How R.E.M.’s ‘Document’ Dragged College Rock Into the Mainstream
A Top 10 hit and a platinum album marked the end of their world as an underground sensation, but R.E.M. felt fine.
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R.E.M. Departs on a Fiery Note With 'Oddfellows Local 151'
R.E.M.'s bleakest album rumbles to a close with one more roundhouse political punch.
R.E.M. Ponder Earthquakes and Artistry on ‘King of Birds’
Michael Stipe's earthquake phobia came to the forefront on this 'Document' track, set to a martial beat.
R.E.M.’s ‘Document’: The Story Behind Every Song
We've compiled links to all of our stories about the 11 songs on R.E.M.'s 1987 landmark album, 'Document.'
R.E.M. Defy Easy Interpretation With 'Lightnin' Hopkins'
R.E.M. named the 'Document' track "Lightnin' Hopkins" after the Texas bluesman, in spite of the song's lyrics having nothing to do with the late musician.
Shakers and Saxophones Get Thrown Into R.E.M.'s ‘Fireplace’
In writing the cryptic 'Fireplace,' R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe was inspired by a 200-year-old speech by Mother Ann Lee, leader of the Shakers.
How R.E.M. Scored a Big Hit with the Brutal ‘The One I Love’
If 'Document' was the turning point for R.E.M., then “The One I Love” served as the hinge. The song was released as the album's lead single in August 1987,
How R.E.M. Mixed Dreams, T.V. and Politics on 'End of the World'
R.E.M. brought together a variety of experiences to create the second 'Document' single and one of the most famous songs in the band's catalog.
R.E.M.’s Cover of Wire's ‘Strange’ Speaks to the Moment
One of only two times R.E.M. has included a cover on one of their studio albums, "Strange" found the band updating the sludgy Wire song.
R.E.M.'s ‘Disturbance at the Heron House’ Tackles Orwell + Reagan
Michael Stipe was inspired by 'Animal Farm' to create an animalized revolution put down by the Reagan administration.