Yes, 35 years ago today, the alternative rock band R.E.M. that you would have to be literally living under a rock to not know released their seventh studio album, the defining masterpiece, “Out of Time”.
Released on March 12, 1991, the ‘at the time somewhat cult’ band overnight went from being that band that had that song ‘stand’ on the radio to a major international act known to all. That may sound somewhat of a disservice to the band but this is from a UK perspective and radio play, certainly mainstream hadn’t been that kind from what I remember but ‘stand’ did breakthrough the daiy radio friendly setlists.
Then in February 1991 that all changed, ‘Losing my Religion was released, peaking only at No.19 in the Uk charts, see what was ahead of it: (https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/uk-top-40-singles-chart/19910310/750140/), but the band had truly arrived in the mainstream here. Not bad for four-and-a-half-minute song with no traditional chorus, a song that featured the mandolin as the lead instrument.
Out of Time then topped the album sales charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, spending a huge 109 weeks on U.S. album charts, with two visits at the top and 183 weeks on the UK Album charts including one week at the top.
The album has sold more than four and a half million copies in the United States and more than 18 million copies worldwide and was certified 4× Platinum by the RIAA. Out of Time won three Grammy Awards in 1992: one as Best Alternative Music Album, and two for its first single, “Losing My Religion”.
Out of Time combines elements of pop, folk and classical music heard on the band’s previous album, Green, with a new concentration on country elements that would continue on 1992’s Automatic for the People. It features guest appearances by KRS-One and Kate Pierson from The B-52’s. (Wikipedia)
Terry Staunton of NME highlighted the album’s eclecticism, noting it “veers from the playful exuberance of ‘Shiny Happy People’ to the desolate beauty of ‘Country Feedback'”. He concluded, “This is a band growing older with dignity, without losing their sense of adventure.” (NME)
Out of Time is widely regarded as a pivotal, transitional masterpiece that propelled the band to global superstardom. While some critics (aparrantly) find it inconsistent with “filler” moments which I would disagree on, most praise its baroque-pop experimentation, mandolin-driven sound, and high-quality production.
Here are some of the most interesting facts about the album and its creation:
1. The Title Was Literally “Out of Time”
The album title was chosen because the band actually ran out of time to come up with a better one. Other considered titles included Imitation Crab Meat, Borehole, and Trolling For Olives. (Classic Pop Magazine)
2. “Losing My Religion” Had No Chorus
The label and band were surprised that “Losing My Religion” became a smash hit, as it was a four-and-a-half-minute song with no traditional chorus and featured the mandolin as the lead instrument.
- Meaning: Michael Stipe explained that the title is a Southern expression for being at the end of one’s patience or losing one’s temper, not about losing faith in God.
- Influence: Stipe described the lyrics as an “obsession song,” influenced by the “creepy” nature of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”. (Wikipedia)
3. The Band Swapped Instruments
Tired of electric instruments after the Green tour, the band members often swapped roles.
- Guitarist Peter Buck picked up the mandolin.
- Bassist Mike Mills played keyboards and sang lead on two tracks (“Near Wild Heaven” and “Texarkana”).
- Drummer Bill Berry often played bass. (Billboard)
4. No Tour, Just “Bingo Hand Job”
Despite the album’s massive success, R.E.M. did not do a traditional tour for Out of Time. Instead, they played a few, low-key, intimate shows, including a surprise gig at London’s tiny Borderline club under the pseudonym “Bingo Hand Job”. (Classic Pop Magazine)
5. “Shiny Happy People” Was Written as a “Fruity” Pop Song
While “Losing My Religion” was dark, “Shiny Happy People” was intentionally designed to be a pop song.
- The B-52’s: It featured guest vocals from Kate Pierson of The B-52’s, who also appeared on “Me in Honey”.
- Band Embarrassment: Although a hit, the band has expressed embarrassment over the song, with Stipe calling it a “fruity pop song written for children”.
- The Video: Stipe wore a lime-green suit to match Pierson’s “fabulousness,” and Peter Buck looks notably miserable in the video. (Wikipedia)
6. The First “Non-Member” Voice
The first voice heard on the album is not Michael Stipe, but legendary rapper KRS-One, who contributes to the opening track, “Radio Song”. (Classic Pop Magazine)
7. It Came with a “Rock the Vote” Postcard
The album was considered politically significant because it included a postcard for the “Rock the Vote” campaign, encouraging young people to register to vote, which was a big deal at the time. (Reddit)
8. It Wasn’t Universally Loved by Hardcore Fans
While it catapulted them to fame, Out of Time was not held in high regard by all long-time fans who preferred their earlier, more indie-rock sound, seeing the pop-heavy direction as a “sellout” moment. (Wikipedia)
9. It Preceded a Major Shift in Music
Out of Time paved the way for the 1990s alternative rock explosion. Released just months before Nirvana’s Nevermind, it helped bring “college rock” into the mainstream. (uDiscover Music)
10. “Country Feedback” is a Masterpiece
Despite the hits, many critics and band members consider “Country Feedback,” a raw, largely improvised, and moody song, to be the true highlight of the album. (Albumism)
Famous fans of R.E.M. include musicians Kurt Cobain, Thom Yorke, Eddie Vedder, Chris Martin, and Patti Smith, alongside actor Michael Shannon, who performs their songs
