Is Out of Time a good place to start with R.E.M.?

Yes, Out of Time is recommended as a starting point for new R.E.M. listeners. Melodic jangle pop intertwines with introspective lyrics, crafting an atmospheric exploration of personal and societal themes. Released on March 12, 1991, 'Out of Time' marked R.E.M.'s transition into mainstream success following their breakout album 'Document' in 1987. This fifth studio album solidified their status in alternative rock, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining their signature lyrical depth.

Who is Out of Time for?

Out of Time works well if you're into contemplative afternoon reflections, catchy melodies for casual listening and balanced mix of upbeat moments.

How many songs are on Out of Time?

Out of Time has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Out of Time

R.E.M. · 1991

43 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic jangle pop intertwines with introspective lyrics, crafting an atmospheric exploration of personal and societal themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Radio Song Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Losing My Religion — This track stands out for its haunting mandolin riff and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of unrequited love and existential doubt that resonated widely.
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Shiny Happy People — An upbeat anthem contrasting its cheerful melody with ironic undertones about superficial happiness, this song exemplifies R.E.M.'s ability to blend light-heartedness with deeper commentary.
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Country Feedback — The raw emotional delivery combined with its sprawling instrumental landscape makes this track a poignant reflection on love and loss, showcasing the band's experimental side.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album blends polished melodies with introspective themes, showcasing R.E.M.'s evolution while maintaining a distinct sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken word section in 'Radio Song' that transitions into a melodic chorus, setting a conversational tone.
Tracks like 'Losing My Religion' and 'Shiny Happy People' feature prominent mandolin and upbeat instrumentation, contrasting with the more introspective lyrics.
The sequencing includes a gradual build-up of energy, peaking with 'Shiny Happy People' before shifting to the more somber 'Country Feedback' and 'Me In Honey'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

contemplative afternoon reflections
catchy melodies for casual listening
balanced mix of upbeat moments
layered, introspective soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified R.E.M.'s mainstream success and recognition.
Themes: suburban disillusionment· ironic optimism· personal isolation
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released on March 12, 1991, 'Out of Time' marked R.E.M.'s transition into mainstream success following their breakout album 'Document' in 1987. This fifth studio album solidified their status in alternative rock, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining their signature lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Country Feedback

The shift from reflective nostalgia to a raw outpouring of emotions encapsulates the narrator's struggle with acceptance and heartache.

The unpredictable structure and evolving intensity mirror the turmoil within the lyrics, capturing a uniquely vulnerable moment in R.E.M.'s songwriting.