"The Best of R.E.M." is a compilation album by the acclaimed American alternative rock band R.E.M., released by I.R.S. Records in 1991. The album is a collection of some of the band's most popular songs and includes tracks from their early years with I.R.S Records from 1982 to 1987. This album was intended to introduce R.E.M.'s music to overseas audience, primarily in the UK where the band had not yet achieved significant commercial success.
Highlighted in the album are singles and tracks from R.E.M.'s first five albums: "Murmur" (1983), "Reckoning" (1984), "Fables of the Reconstruction" (1985), "Lifes Rich Pageant" (1986), and "Document" (1987). Some notable songs included in this best-of compilation are "Radio Free Europe," "The One I Love," "Fall On Me," and "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)."
The album received generally positive responses from critics, who praised the band's musicianship and innovative sound during their early period. Despite its intent to introduce R.E.M. to a broader audience, "The Best of R.E.M." found significant success in the U.S., going gold and platinum on several occasions. This compilation serves as a testament to R.E.M.'s contribution to the development of alternative rock during the 1980s and their lasting influence in the music industry.
