3 Addicting R.E.M. Songs We Sing on a Daily Basis

The Athens, Georgia-born rock band R.E.M. changed the way many music fans thought about the possibilities of music. At a time when hair metal and party rock were all the rage, R.E.M. brought a different edge. Something more cerebral. Yet they still didn’t shy away from big sounds, dark moods, or other creative aspects that drew in an audience.

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But like any great band, R.E.M. also boasts songs that are great for singing along to. That’s just what we wanted to explore below. Indeed, these are three songs from the group that we can’t help but sing on a daily basis.

“It’s The End Of The World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” from ‘Document’ (1987)

Who knew a song about the demise of the world could be so catchy? Who knew you could want to dance around the room thinking about the final seconds of life as we know it? But that was the ability R.E.M. always showed—not necessarily the ability to always be positive. Rather, they could subvert anything. Apocalypse? Sure! Let’s dance! And as a result, we can’t help but sing this song at the top of our lungs. What a relief it offers!

“Losing My Religion” from ‘Out Of Time’ (1991)

Not quite the jump around the room song as the one above, but this R.E.M. track is still, nevertheless, supremely sing-along-able. Thanks to Peter Buck’s mandolin, the tune offers a different entry point than the one above, too. Acoustic strings and clear remorse. And then lead vocalist Michael Stipe comes in, and you can’t help but find yourself singing along with his poetic lyrics. That’s you in the corner. That’s you in the spotlight, losing your religion. For a few minutes, you two are bonded together in song. It’s lovely, albeit a bit melancholy.

“Shiny Happy People” from ‘Out Of Time’ (1991)

This 1991 track was the band’s attempt to be overly bright, happy, and positive. It was almost an exercise in songwriting as it was a true expression. R.E.M. was known for its very pointed lyrics and, at times, even heavy temperament. But this song goes in another direction. It wants to put a smile on your face and on the faces of the performers. It does a good job of it, too, especially in the chorus. But in the end, it still sounds like R.E.M.

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