R.E.M. Gets Kind of Blue on 'New Orleans Instrumental No. 1'R.E.M. Gets Kind of Blue on 'New Orleans Instrumental No. 1'Lone instrumental track on 'Automatic for the People' conjures a late-night atmosphere.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
Michael Stipe Goes 'Out There' for R.E.M.'s ‘The Sidewinder...'Michael Stipe Goes 'Out There' for R.E.M.'s ‘The Sidewinder...'With a title nodding to a doo-wop classic, this bouncy track brought some levity to the moody 'Automatic for the People.' Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
How R.E.M. Explored Life's End With ‘Try Not to Breathe’How R.E.M. Explored Life's End With ‘Try Not to Breathe’The second track from 'Automatic for the People' is the album's first one about death. But the song's title originated with a much more innocuous statement.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
How 'Drive' Set the Tone for R.E.M.'s Stark OpusHow 'Drive' Set the Tone for R.E.M.'s Stark OpusOriginally thought of as a B-side, the brooding song became the first track and lead single off 'Automatic for the People.'Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
R.E.M.'s 'Document': The Story Behind Every SongR.E.M.'s 'Document': The Story Behind Every SongA look at the 11 tracks on the band's 1987 landmark album.Ultimate Classic Rock StaffUltimate Classic Rock Staff
R.E.M. Departs on a Fiery Note With 'Oddfellows Local 151'R.E.M. Departs on a Fiery Note With 'Oddfellows Local 151'R.E.M.'s bleakest album rumbles to a close with one more roundhouse political punch.Nick DeRisoNick DeRiso
R.E.M. Ponders Earthquakes and Artistry on 'King of Birds'R.E.M. Ponders Earthquakes and Artistry on 'King of Birds'Michael Stipe's earthquake phobia came to the forefront on this 'Document' track, set to a martial beat.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
How R.E.M. Defied Easy Interpretation With 'Lightnin' Hopkins'How R.E.M. Defied Easy Interpretation With 'Lightnin' Hopkins'Despite its title, the 'Document' track has nothing to do with the late Texas bluesman.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
Shakers and Saxophones Get Thrown Into R.E.M.'s ‘Fireplace’Shakers and Saxophones Get Thrown Into R.E.M.'s ‘Fireplace’In writing the cryptic song, Michael Stipe was inspired by a 200-year-old speech by Mother Ann Lee, leader of the Shakers.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek
How R.E.M. Scored a Big Hit With the Brutal ‘The One I Love’How R.E.M. Scored a Big Hit With the Brutal ‘The One I Love’If 'Document' was the band's turning point, this song was the hinge.Bryan WawzenekBryan Wawzenek