R.E.M. Show Some Soul on ‘Everybody Hurts’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ Song
R.E.M.'s R&B-influenced ballad took an uncharacteristically direct approach to the subject of suicide.
Automatic for the People
R.E.M. Take Pop Heaven to Motel Hell on ‘The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ Song
With a little inspiration from a doo-wop classic, this bouncy track brought some levity to the moody 'Automatic for the People.' But what does the song mean?
Michael Stipe Explores Life’s Last Moments with ‘Try Not to Breathe’: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People' Song
The second track from 'Automatic for the People' is the album's first one about death. But the song’s title originated with a much more innocuous statement.
‘Drive’ Sets the Tone for R.E.M.’s Stark Opus: The Story Behind Every ‘Automatic for the People’ Song
Before R.E.M. was finished making 'Out of Time,' they had begun crafting 'Automatic for the People.' They just didn’t know it yet.
25 Years Ago: R.E.M. Create a Melancholy Masterpiece With ‘Automatic for the People’
Initially planning to make a big rock record, R.E.M. decided to focus on acoustic sounds and dark themes on their eighth and, perhaps, most celebrated album.