What makes Supernatural Superserious by R.E.M. notable?

Supernatural Superserious marked a significant moment in R.E.M.'s discography as it was met with positive critical reception, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also highlighted the band's ability to adapt and remain relevant in an evolving music landscape, influencing subsequent indie rock acts with its catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics. By the time R.E.M. released Supernatural Superserious in 2008, they were well-established veterans of the alternative rock scene, having found massive success with albums like Automatic for the People and Monster. This album came as a follow-up to their previous work, Accelerate, marking a continued evolution in their sound as they embraced a more polished production style while maintaining their lyrical depth.

How many songs are on Supernatural Superserious?

Supernatural Superserious has 3 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Supernatural Superserious

R.E.M. · 2008

7 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, echoing the band's signature sound while exploring new melodic avenues.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Supernatural Superserious — The title track serves as a perfect introduction to the album's themes, featuring infectious hooks and a reflective tone that encapsulates R.E.M.'s enduring charm.
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Airliner — This track showcases a more upbeat energy, combining driving rhythms with sharp, observational lyrics that reflect the band's knack for storytelling.
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Red Head Walking — With its vivid imagery and intricate guitar work, this song stands out by blending nostalgia with an accessible pop sensibility, illustrating the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The single showcases R.E.M.'s signature sound while exploring new melodic directions, but lacks the depth of their earlier work.

What we noticed

The lead track features a driving rhythm with jangly guitars layered over a steady drumbeat, creating an upbeat feel.
The second track introduces a more laid-back tempo and shifts to a focus on vocal harmonies, contrasting with the opener.
The final track employs a more experimental structure, incorporating varied dynamics and a slower pace that diverges from the previous tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — The single is well-received and resonates with dedicated fans of R.E.M.'s sound.
Themes: nostalgic imagery· observational storytelling· post-2000 introspection
Moods: Uplifting· Introspective
Career context: By the time R.E.M. released Supernatural Superserious in 2008, they were well-established veterans of the alternative rock scene, having found massive success with albums like Automatic for the People and Monster. This album came as a follow-up to their previous work, Accelerate, marking a continued evolution in their sound as they embraced a more polished production style while maintaining their lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies