The best R.E.M. albums
20 records, ordered by how much we can tell you about each one — not by chart position.
Start here
Automatic for the People
1992
Represents R.E.M.'s signature sound with a blend of alternative and folk rock, featuring strong melodies and lyrical depth in a cohesive collection.
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1
Green
1988
Bright jangle pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating an inviting yet complex soundscape.
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2
Fables of the Reconstruction
1985
A rich tapestry of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, merging Southern gothic with a vibrant college rock energy.
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3
Around the Sun
2004
Ethereal melodies intertwine with reflective lyrics, creating a contemplative atmosphere that encapsulates life's complexities.
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4
Reveal
2001
A shimmering blend of introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation, balancing melancholy with a sense of hopefulness.
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5
Out of Time
1991
A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of early '90s alternative rock.
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6
Reckoning
1984
Jangle pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a poignant soundscape that captures the essence of early R.E.M.
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7
Document
1987
A dynamic blend of jangly guitars and politically charged lyrics, infused with a sense of urgency and melodic clarity.
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8
Murmur
1983
A tapestry of jangly guitars and enigmatic lyrics that evokes the essence of early '80s alternative rock.
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9
Automatic for the People Start here
1992
A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and lush instrumentation that captures the anxieties of the early '90s.
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10
Chronic Town
1982
Ethereal guitar melodies intertwine with cryptic lyrics, creating a haunting atmosphere that defines early alternative rock.
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11
Accelerate
2008
Energetic guitar riffs and driving rhythms propel R.E.M. into a raw, urgent sound that reflects contemporary frustrations.
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12
Collapse into Now
2011
A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing R.E.M.’s signature sound with a fresh sense of urgency.
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13
New Adventures in Hi-Fi
1996
A sprawling blend of atmospheric textures and introspective themes, merging alternative rock with a sense of longing and exploration.
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14
Monster
1994
A raw, distorted exploration of alt-rock energy with a confrontational edge and confounding lyrical depth.
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15
Lifes Rich Pageant
1986
A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that captures the spirit of mid-80s alternative rock.
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16
Up
1998
A reflective blend of atmospheric textures and introspective lyrics, capturing a transitional moment in R.E.M.'s sonic evolution.
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17
Not Bad for No Tour
2001
Live recordings capture R.E.M.'s dynamic energy and deep connection with fans, blending alternative rock with poignant lyrical storytelling.
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18
Document - 25th Anniversary Edition
2012
A fusion of jangly guitars and politically charged lyrics punctuated by anthemic choruses and a sense of urgency.
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19
Fables of the Reconstruction (25th Anniversary Edition)
2010
A tapestry of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, blending Southern storytelling with the spirit of alternative rock.
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20
Live in Greensboro
2013