With popularity confined to the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, along with some shows in Atlanta, R.E.M. released their first single – “Radio Free Europe” – in 1981 on Hib-Tone records. Soon after, a demo recording of the soon-to-be-released ep Chronic Town, caught the attention of I.R.S. Records where they were signed to a recording contract. Micheal Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass) and Bill Berry (drums) spent the early 80’s traveling the country and building a loyal fan base with albums such as Murmur, Reckoning and Life’s Rich Pageant. The songs from these early albums became staples of college radio and made R.E.M. one of the early kings of independent, alternative rock along with the Replacements and Husker Du. The touring, growing fan support and a bunch of great songs eventually paid off as R.E.M. moved from college rock icons to major label stars by the end of the 80s. After 15 proper studio albums and a number of compilations and greatest hits, the band called it quits in September 2011 leaving behind an impressive catalog. Having been a long-time fan, I created a list of the songs that tell the story of R.E.M.’s unbelievable rise from an obscure, southern college-town band to international superstars,
“Radio Free Europe” (1981) from non-album single and later on Murmur
The song that started it all for R.E.M. This was the original single released by the band that got the attention of IRS Records and led to a recording contract. The song was re-recorded for the debut Murmur album and became the band’s first charting single peaking at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Gardening at Night” (1982) from Chronic Town ep
Arguably not even the most popular song on the debut ep, this track typifies the R.E.M. sound and is one of their best early tunes. The ep was produced by Mitch Easter – producer and frontman for fellow jangle pop band Let’s Active.
“Sitting Still” (1983) from Murmur
Similar to “Gardening at Night,” this might not even be the most popular song on the album but it also laid the groundwork for the sound that R.E.M. would make famous throughout their career.
“So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)” (1984) from Reckoning
The band played this song on David Letterman in their first televised appearance. The single was also their second to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at #85.
“Can’t Get There from Here” (1985) from Fables of the Reconstruction
In an album full of great songs, this single stands out for being one of the first recognizable videos of the band on MTV. Although the song did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100, it became their highest charting song on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart to date peaking at #14.
“Fall on Me” (1986) from Life’s Rich Pageant
Their third charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 (#94), the single became their biggest hit on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart peaking at #5.
“The One I Love” (1987) from Document
R.E.M.’s first Top 40 hit in the US peaking at #9. The single was also their first Top 40 hit in the UK and also gave them their first Top 10 hit in New Zealand and Ireland.
“It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” (1987) from Document
Although the single performed poorly commercially in the US (peaking at #69), it remains one of R.E.M.’s most enduring and popular singles.
“Losing My Religion” (1991) from Out of Time
R.E.M.’s biggest US single peaking at #4, this song also reached the Top 10 in Canada and The Netherlands.
“Everybody Hurts” (1993) from Automatic for the People
While the single had success in the US – peaking at #29 – the single was a much bigger success globally becoming a Top 10 hit in Australia, UK, The Netherlands, France, Iceland, Canada and Ireland,
“The Great Beyond” (1999) from Man on the Moon soundtrack
The single did not crack the Top 40 in the US but was a return to radio airplay for the band as part of the Man on the Moon soundtrack.
“Mine Smell Like Honey” (2011) from Collapse Into Now
From their final studio album and the last single to crack the Top 10 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay, this song proves R.E.M. continued to write great pop songs after 30 years.
