The 15 best R.E.M. singles

Radio Free Europe

July 8, 1981

R.E.M.’s debut single was released on an independent label. Its positive reception earned the band a contract with I.R.S. Records, where they would release their music over the following years. For the recording of their debut album Murmur, the song was re-recorded and reissued as a single exactly two years later.

The band has always preferred the original version. In 2009, the song was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry for introducing “the pattern for later indie rock releases by breaking through on college radio in the face of mainstream radio’s general indifference.”

So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)

May 15, 1984

On October 6, 1983, R.E.M. performed an early version of the song during their television debut on Late Night with David Letterman.

On the inlay of the Reckoning album, the song’s full title is mentioned: Southern Central Rain (I’m Sorry).

Driver 8

September 1985

A melancholy song taken from the Fables Of The Reconstruction album.

It refers to the Southern Crescent, a passenger train operated by the Southern Railway until 1979. Amtrak then took over the service and reduced the number of stops. R.E.M.’s lyrics refer to the original service.

Fall On Me

August 1986

One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded, Fall On Me was the lead single from the album Lifes Rich Pageant. It was initially inspired by environmental activism, specifically the problem of acid rain, hence the opening line of the chorus: “Don’t fall on me.”

Later, Michael Stipe explained that the released version of the song “is not about acid rain. It’s a general oppression song about the fact that there are a lot of causes out there that need a song that says, ‘Don’t smash us.’ And specifically, there are references to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the guy dropping weights and feathers.”

Whatever the interpretation, this was the song that put R.E.M. firmly on my musical radar.

The One I Love

August 24, 1987

The lead single from the Document album. Many people interpreted it as a love song, even though the lyrics clearly point to a much darker meaning. In January 1988, Stipe explained: “It’s very clear that it’s about using people over and over again.”

It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

November 16, 1987

An almost endless stream of thoughts and ideas that bears a strong resemblance to Bob Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues.

Despite the song’s melancholic tone, especially when Stipe sings “It’s the end of the world as we know it” during the chorus, this is beautifully offset by the addition of “And I feel fine.”

Finest Worksong

March 1988

For the single release, a horn section was added to the song. This version became known as the Mutual Drum Horn Mix. Unfortunately, the horns are not a good match for the song, which is why the original version has been included in the playlist.

The last single R.E.M. released on the I.R.S. label. The band was dissatisfied with the distribution of their music outside the United States, prompting the move to a major record label. That label was Warner Bros. Records, which promised the band complete artistic freedom.

Orange Crush

December 1988

The lead single from the Green album, which brought the band wider recognition and commercial success.

The title refers to Agent Orange, the herbicide used by the United States during the Vietnam War, resulting in what has been described as the world’s first ecocide. The highly toxic chemical was used to destroy all forms of vegetation, particularly food crops such as vegetables and rice.

The accompanying video earned the band its first Video Music Award.

Stand

January 1989

According to guitarist Peter Buck, “without a doubt, the stupidest song we’ve ever written. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though.”

Intended as a bubblegum pop song with equally lightweight lyrics, Stand became a modest hit.

Pop Song 89

May 16, 1989

A parody of pop music? Or a perfect example of how a pop song should be written and sound?

A wonderful song that received a rather unusual music video. It features Stipe dancing with three topless women. When MTV requested a censored version, black bars were placed across the chests of all the dancers, including Stipe himself, because, as he put it, “a nipple is a nipple.”

Losing My Religion

February 19, 1991

The first major international hit from the Out Of Time album. Its success was somewhat surprising, given the prominent role of the mandolin in the song.

Contrary to what many non-native English speakers assume, neither the song nor its title has anything to do with religion. In the American South, the expression “to lose your religion” means to lose your patience or composure, or to become frustrated or desperate.

According to Stipe, the lyrics are about an obsessive, unrequited love.

Shiny Happy People

May 7, 1991

An upbeat, cheerful song that evokes the spirit of the hippie era. B-52’s vocalist Kate Pierson makes a guest appearance, and she was given complete freedom in shaping her contribution. Her vocals perfectly complement the song’s overall atmosphere.

On Out Of Time, she also sings on Me In Honey, an even better song in my opinion, but unfortunately it was never released as a single and therefore was not eligible for this list.

Years later, the song began appearing on various ‘worst songs ever’ lists, an opinion Stipe often agreed with. In 1995, he even said he hated the song. Entirely unfair, although fortunately he has since changed his mind.

Everybody Hurts

April 5, 1993

Taken from the Automatic For The People album, this too became a major international hit.

Unlike many of R.E.M.’s often cryptic lyrics, the words to Everybody Hurts are remarkably straightforward. As Buck explained in 2003: “the reason the lyrics are so atypically straightforward is because it was aimed at teenagers.” Two years later he added: “If you’re consciously writing for someone who hasn’t been to college, or is pretty young, it might be nice to be very direct. In that regard, it’s tended to work for people of a lot of ages.”

An emotionally charged ballad about suicide that urges listeners not to make that choice. For that very reason, the song has been described either as overly sentimental or as a beautiful expression of compassion.

Crush With Eyeliner

January 16, 1995

Taken from the Monster album.

Inspired by the New York Dolls, a band that “knew how to exaggerate a song, to make it sound really sleazy and over the top.” Backing vocals are provided by Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore.

E-Bow The Letter

August 19, 1996

The lead single from the New Adventures In Hi-Fi album. The song is dedicated to Stipe’s friend River Phoenix, who died in October 1993. Backing vocals are provided by Patti Smith.

Many people consider the song to have marked the beginning of R.E.M.’s commercial decline, which is a rather strange stance.

That doesn’t diminish the fact that E-Bow The Letter is a wonderful way to close this list.