Ostensibly less obscure and more direct than it's predecessors, Document contains some of REM's best hits while also being a perfect middle ground between the janglier sounds of their earlier work and their slower yet poppier sounding later albums.
tl;dr: it’s a classic
If Life’s Rich Pageant was R.E.M. emerging from the shadows of lyrical and commercial obscurity, Document is them bursting forth with a fire and a message that seemed impossible just four albums prior. This is America’s best and most influential alt rock band at their most immediate and straightforward, banging on the door. When R.E.M. calls, there is no option other than to listen.
Quintessential alt rock. Michael Stipes voice is absolutely perfect and the production is impeccable. Songs are super catchy and a joy to listen to.
This is peak R.E.M. for me. Most fans tend to say they "sold out" after Document because they signed with Warner Bros and then released albums like Green and Out of Time. The hits HEAVILY overshadow the other tracks on this record, but I think every song that isn't It's The End Of the World or The One I Love is underrated. It's my favorite R.E.M. album right after Lifes Rich Pageant
Favorite tracks: The One I Love, Welcome To The Occupation
What more do you want besides It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) and The One I Love
1 | Finest Worksong 3:47 | 88 |
2 | Welcome To the Occupation 2:46 | 83 |
3 | Exhuming McCarthy 3:18 | 81 |
4 | Disturbance At the Heron House 3:31 | 77 |
5 | Strange 2:32 | 76 |
6 | It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) 4:06 | 94 |
7 | The One I Love 3:17 | 92 |
8 | Fireplace 3:23 | 81 |
9 | Lightnin' Hopkins 3:20 | 65 |
10 | King of Birds 4:08 | 77 |
11 | Oddfellows Local 151 5:22 | 82 |
#5 | / | Consequence of Sound |