User Score
Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 74 out of 112
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Mixed: 24 out of 112
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Negative: 14 out of 112
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- Most helpful
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Apr 5, 2012
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Aug 30, 2012Around 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. -
Dec 24, 2017
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LucaGOct 10, 2004yeah!yeah!yeah!yeah!yeah!
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[Anonymous]Oct 3, 2004Excellent Excellent Excellent
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eliadsOct 3, 2004great album
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jimdOct 7, 2004Let it grow on you and it will reveal it's beauty for you. A masterpiece from the Athens boys.
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bobbyGOct 8, 2004I think the critics seem to have it in for REM. This is a fine album that reveals more on each listen. Why it's had a poor critical response is beyond me.
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wilfaOct 9, 2004this is a definite grower just gets better more u listen to it
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DaveROct 9, 2004
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pascoOct 11, 2004
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NeilHOct 11, 2004It definitely benefits from being listened to several times. Some of the songs then come across very strongly, for example 'I wanted to be wrong' and 'Wanderlust'. On the whole, it doesnt challenge the ears like some of the earlier REM albums.
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MaikKOct 3, 2004
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davetOct 3, 2004Leaving new york, Final straw, I wanted to be wrong, Aftermath, Around the sun and Wanderlust are all on this album and some have called it dull? whatever, y'all. This is great stuff. It takes a listen or two to take it all in, maybe. And no, it won't make you jump up and dance all the way through. But that just isn't the point. There are many gooseflesh inspiring musical moments.
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SimonOOct 4, 2004Don't believe the half-assed critics who gave it a listen with their remote in their hand. This is a marvellous album, full of passion, melody, awesome lyrics and innovative music. Not a filler on the album, although there are many high points. If you buy this album you won't be dissapointed. It deserves a few listens and it gets under your skin, amazing. Right back on form
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HeathSOct 4, 2004Fantastic
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BrandonSOct 5, 2004Incredible. I find myself baffled by the professional critics' reluctance to embrace this album. Is it as good as "Automatic For the People?" No, it's not as good as their masterpiece. Is this an extraordinary record? Without a doubt.
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AdrianECOct 5, 2004Attention "critics, "It takes more than one spin of a CD to review it. I know you have such a hard life, writing your opinions on the FREE cd's you recieve but take your time and throughly review the CD's or just resign I'd love to have yr job.
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JohnHOct 6, 2004
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juniormOct 7, 2004
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JontiDOct 7, 2005
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ScottYJul 9, 2005
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Kg.Jan 3, 2006This album is not for everybody
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CollingsjMar 8, 2006a master piece
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JonasH.Apr 2, 2008I'm a general fan of a lot of REM's music, and I must admit I disagree this is one of their worst albums. Although they have let down their old-school rock style, it's still great.
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MarkMOct 10, 2004After 1 listen-through, I felt totally disappointed. After 2 listen-throughs, I felt like selling it. After the 3rd listen-through in my car, I had a catharsis from this album. I mean a shiver went down my spine on certain moments in the album. Not one song overshadows another. A true album. Genius.
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TonyONov 21, 2004Not as glorious a pop record as Reveal - but not far off either. I do not get the critical backlash about this one at all - what I hear is a humble, comfortable REM, crafting soulful music that reflects both their own growth, and the travails of the modern world. Don't listen to the critics - REM has left them behind..
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tdrmNov 2, 2004aaaa ..listen... , not bad
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JorisVNov 28, 2004
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craigtOct 21, 2004
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Awards & Rankings
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New Musical Express (NME)The first REM album to really disappoint. [2 Oct 2004, p.60]
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Its sporadic pockets of accessibility aside, it's difficult to listen to Around the Sun without hearing it as a holding pattern, or worse, a piece of product released simply to keep the R.E.M. brand out among the public.
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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.