Album Information:
Album ID: 9428
About R.E.M.:
R.E.M. was an American rock band that formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980. The band consisted of lead vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and drummer Bill Berry until his departure in 1997. The band initially gained popularity in college radio stations across the United States in the 1980s, with their jangly guitar sound and unique, poetic lyrics.
Throughout their career, R.E.M. released 15 studio albums, 6 compilations, and 63 singles. Some of their most popular songs include 'Losing My Religion,' 'Everybody Hurts,' 'Shiny Happy People,' and 'Man on the Moon.' They were known for incorporating elements of folk, rock, punk, and alternative music into their sound, as well as Stipe's distinctive vocal style and cryptic lyrics.
R.E.M. was heavily influenced by the punk rock and new wave scenes of the late 1970s, as well as by bands like Patti Smith, The Byrds, and The Velvet Underground. They quickly gained a following among college students and became one of the most successful and influential alternative rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Throughout their career, R.E.M. received numerous awards and accolades, including three Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. They were also known for their social and political activism, supporting issues like environmentalism, LGBTQ+ rights, and voter education.
In 1997, drummer Bill Berry left the band, and R.E.M. continued on as a trio until their breakup in 2011. Despite their many achievements, including over 85 million records sold worldwide, R.E.M. remained committed to their roots and maintained a down-to-earth approach to their music and their fans. They left an indelible mark on the alternative rock scene and their influence can still be heard in the music of many contemporary artists.
About the album Reveal:
As an AI language model, I do not have personal preferences or memories, but I can provide you with a detailed description of the album Reveal by R.E.M.
Reveal is the twelfth studio album by the American rock band R.E.M. The album was released on May 14, 2001, by Warner Bros. Records. The record was produced by the band and Pat McCarthy, who also mixed the album. Reveal was the band's first release following the departure of drummer Bill Berry in 1997.
The album features eleven tracks, with a total running time of 52 minutes and 36 seconds. The album has a clear emphasis on melody, with the band incorporating a range of instruments including acoustic guitars, keyboards, and electronic sounds to create an ethereal, dreamy sound.
The album's lead single, 'Imitation of Life,' is a strikingly upbeat pop song, featuring strong hooks and driving rhythms. The song features the band's signature jangly guitars, and vocalist Michael Stipe's unmistakable singing style.
Other standout tracks include the moody and atmospheric 'I've Been High,' the melancholy ballad 'Disappear,' and the soaring, anthemic 'Beat a Drum.' The album's closing track, 'I'll Take the Rain,' is a poignant, piano-driven ballad that showcases Stipe's vocal range and emotional depth.
Overall, Reveal is considered to be one of R.E.M.'s strongest efforts, showcasing the band's evolution into a more sophisticated, mature sound while still retaining their signature style and energy. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the band's songwriting and musical experimentation.
Members:
R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980. The band consisted of four key members: Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry.
1. Michael Stipe: Michael Stipe was the lead vocalist and lyricist for R.E.M. He was born on January 4, 1960, in Decatur, Georgia. Stipe attended the University of Georgia, where he met Peter Buck. He formed R.E.M. with Buck in 1980, and they soon added Mike Mills and Bill Berry to the band. Stipe was known for his distinctive, often cryptic lyrics and his onstage energy. He remained the lead singer of R.E.M. until the band disbanded in 2011. Since then, he has worked on various artistic projects, including visual art and film.
2. Peter Buck: Peter Buck was the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for R.E.M. He was born on December 6, 1956, in Berkeley, California. Buck moved to Athens, Georgia in the late 1970s to attend college and soon became involved in the local music scene. He met and formed R.E.M. with Michael Stipe in 1980 and remained with the band until its breakup in 2011. Buck was known for his jangly, melodic guitar style, which was a key element of R.E.M.'s sound. He has also worked as a producer and has collaborated with numerous other artists throughout his career.
3. Mike Mills: Mike Mills was the bassist and backing vocalist for R.E.M. He was born on December 17, 1958, in Orange County, California. Mills moved to Athens, Georgia in the late 1970s to attend college and soon became involved in the local music scene. He met and formed R.E.M. with Michael Stipe and Peter Buck in 1980 and remained with the band until its breakup in 2011. Mills was known for his tight, melodic bass playing, which provided a solid foundation for R.E.M.'s music. He also played keyboards and contributed backing vocals to many of the band's songs.
4. Bill Berry: Bill Berry was the drummer and occasional backing vocalist for R.E.M. He was born on July 31, 1958, in Duluth, Minnesota. Berry co-founded R.E.M. with Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills in 1980 and remained with the band until his departure in 1997. Berry was known for his simple yet effective drumming style, which helped to shape R.E.M.'s sound in its early years. He also contributed to the band's songwriting and occasionally sang lead vocals on their songs. After leaving R.E.M., Berry worked on various music projects and also became a farmer.
Track List for Reveal:
Track 1: 'The Lifting' - 4:39
A propulsive opening track, 'The Lifting' features a driving beat and cascading guitars, anchored by Michael Stipe's emotive vocals. The song's lyrics explore themes of identity and change.
Track 2: 'I've Been High' - 3:26
'I've Been High' is a dreamy, atmospheric track that builds slowly and features some of Stipe's most poetic lyrics. The song's arrangement, with lush strings and subtle electronic flourishes, adds to its ethereal feel.
Track 3: 'All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)' - 4:43
One of the album's catchiest tracks, 'All the Way to Reno' is built around a stomping beat and upbeat guitar riffs. Stipe's lyrics are wry and playful, addressing the idea of chasing fame and the pitfalls that come with it.
Track 4: 'She Just Wants to Be' - 5:22
A brooding track with a melancholy melody, 'She Just Wants to Be' features densely layered guitars and atmospheric keyboards. Stipe's lyrics are oblique but haunting, touching on themes of isolation and disillusionment.
Track 5: 'Disappear' - 4:09
With a shimmering, mid-tempo groove and jangly guitar riffs, 'Disappear' is one of the album's most upbeat tracks. Stipe's lyrics touch on the ephemeral nature of existence and the idea of embracing impermanence.
Track 6: 'Saturn Return' - 4:54
A moody, atmospheric track with a slow-burning intensity, 'Saturn Return' features sultry, distorted guitars and a haunting melody. Stipe's lyrics explore themes of aging and regret.
Track 7: 'Beat a Drum' - 4:21
With propulsive drums and a recurring guitar riff that builds to a soaring chorus, 'Beat a Drum' is a standout track. Stipe's lyrics are impressionistic and surreal, hinting at themes of longing and loss.
Track 8: 'I'll Take the Rain' - 5:51
A sweeping ballad with an emotive vocal performance from Stipe, 'I'll Take the Rain' features a soaring chorus and a lush, orchestral arrangement. The song's lyrics are introspective and melancholy, touched with themes of love and regret.
Track 9: 'Beachball' - 4:14
An experimental, almost ambient track, 'Beachball' features distorted soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms. Stipe's lyrics are impressionistic and surreal, with fleeting images and impressions.
Track 10: 'Disappear (Demo)' - 3:55
A stripped-down demo version of the album's earlier track, 'Disappear,' this version features a more spare arrangement and a more intimate vocal performance from Stipe.
Discography for R.E.M.:
Sure! Here's the complete discography for the artist R.E.M. in chronological order:
Albums:
1. Murmur (1983)
2. Reckoning (1984)
3. Fables of the Reconstruction (1985)
4. Lifes Rich Pageant (1986)
5. Document (1987)
6. Green (1988)
7. Out of Time (1991)
8. Automatic for the People (1992)
9. Monster (1994)
10. New Adventures in Hi-Fi (1996)
11. Up (1998)
12. Reveal (2001)
13. Around the Sun (2004)
14. Accelerate (2008)
15. Collapse into Now (2011)
Singles:
Chronic Town EP (1982)
1. 'Radio Free Europe'
2. 'Sitting Still'
3. 'Wolves, Lower'
4. 'Gardening at Night'
'Moral Kiosk' (1983)
'Oh My Heart' (1983)
'Walking on Water' (1984)
'So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)' (1984)
'Can't Get There from Here' (1985)
'Driver 8' (1985)
'Feeling Gravitys Pull' (1986)
'Fall on Me' (1986)
'The One I Love' (1987)
'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' (1987)
'Finest Worksong' (1988)
'Orange Crush' (1988)
'Stand' (1989)
'Pop Song 89' (1989)
'Get Up' (1991)
'Shiny Happy People' (1991)
'Losing My Religion' (1991)
'Near Wild Heaven' (1991)
'Radio Song' (1991)
'Drive' (1992)
'Man on the Moon' (1992)
'Everybody Hurts' (1992)
'Nightswimming' (1993)
'Find the River' (1993)
'What's the Frequency, Kenneth?' (1994)
'Crush with Eyeliner' (1995)
'Tongue' (1995)
'Strange Currencies' (1995)
'E-Bow the Letter' (1996)
'Bittersweet Me' (1996)
'Electrolite' (1997)
'How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us' (1997)
'Daysleeper' (1998)
'Lotus' (1999)
'At My Most Beautiful' (1999)
'Imitation of Life' (2001)
'All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star)' (2001)
'Disappear' (2001)
'Bad Day' (2003)
'Leaving New York' (2004)
'Aftermath' (2004)
'Electron Blue' (2005)
'Supernatural Superserious' (2008)
'Hollow Man' (2008)
'Überlin' (2011)
Other Releases:
Dead Letter Office (1987)
Eponymous (1988)
In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988–2003 (2003)
And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 (2006)
Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011 (2011)
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