Murmur cover

Murmur

R.E.M. · 1983

44 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock · folk rock · jangle pop

A shimmering, atmospheric blend of jangly guitars and cryptic lyrics that defines the early alternative rock sound.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 11, 1983, 'Murmur' was R.E.M.'s debut album, emerging as a pivotal moment in their career. At this point, the band had cultivated a dedicated following in the college rock scene but were still relatively unknown to mainstream audiences. This album laid the groundwork for their subsequent rise to prominence in the alternative music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Radio Free Europe 4:05
  • 2 Pilgrimage 4:29
  • 3 Laughing 3:58
  • 4 Talk About the Passion 3:23
  • 5 Moral Kiosk 3:32
  • 6 Perfect Circle 3:30
  • 7 Catapult 3:56
  • 8 Sitting Still 3:18
  • 9 9–9 3:04
  • 10 Shaking Through 4:30
  • 11 We Walk 3:01
  • 12 West of the Fields 3:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata