Album Information:

About R.E.M.:

R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. The band consisted of members Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), and Bill Berry (drums). They were known for their unique sound, blending elements of folk, rock, and indie music.

The band's first album, 'Murmur,' was released in 1983 and was met with critical acclaim. Their popularity grew quickly, and they went on to release several other acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including 'Reckoning,' 'Document,' and 'Automatic for the People.'

R.E.M. was known for their socially conscious lyrics and their commitment to political activism. They were outspoken in their opposition to war and supported various environmental causes. Their music often tackled issues such as loss, isolation, and mortality.

In 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band, and R.E.M. continued as a three-piece. They went on to release several more well-received albums, including 'Up,' 'Reveal,' and 'Around the Sun.'

In 2011, after over three decades together, R.E.M. announced that they were disbanding. They left behind a legacy of influential and critically acclaimed music, winning three Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and being credited with helping to define the indie rock genre.

Overall, R.E.M. was an iconic and influential band, known for their unique sound and socially conscious lyrics. Their legacy continues to influence and inspire musicians to this day.

About the album Around The Sun:

Around the Sun is the 13th studio album by American rock band R.E.M., released in 2004. The album features 13 tracks and has a run time of approximately 52 minutes.

The album starts with 'Leaving New York,' a slow and reflective ballad that sets the tone for the rest of the album. This track features lead singer Michael Stipe's emotive vocals and features acoustic guitar, piano, and strings.

'All The Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)' is a more upbeat track, featuring jangly guitars and a catchy chorus. The track has a classic R.E.M. sound and catchy melodies that make it an enjoyable listen.

'Electron Blue' is a dreamy, atmospheric song with shimmering guitars and a relaxing vibe. The song has a slow tempo and a mellow feel, with Stipe's lyrics touching on the beauty of nature.

'The Outsiders' is a collaborative effort with punk icon, Q-Tip, featuring his rap vocals. This track has a harder edge than the rest of the album, with distorted guitars and a driving beat.

'Make It All Okay' is a mid-tempo track with a soothing and reassuring message. The song features a simple but beautiful piano melody and Stipe's vocals are warm and empathetic.

'Final Straw' is a political track, with Stipe's lyrics touching on the issues of war, injustice, and corruption. The track is powered by a gritty guitar riff and has a sense of urgency and passion in its delivery.

'I Wanted To Be Wrong' is a ballad with a slow and wistful tone. The track features a poignant string arrangement and Stipe's emotive vocals. The lyrics reflect on the mistakes made in life and the pain that comes with them.

'Wanderlust' is an upbeat and catchy track with a funky bassline and danceable beat. The song features shimmering guitars and a sing-along chorus, making it one of the more uplifting tracks on the album.

'Boy in the Well' is a dark and brooding track with a haunting melody. The song has a slow tempo and is driven by an eerie piano melody. Stipe's vocals are ethereal and add to the overall mysterious atmosphere of the track.

'Aftermath' is one of the more experimental tracks on the album, with a wide range of instruments and sounds. The song has a slow, almost hypnotic quality to it, with Stipe's vocals almost delivered like a spoken-word performance.

'High Speed Train' is another political track, with Stipe's lyrics touching on environmental issues and the damage that humans have caused to the planet. The song has a driving tempo and features distorted guitars, making it one of the more powerful tracks on the album.

'The Worst Joke Ever' is a sarcastic and satirical track, with Stipe's lyrics poking fun at the state of popular culture and the media. The song has a bouncy, pop-punk feel and is one of the more playful tracks on the album.

'Untitled' is an instrumental track, with a soothing and atmospheric sound. The song features soothing piano melodies, ethereal synths, and gentle guitar work. The track serves as a peaceful conclusion to the album, leaving the listener feeling calm and reflective.

Overall, Around the Sun is a reflective and introspective album, with a more mellow sound than some of R.E.M.'s earlier work. The album explores themes of loss, regret, and political and environmental issues, with Stipe's lyricism painting vivid imagery. The album may be one of R.E.M.'s less well-known works, but it still showcases the band's signature style and diverse range of musical influences.

Members:

R.E.M. was an American rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980. The band consisted of four key members throughout most of their career: Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry.

Michael Stipe:

Michael Stipe was born on January 4, 1960, in Decatur, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, where he met his R.E.M. bandmates. Stipe became the band's lead vocalist, and his distinctive voice became a hallmark of their sound. He was also known for his socially and politically conscious lyrics. In addition to his work with R.E.M., Stipe has also pursued a solo career as a musician and visual artist.

Peter Buck:

Peter Buck was born on December 6, 1956, in Berkeley, California. He attended Emory University in Atlanta, where he met Michael Stipe and Mike Mills. Buck became R.E.M.'s lead guitarist and contributed to the band's signature jangly sound. In addition to his work in R.E.M., Buck has also collaborated with other musicians and has released solo albums.

Mike Mills:

Mike Mills was born on December 17, 1958, in Orange County, California. He attended the University of Georgia, where he played bass and keyboards for R.E.M. Mills was also a songwriter for the band and contributed backing vocals. In addition to his work with R.E.M., Mills has also played with other bands and released solo albums.

Bill Berry:

Bill Berry was born on July 31, 1958, in Duluth, Minnesota. He attended the University of Georgia, where he played drums for R.E.M. Berry was also a songwriter for the band and contributed backing vocals. He left R.E.M. in 1997 to pursue other interests but continued to play music. Berry has also worked as a farmer and an environmental activist.

Track List for Around The Sun:

1. Leaving New York (4:49) - The opening track of the album showcases a more mellow and polished sound from R.E.M. Michael Stipe's vocals are emotive and introspective, with poetic lyrics that touch upon themes of loneliness and isolation.

2. Electron Blue (4:12) - This track brings in a more upbeat tempo and showcases catchy guitar riffs from Peter Buck. The lyrics are about hope and the feeling of inner strength that comes with being in love.

3. The Outsiders (4:14) - R.E.M. collaborates with hip-hop artist Q-Tip on this track, creating a unique blend of rock and rap. The lyrics touch upon themes of loneliness and being an outcast, with Q-Tip rapping about the struggles of finding acceptance.

4. Make It All Okay (3:44) - This track has a more somber and melancholic tone, with Stipe's vocals reflecting on the pain and uncertainty of life. The lyrics offer a message of hope and finding light in the darkness.

5. Final Straw (4:07) - Described as a political protest song, 'Final Straw' is a commentary on the Bush administration and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stipe's lyrics have an urgency and passion, with the chorus repeating, 'It's the final straw / This is the final straw.'

6. I Wanted to Be Wrong (4:36) - This track has a more stripped down sound, with acoustic guitar and minimal percussion. The lyrics are about self-doubt and regret, with Stipe singing, 'I wanted to be wrong / I wanted to be right / I wanted to believe in everything you were.'

7. Wanderlust (3:03) - Another upbeat track, 'Wanderlust' has a catchy chorus and themes of adventure and exploration. Stipe sings about the desire to travel and see the world, with the lyrics tapping into a sense of wanderlust.

8. Boy in the Well (5:23) - This haunting track is inspired by a real-life tale of a young boy who fell into a well and died. The lyrics are somber and reflective, with Stipe's vocals conveying a sense of mournful despair.

9. Aftermath (3:52) - 'Aftermath' has a more electronic sound, with electronic drums and distorted guitar riffs. The lyrics touch upon themes of survival and resilience, with Stipe singing, 'I found my voice / You gave me wings.'

10. High Speed Train (5:03) - This track has a dreamy and ethereal quality, with soft harmonies and a slow tempo. The lyrics are about time and the fleeting nature of life, with Stipe reflecting, 'The high speed train is coming down the tracks / And I'm undecided.'

11. The Worst Joke Ever (3:39) - This track has a more playful and upbeat tone, with a catchy chorus and lively guitar riffs. The lyrics touch upon themes of humor and absurdity, with Stipe singing, 'It's the worst joke ever / But it's all I can do / Laugh and get it over with.'

12. The Ascent of Man (4:07) - The final track on the album has a more epic and grandiose feel, with a soaring chorus and lush instrumentation. The lyrics are about evolution and progress, with Stipe singing about the beauty and complexity of life.

Discography for R.E.M.:

Sure, here is the complete discography for R.E.M. in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:
1. Murmur - April 12, 1983
2. Reckoning - April 9, 1984
3. Fables of the Reconstruction - June 10, 1985
4. Life's Rich Pageant - July 28, 1986
5. Document - August 31, 1987
6. Green - November 7, 1988
7. Out of Time - March 12, 1991
8. Automatic for the People - October 5, 1992
9. Monster - September 27, 1994
10. New Adventures in Hi-Fi - September 9, 1996
11. Up - October 26, 1998
12. Reveal - May 15, 2001
13. Around the Sun - October 5, 2004
14. Accelerate - April 1, 2008
15. Collapse into Now - March 7, 2011

Singles:
1. Radio Free Europe/Hib-Tone - July 8, 1981
2. Radio Free Europe/I.R.S. - October 25, 1982
3. Talk About the Passion - May 20, 1983
4. (Don't Go Back To) Rockville - October 1984
5. Can't Get There from Here - February 1986
6. Superman - June 1986
7. The One I Love - August 1987
8. It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - November 1987
9. Finest Worksong - February 1988
10. Orange Crush - February 1989
11. Stand - January 1990
12. Pop Song 89 - June 1989
13. Get Up - November 1991
14. Losing My Religion - February 1991
15. Shiny Happy People - May 1991
16. Near Wild Heaven - August 1991
17. Radio Song - November 1991
18. Drive - September 1992
19. Man on the Moon - February 1993
20. Everybody Hurts - April 1993
21. Nightswimming - December 1993
22. What's the Frequency, Kenneth? - September 1994
23. Bang and Blame - November 1994
24. Strange Currencies - May 1995
25. E-Bow the Letter - September 1996
26. Bittersweet Me - November 1996
27. Electrolite - June 1997
28. Daysleeper - October 1998
29. Lotus - April 1999
30. The Great Beyond - 1999
31. All The Way To Reno (You're Gonna Be A Star) - 2001

Other Releases:
1. Chronic Town (EP) - August 24, 1982
2. Dead Letter Office - April 1987
3. Eponymous - October 1988
4. The Automatic Box - November 1992
5. R.E.M. Singles Collected - September 1994
6. In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003 - October 2003
7. Live at The Olympia - October 27, 2009
8. Unplugged: The Complete 1991 and 2001 Sessions - May 19, 2014