What is the best album by R.E.M.?

Spanning jangly college rock, mainstream breakthroughs, and introspective late-career experiments, R.E.M.'s discography rewards deep listening. Cast your vote!

Murmur (1983)

Critically acclaimed debut with a jangly, mysterious sound that defined college radio.

1/15

Reckoning (1984)

Rapid follow-up featuring "So. Central Rain" and "Don't Go Back to Rockville".

2/15

Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)

Darker third album produced in London, exploring Southern mythology and folk imagery.

3/15

Life's Rich Pageant (1986)

More direct sound featuring "Fall on Me" and a cover of "Superman".

4/15

Document (1987)

Major-label debut featuring "The One I Love" and "It's the End of the World as We Know It".

5/15

Green (1988)

Warner Bros. debut featuring "Stand" and "Orange Crush", mixing pop and political themes.

6/15

Out of Time (1991)

Breakthrough album featuring "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People".

7/15

Automatic for the People (1992)

Dark, orchestral masterpiece featuring "Everybody Hurts" and "Nightswimming".

8/15

Monster (1994)

Distorted rock departure featuring "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" and "Tongue".

9/15

New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)

Road album recorded live on tour, capturing a raw and expansive sound.

10/15

Up (1998)

Drum-machine-heavy album recorded after Bill Berry's departure, exploring melancholy electronica.

11/15

Reveal (2001)

Lush, atmospheric album featuring "Imitation of Life" and summery psychedelic textures.

12/15

Around the Sun (2004)

Polished, political album reflecting on American identity and the post-9/11 era.

13/15

Accelerate (2008)

Return to raw guitar-driven rock, hailed as a comeback to their energetic roots.

14/15

Collapse into Now (2011)

Final studio album before disbanding, drawing together threads from the band's entire career.

15/15