R.E.M. - Five Best from the 80s

1. You Are the Everything
R.E.M. and specifically Michael Stipe were coming into their own toward the end of the 80s. For this song, the first track off their 1988 album Green, Stipe finally laid down some lyrics that were worthy of his vocal lines and his voice. Being happy in the moment is a beautiful thing and should be recognized. I love the set of lyrics beginning with “Here’s a scene”- a retelling of a perfect moment as if life is a movie.

2. Superman
The last track on Life’s Rich Pageant is kind of a stalker song along the lines of The Police’s Every Breath You Take. But Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck, and Bill Berry hit all the right notes and harmonies. It’s been hijacked on youtube by Superman Returns montages but a so-so live version with the song's writer will have to do.

3. Fall On Me
The lyrics make no sense at first; until someone tells you or you realize it’s about pollution and acid rain. Pretty depressing stuff compared to the more common inspirations of love and sex. Of all of R.E.M.’s great vocal overlaps, this is one of the best and Stipe is really reaching and holding those high notes for the first time.

4. (Don’t Go Back to) Rockville
A fairly straightforward song that’s hypnotic in its simplicity. Small town America, lost dreams, loneliness, and so much more is covered with so very little.

5. Talk About the Passion
Another simple, folksy song which encourages people to take the time to discuss important things.

Alternate: Hairshirt
A terrific mandolin riff and an interesting bass line blend beautifully to mask some pretty bad lyrics. Stipe and company would take over 2 years off before their next album, Out of Time (1991). The break did him some good since that album probably has the best lyrics of any of their albums.