn't for me.

This album is just perfect from top to bottom. Magical symbiosis of old American blues and heavy rock with a pinch of folky sounds. Whole Lotta Love and Ramble On are obvious hits but listening to the album now also made me rediscover brilliant songs like the blue-blooded Lemon Song (what a bassline) and Thank You (who knew they could do mellowy love songs too). It's just an absolute classic.

Heavy metal is not really my thing but this was actually more enjoyable that what I thought it would be.