Out Of Time (1991)

If you like soft, gentle rock this band and album is for you. The only one I did know it Losing My Religion, the other ones are just as good as that

After the commercial success of Green, R.E.M. fame grew significanlt steering away from their so called college rock, but still far from becoming a top band around the world. As the band continued to experiment with various instruments as in Green (mandolin most notably), their next project developed smoothly into Out of time. An instant success thanks to leading singles Losing my religion and Shiny happy people, both massive hits around the world. However this is a complete and well crafted album where all the songs are great and have something special.

Starting with the great opening track of Radio Song and the KRS-One rap they try different things throughout the album. They draw from their 80s sounds but also breathe in fresh sounds of folk, country and rock combined with great melodies and vocals (often changing the lead vocals which gives a nice variety). Excellent tracks include Low (note influence to Nirvana), Near Wild Heaven (a sort of tribute to the Byrds sound), Half a world away and Country Feedback a beautiful track (Stipe’s favourite and for many fans as well).

Endgame and Belong do not have many lyrics but still sound fantastic and are essential listening for the album. Finally, another great song to close the album is Me in Honey featuring great vocals by Kate Pearson of B52’s (also on Shiny Happy people).
It is probably the best and most important album for R.E.M. as they put the foundations for becoming one of the greatest bands of all time around the world, they defined really the term Alternative album and also influenced many bands and music movements of the 90s along the way from grunge, indie and britpop to name a few. A must have for any music fan.