Around The Sun
by R.E.M.
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27
  1. Playlouder
    70
    R.E.M. still have the remarkable distinction of never once producing a bad album, but this is perhaps the biggest example yet of the group merely treading water, whereas once they majestically swam.
  2. E! Online
    67
    Unfortunately, things do go awry more than a few times.
  3. Flak Magazine
    80
    As the songs unfold over multiple listens, though, what becomes clear is that R.E.M. still has plenty to say, and plenty of interesting ways to say it.
  5. Village Voice
    70
    Structure trumps texture throughout: "Make It All OK" is a formally tight breakup ballad, with spiritual overtones, that could fit neatly on a good singer-songwriter record, and others are arranged semi-acoustically, highlighting Stipe's cleanest melodies and most inviting vocal performances in years.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    63
    A noncommittal aura undermines Michael Stipe's most personal, poetic and moving set of lyrics in years. [3 Oct 2004]
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  7. Uncut
    80
    Often recalls 1992's Automatic For The People in its sobriety of purpose. [Nov 2004, p.100]
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  8. Alternative Press
    80
    Undercut by passion and urgency. [Jan 2005, p.113]
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  9. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    As arena folk goes, R.E.M. remain cooler than, say, the Wallflowers. Just barely. [8 Oct 2004, p.114]
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  10. Spin
    67
    This is a low-spark affair. [Nov 2004, p.112]
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2004
52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 112
  3. Negative: 14 out of 112
  1. ricco94
    Aug 30, 2012
    7
    Around The Sun is NOT Sh*t. OK, that's the worst album R.E.M. have ever made, but it's not so horrible as people says. The problem is the limpAround The Sun is NOT Sh*t. OK, that's the worst album R.E.M. have ever made, but it's not so horrible as people says. The problem is the limp sound, but the songs are ok. Leaving New York and Aftermath are very good, and there other songs that don't sound bad (Electron Blue, Final Straw, ecc.)
    Always better than that garbage we must listen now.    … Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Apr 5, 2012
    7
    I'm a massive R.E.M fan and have to say this record was a real let down. I know Reveal got a lukewarm reception in some quarters but I thoughtI'm a massive R.E.M fan and have to say this record was a real let down. I know Reveal got a lukewarm reception in some quarters but I thought it was quite good, albeit not up with their absolute best work. Around the Sun however is the sound of a band that seem bored with themselves and what they do. It lacks energy and imagination and in too many places its just boring and bland. I'm still going to give it a 7 though as I do think the fact that it was brought out by a band of R.E.M's stature goes against the album. There are some good songs on it - "Leaving New York", "High Speed Train" and the title track are all very good and there are plenty of tracks on here that when heard played live by the band sound a lot more vibrant. It's definitely a record I feel came across better when it was played live which would suggest the production just wasn't up to scratch.… Full Review »
  3. Batters
    Feb 23, 2022
    6
    Самая слабая работа группы. К сожалению, я здесь даже практически не слышу любимого Миллса, а песни не запоминаются от слова совсем. Да, естьСамая слабая работа группы. К сожалению, я здесь даже практически не слышу любимого Миллса, а песни не запоминаются от слова совсем. Да, есть несколько удачных, но не более того.… Full Review »
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