Man on the Moon cover

Man on the Moon

R.E.M. · 1999

37 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock · folk rock · jangle pop

An eclectic mix of whimsical melodies and poignant reflections on life, laced with R.E.M.'s signature alternative rock sensibility.

Why this album works

The album notably includes the title track 'Man on the Moon,' which became one of R.E.M.'s most recognizable songs, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The film and its soundtrack revived interest in Andy Kaufman, showcasing the band's ability to blend cultural commentary with catchy melodies, solidifying their impact on both music and film during this period.
Best for
short, whimsical listening experiences reflective moments of nostalgia lighthearted background ambiance
Context
By the time 'Man on the Moon' was released in 1999, R.E.M. had reached a commercial peak following the success of their previous album 'Up.' This soundtrack, featuring songs inspired by the film of the same name, marked a notable moment in their career as they transitioned into the new millennium, continuing to explore diverse musical styles while remaining influential in the alternative rock scene.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Mighty Mouse Theme (Here I Come to Save the Day) 1:53
  • 2 The Great Beyond Standout 5:22
  • 3 Kiss You All Over 3:37
  • 4 Angela (theme from Taxi) 1:27
  • 5 Tony Thrown Out 1:07
  • 6 Man on the Moon Standout 5:13
  • 7 This Friendly World 3:03
  • 8 Miracle 2:53
  • 9 Lynne and Andy 1:46
  • 10 Rose Marie 2:36
  • 11 Andy Gets Fired 1:07
  • 12 I Will Survive Standout 1:49
  • 13 Milk and Cookies 1:59
  • 14 Man on the Moon (orchestral) 1:51
  • 15 One More Song for You 1:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata