The Automatic Box cover

The Automatic Box

R.E.M. · 1993

63 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

A sprawling collage of experimental sounds merges with melodic hooks, reflecting R.E.M.'s artistic evolution in the early '90s.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It’s a Free World Baby Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Everybody Hurts (live 1993 MTV Awards) — This live performance captures the emotional intensity of a key R.E.M. anthem, showcasing Michael Stipe's poignant delivery that resonates with themes of vulnerability.
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    Fretless — As an instrumental piece, Fretless stands out for its atmospheric soundscapes, demonstrating the band's ability to blend experimental elements with traditional songwriting.
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    Pop Song ’89 (acoustic) — This acoustic version strips down the original's production, highlighting the song's catchy melody and lyrical playfulness while emphasizing R.E.M.'s folk rock roots.
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    New Orleans Instrumental #2 — This track exemplifies R.E.M.'s capacity for mood-setting instrumentals, creating an evocative sound landscape that feels both introspective and expansive.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • wave-like pacing invites reflection
  • experimental sounds for adventurous listeners
  • live performances evoke nostalgia
  • short tracks encourage replaying

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer structured, predictable albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Offers insight into R.E.M.'s creative process but is not a mainstream entry point.
Themes
MTV live performances· New Orleans soundscapes· experimental folk rock
Career context
Released in 1993, The Automatic Box came during R.E.M.'s transition from underground darlings to mainstream icons following their acclaimed album Out of Time. This collection of rarities and demos showcases the band's willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes while solidifying their status in alternative rock.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· The Smiths· Pixies
New to R.E.M.? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Arms of Love

    The verse shifts from a hopeful tone to a more somber reflection on love's complexities and challenges.

    This structural change in tone adds depth to the narrative, contrasting idealism with realism in relationships.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 It’s a Free World Baby Start here 5:16
  • 2 Fretless 4:52
  • 3 Chance (dub) 2:36
  • 4 Star Me Kitten (demo) 3:04

Disc 2

  • 1 Winged Mammal Theme 2:59
  • 2 Organ Song 3:26
  • 3 Mandolin Strum 3:48
  • 4 Fruity Organ 3:28
  • 5 New Orleans Instrumental #2 3:47

Disc 3

  • 1 Arms of Love 3:36
  • 2 Dark Globe 1:54
  • 3 The Lion Sleeps Tonight 2:43
  • 4 First We Take Manhattan 6:03

Disc 4

  • 1 Ghostrider 3:47
  • 2 Funtime 2:15
  • 3 Memphis Train Blues 1:41
  • 4 Pop Song ’89 (acoustic) 2:58
  • 5 Everybody Hurts (live 1993 MTV Awards) 5:32

What to play next

Monster
Listen next

Monster

1994

Continues the experimental sounds while adding a more rock-oriented edge.
Automatic for the People
Go back to

Automatic for the People

1992

Leads into a similar exploration of sound and melody, setting the stage for 'The Automatic Box'.
Full R.E.M. discography Where to start with R.E.M. Artists like R.E.M.
alternative rock folk rock jangle pop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Transmissions from the Satellite Heart

Transmissions from the Satellite Heart

The Flaming Lips

Shares a similar experimental ethos with melodic hooks and eclectic soundscapes.

Mellow Gold

Mellow Gold

Beck

Combines folk rock elements with innovative production and genre-blending experimentation.

Being There

Being There

Wilco

Delivers an expansive mix of alternative rock and folk, echoing R.E.M.'s adventurous spirit.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata