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!

1

Murmur (1983)

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

2

Reckoning (1984)

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

3

Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)

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

4

Life's Rich Pageant (1986)

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

5

Document (1987)

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

6

Green (1988)

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

7

Out of Time (1991)

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

8

Automatic for the People (1992)

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

9

Monster (1994)

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

10

New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)

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

11

Up (1998)

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

12

Reveal (2001)

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

13

Around the Sun (2004)

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

14

Accelerate (2008)

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

15

Collapse into Now (2011)

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