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Up

by R.E.M.

Released: October 26, 1998

Alternative rock, lounge pop, electronic

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

Lyrically, songs like "Daysleeper" reflect personal themes of isolation, while others delve into broader ideas of technology and faith. It marks the band's first album without drummer Bill Berry, who retired in 1997. "Up" is the eleventh studio album by R.E.M., released on October 26, 1998, through Warner Bros.

Inside the Recording

Produced by Pat McCarthy, the album diverges from the band's previous style, exploring themes of spirituality versus modernity and featuring a more automatic, unconscious lyrical approach. The recording process was tumultuous, with the band facing creative struggles and near break-up.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The band opted for session drummers and drum…

The band opted for session drummers and drum machines, leading to a more electronic sound characterized by extensive keyboard use and programming.

Despite this, they produced a diverse set of…

Despite this, they produced a diverse set of tracks, some inspired by other artists, including comparisons to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

R.E.M. - Up

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Then

Reception

Critics praised the album as a transitional work for the band, highlighting its integration of electronic elements. Commercially, Up performed well, reaching the top three in both the US and UK, but its sales did not match earlier successes. It spawned four singles, including "Daysleeper," which achieved notable chart positions.

Now

Legacy

The album's legacy continued with a 25th-anniversary reissue in 2023.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Up" is the eleventh studio album by R.E.M., released on October 26, 1998, through Warner Bros. Records. It marks the band's first album without drummer Bill Berry, who retired in 1997. The band opted for session drummers and drum machines, leading to a more electronic sound characterized by extensive keyboard use and programming. Produced by Pat McCarthy, the album diverges from the band's previous style, exploring themes of spirituality versus modernity and featuring a more automatic, unconscious lyrical approach.

Commercially, Up performed well, reaching the top three in both the US and UK, but its sales did not match earlier successes. It spawned four singles, including "Daysleeper," which achieved notable chart positions. Critics praised the album as a transitional work for the band, highlighting its integration of electronic elements.

The recording process was tumultuous, with the band facing creative struggles and near break-up. Despite this, they produced a diverse set of tracks, some inspired by other artists, including comparisons to Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. Lyrically, songs like "Daysleeper" reflect personal themes of isolation, while others delve into broader ideas of technology and faith. The album's legacy continued with a 25th-anniversary reissue in 2023.