Let’s all gather around and everybody wish Michael Stipe a happy birthday! 1…2…3…!
Yes, January 4 is the birthday of the legendary R.E.M. frontman and lead singer and, as such, we thought we should dive into the catalog of the famed indie rock band and celebrate both Stipe and R.E.M. with a list of the group’s Top 11 Songs.
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For the Athens, Georgia-born group, which formed in 1980 and hit the scene in a big way in 1983 with its debut LP, Murmur, the sky has since been the limit. The band, which is comprised of Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry, will last well beyond its members’ lifespan.
Let’s take a look-see as to why, shall we?
11. “The Great Beyond”
10. “Drive”
9. “Blue”
8. “Man On The Moon”
7. “Shiny Happy People”
6. “What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?”
5. “Stand”
4. “The One I Love”
3. “Everybody Hurts”
2. “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
1. “Losing My Religion”
More The List
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Bassist Daryl Stuemer, guitarist Mike Rutherford, singer Phil Collins of the band Genesis perform during the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary celebration called "Its Only Rock and Roll" at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 1988 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) -
Paul McCartney and his wife Linda of pop group Wings enjoy a pint of ale as they make a film to promote their new single 'With A Little Luck' in London. Left is Denny Laine Middle is Linda McCartney Right is Paul McCartney, picture taken 22nd March 1978. (Photo by Doreen Spooner/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) -
American Rock musician Tom Petty (1950 – 2017) plays guitar as he performs, with his band the Heartbreakers, onstage during the 'Long After Dark' tour at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, March 31, 1983. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 04: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Ella Langley performs onstage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 day one on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) -
Bronx, N.Y.: Singer Dion DiMucci sings for the crowd at Freedomland in the Bronx, New York on July 30, 1963. (Photo by Dick Morseman/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
