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Out of Time

by R.E.M.

Released: March 12, 1991

Alternative rock, folk rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Genre Shift.

The Album

"Out of Time" is the seventh studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1991. It marks a significant departure from the band's previous sound, incorporating elements of folk, country, and baroque pop, and featuring more acoustic instrumentation than their earlier albums.

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R.E.M. - Out of Time

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Reception

It became R.E.M.'s breakthrough album, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. In addition to its commercial success, "Out of Time" is often cited as one of the defining albums of the early 1990s alternative rock movement. The album features some of R.E.M.'s most iconic songs, including the Grammy Award-winning hit single "Losing My Religion," which became one of the band's signature tracks.

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The Complete Album Story

The album features some of R.E.M.'s most iconic songs, including the Grammy Award-winning hit single "Losing My Religion," which became one of the band's signature tracks. Other notable songs include the upbeat and catchy "Shiny Happy People," featuring guest vocals by Kate Pierson of The B-52's, and the haunting ballad "Half a World Away."

"Out of Time" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its musical diversity and the introspective nature of its lyrics. It became R.E.M.'s breakthrough album, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.

In addition to its commercial success, "Out of Time" is often cited as one of the defining albums of the early 1990s alternative rock movement. It solidified R.E.M.'s status as one of the most important and influential bands of the era and remains a beloved classic among fans and critics alike.