The Studio Albums
Most R.E.M. fans know the 15 studio albums they recorded. They can be accurately categorized into three distinct eras, each with 5 albums. Links to their vinyl are embedded in the album titles.
The I.R.S. Records Years
R.E.M.’s I.R.S. Records years (1982–1987) represent their early, formative period when they established their signature sound—jangly guitars, cryptic lyrics, and a mix of post-punk energy with folk and Southern gothic influences. These years saw the band evolve from an underground college rock sensation to national recognition.
Murmur (1983) – Features “Radio Free Europe”
Reckoning (1984) – Includes “So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)”
Reckoning Fables Of The Reconstruction (1985) – Notable for “Driver 8” and “Can’t Get There From Here”
Lifes Rich Pageant (1986) – Includes “Fall on Me” and the unexpected hit “Superman”
Document (1987) – Features “The One I Love” and “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
The Big Time/The Warner Bros. Years
In 1996, R.E.M. signed a five-album contract with Warner Bros. Records for an estimated $80 million, the largest recording contract ever awarded at the time, including a $10 million signing bonus and a $20 million royalty advance.
Green (1988) – Features “Orange Crush” and “Stand”
Out Of Time (1991) – Includes “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People”
Automatic For The People (1992) – Features “Everybody Hurts” and “Man on the Moon”
Monster (1994) – Includes “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?”
New Adventures In Hi-Fi (1996) – Notable for “E-Bow the Letter”
The Post Bill Berry Years
The post-Bill Berry years (1998–2011) mark a distinct era in R.E.M.’s history, defined by experimentation, reinvention, and fluctuating critical and commercial success. When drummer Bill Berry left in 1997, the remaining trio—Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills—chose to continue, but their sound evolved significantly.
Up (1998) – Features “Daysleeper”
Reveal (2001) – Includes “Imitation of Life”
Around The Sun (2004) – Features “Leaving New York”
Accelerate (2008) – Notable for “Supernatural Superserious”
Collapse Into Now (2011) – Includes “Überlin” and “Oh My Heart”
Notable Other Releases – EPs, Outtakes, and Compilations
Chronic Town (1982) – Their outstanding debut EP
Dead Letter Office (1987) – Rarities and B-sides collection
Eponymous (1988) – Compilation of early IRS Records hits
In Time: The Best Of R.E.M. 1988-2003 (2003) – Best-of collection
And I Feel Fine…The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 (2006) Yet another best-of collection
Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage: 1982-2011 (2011) – Career-spanning compilation
Live Recordings
PR.E.M Live (2007) – Live album recorded at the Point Theatre in Dublin, featuring performances of hits like “Losing My Religion” and “The One I Love.”
Live At The Olympia (2009) – This album captures R.E.M.’s live rehearsals in Dublin, showcasing both new material and classics.
Unplugged 1991/2001: The Complete Sessions (2014) This release compiles R.E.M.’s performances from MTV’s Unplugged series, featuring acoustic renditions of their songs from two different eras.
The Best Of R.E.M. At The BBC (2018) – A comprehensive collection of live recordings and sessions from the band’s performances at the BBC over the years.
Bingo Hand Job: Live at the Borderline 1991 (2019) This album captures a secret show performed under the pseudonym “Bingo Hand Job” at London’s Borderline club.
Right On Target: 1984 Live Broadcast (2012) – This album features a live performance from 1984, showcasing R.E.M.’s early energy and raw sound.
Live USA 1992 (2007) An unofficial release featuring live recordings from R.E.M.’s 1992 tour, highlighting the band’s dynamic stage presence during that period.
Songs That Are Live – (1995) A collection of live performances, including tracks from “Monster” and a rendition of “Country Feedback,” showcasing the band’s versatility on stage.
Rarities/Other
Spirit Of Radio – This three disc collection celebrates the music of R.E.M. and includes two superb CDs containing radio broadcasts of concerts from 1984 and 1989, along with a third disc containing media interviews with the guys from various points across their career.
BOX – An eclectic collection of their greatest hits from 1982 to 2005.
The Broadcast Archives – This 3 CD set celebrates the stunning musical career of R.E.M. by compiling some of the best recordings available of the group in concert. Featuring full shows, all recorded for FM radio broadcast, in 1983, 1984 and 1989 respectively, this box-set will delight collectors of R.E.M. s music the world across.
Chronic Town Picture Disk – 40th Anniversary Edition of the debut EP from R.E.M. featuring “Gardening At Night,” “Wolves, Lower” and more. Available on a double-sided picture disc featuring the album cover’s iconic gargoyle and 1982 image of the band. Limited Edition.