Out Of Time – R.E.M.

Out of Time, released in March 1991, is R.E.M.’s seventh studio album and represents a bold expansion of the band’s sonic palette. Moving beyond their jangly college-rock roots, the record deploys strings, horns, mandolin, and guest contributions (including Kate Pierson and KRS-One) alongside more familiar guitar textures. The contextual moment of early ’90s alternative rock enabled the album to break through commercially, while still reflecting the band’s commitment to melody, lyrical introspection, and structural nuance. It arrived without a full supporting tour, relying instead on media appearances and a striking video campaign to amplify its presence.

With landmark tracks like “Losing My Religion,” “Shiny Happy People,” “Country Feedback,” and “Half a World Away,” Out of Time balances accessible hooks and emotional depth. The album won three Grammy Awards—one for Best Alternative Music Album—and has sold over 18 million copies worldwide. Its success afforded R.E.M. greater creative latitude for future work and positioned them as one of the defining voices of ’90s rock. Today, Out of Time is remembered as a turning point: a record that broadened their reach without sacrificing the idiosyncrasy and emotional resonance that defined their earlier catalog.

Reviews

“Along with Nevermind, released a half year later, R.E.M.’s Out of Time was the early-’90s major-label ideal: A blockbuster that multiplied the band’s following without losing existing fans.” – Pitchfork

“For long-haul fans of R.E.M., 1991’s Out of Time was something of a sideswipe. Gone was the cryptic murk and slanted oddness … replaced instead by bouncy white funk, guest rappers and bright, rootsy melodies.” – Louder