Released 22 years ago this October
Around the Sun
R.E.M. · 2004
55 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of melodic alternative rock, laced with introspective lyrics and layered instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Leaving New York Start here — This opening track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and change, combining an upbeat melody with poignant lyrics that reflect on departure and longing.
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The Outsiders — Featuring a collaboration with Q-Tip, this track stands out for its genre-blending sound and commentary on alienation, showcasing R.E.M.'s willingness to experiment.
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I Wanted to Be Wrong — This song delves deeply into personal introspection and regret, offering haunting melodies paired with lyrics that explore vulnerability and disillusionment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features layered instrumentation and introspective lyrics but lacks standout tracks and cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
- Lyrically, the album explores introspective themes, often using metaphorical language that invites deeper analysis.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective, introspective listening sessions
- gradual builds and payoffs
- melodic soundscapes for relaxation
- emotional exploration through music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A reflective album that offers introspection but isn't a standout in their catalog.
- Themes
- New York nostalgia· alienation in collaboration
- Moods
- Nostalgic· Introspective
- Career context
- Around the Sun is R.E.M.'s 13th studio album, released in 2004 at a time when the band was transitioning into a new phase after leaving their longtime label, Warner Bros. This release followed the commercial success of their previous album, Reveal, but faced scrutiny as the band sought to redefine their sound and approach after two decades in the industry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies
Tracklist
- 1 Leaving New York Start here 4:49
- 2 Electron Blue 4:12
- 3 The Outsiders 4:14
- 4 Make It All Okay 3:44
- 5 Final Straw 4:07
- 6 I Wanted to Be Wrong 4:35
- 7 Wanderlust 3:03
- 8 Boy in the Well 5:22
- 9 Aftermath 3:53
- 10 High Speed Train 5:03
- 11 The Worst Joke Ever 3:38
- 12 The Ascent of Man 4:07
- 13 Around the Sun 4:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Picaresque
The Decemberists
Shares reflective storytelling and layered instrumentation with a sense of nostalgia.
A Ghost Is Born
Wilco
Explores introspective themes with a blend of alternative rock and experimental soundscapes.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Combines melodic folk-rock with poignant lyrics, evoking a similar sense of reflection and place.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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