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Reckoning (R.E.M. album)

by R.E.M.

Released: April 09, 1984

Jangle pop, alternative rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Reckoning" is the second studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1984. The album features a mix of jangly guitars, melodic basslines, and Michael Stipe's enigmatic vocals, creating a distinctive sound that would become synonymous with R.E.M.'s early work. Central Rain" and "Pretty Persuasion" exemplify the band's knack for crafting catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Lyrically, "Reckoning" explores themes of love, loss, and…

Lyrically, "Reckoning" explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, often with a sense of ambiguity and introspection.

Stipe's cryptic and poetic lyrics add depth and…

Stipe's cryptic and poetic lyrics add depth and intrigue to the album, inviting listeners to interpret the meaning behind the words.

It helped to solidify the band's growing fanbase…

It helped to solidify the band's growing fanbase and cemented their status as pioneers of the alternative rock genre.

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Essential Tracks

Pretty Persuasion

Central Rain" and "Pretty Persuasion" exemplify the band's knack for crafting catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Explore the Album

R.E.M. - Reckoning (R.E.M. album)

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Then

Reception

Building on the critical success of their debut album "Murmur," "Reckoning" further solidified R.E.M.'s reputation as one of the most important and influential bands of the indie rock scene. "Reckoning" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of R.E.M.'s finest albums.

Now

Legacy

"Reckoning" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of R.E.M.'s finest albums. With its infectious energy and timeless appeal, "Reckoning" remains a classic in the R.E.M. discography and a landmark album in the history of alternative rock.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Reckoning" is the second studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in 1984. Building on the critical success of their debut album "Murmur," "Reckoning" further solidified R.E.M.'s reputation as one of the most important and influential bands of the indie rock scene.

The album features a mix of jangly guitars, melodic basslines, and Michael Stipe's enigmatic vocals, creating a distinctive sound that would become synonymous with R.E.M.'s early work. Tracks like "So. Central Rain" and "Pretty Persuasion" exemplify the band's knack for crafting catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.

Lyrically, "Reckoning" explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, often with a sense of ambiguity and introspection. Stipe's cryptic and poetic lyrics add depth and intrigue to the album, inviting listeners to interpret the meaning behind the words.

"Reckoning" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of R.E.M.'s finest albums. It helped to solidify the band's growing fanbase and cemented their status as pioneers of the alternative rock genre. With its infectious energy and timeless appeal, "Reckoning" remains a classic in the R.E.M. discography and a landmark album in the history of alternative rock.