Around The Sun
by R.E.M.
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

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  1. Craigdimas
    Dec 24, 2017
    8
    Almost no one seems to like this, not even the band. First, you have to accept that the R.E.M. of Up, Reveal and this are a radically different band for the previous incarnation. It’s OK to be an R.E.M. fan and not like these records. But if you do, then Up and this are quite wonderful. Leaving New York is a red herring classic R.E.M. ballad, but Aftermath, Wanderlust and Ascent of ManAlmost no one seems to like this, not even the band. First, you have to accept that the R.E.M. of Up, Reveal and this are a radically different band for the previous incarnation. It’s OK to be an R.E.M. fan and not like these records. But if you do, then Up and this are quite wonderful. Leaving New York is a red herring classic R.E.M. ballad, but Aftermath, Wanderlust and Ascent of Man took the band in a fantastic new direction. Unfortunately bad reviews and worse sales frightened them off, leading to the career ending retreads that were Accelerate and Collapse Into Now.… Expand
  2. 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 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.
  3. 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 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'mI'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.… Expand
  4. JonasH.
    Apr 2, 2008
    8
    I'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.
  5. RossH.
    Mar 1, 2007
    8
    Not as good as other albums but electron blue is like a footballer who plays well but doesnt bask himself in glory
  6. Collingsj
    Mar 8, 2006
    10
    a master piece
  7. Kg.
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    This album is not for everybody
  8. JontiD
    Oct 7, 2005
    9
    The most underated album in the last 5 years? yes. I can admit that the production is hard to swallow sometimes, however, this album delivers a good share of surreal gem's. High paid critics no shit about reviewing old bands comeback albums. All they really review is how the band market themselves and judge it on their image. For example, look at the reviews that the new Rolling The most underated album in the last 5 years? yes. I can admit that the production is hard to swallow sometimes, however, this album delivers a good share of surreal gem's. High paid critics no shit about reviewing old bands comeback albums. All they really review is how the band market themselves and judge it on their image. For example, look at the reviews that the new Rolling Stone's album is getting(A Bigger Bang), despite the album not delivering, especially in comparison to Around the Sun. Its too bad, R.E.M. didnt name this album "Were back... and Rocking....and you cant deny it", then it would be a definite success. These critics didnt fool me, i listened to the album, and loved it. Atleast check it out.… Expand
  9. ScottY
    Jul 9, 2005
    9
    This one got torn up in the REM newsgroups. However, I can appreciate most of REM's efforts from Murmur up to this one. The album really hits its stride around song 7, Wanderlust, through song 9, Aftermath. It's sort of a post-9/11 album according to most accounts but it's really more of a post-election album as a good portion of it seems to be a rather biting commentary at This one got torn up in the REM newsgroups. However, I can appreciate most of REM's efforts from Murmur up to this one. The album really hits its stride around song 7, Wanderlust, through song 9, Aftermath. It's sort of a post-9/11 album according to most accounts but it's really more of a post-election album as a good portion of it seems to be a rather biting commentary at the current administration in the White House.… Expand
  10. JonH
    Jun 23, 2005
    8
    It is simply unfathomable to me how so many critics panned this album. Michael Stipe's lyrics, as always, are different and dark, and he uses melody as simply a vehicle to deliver the poetry. There is some great stuff here: Q-Tip's verse on The Outsiders shows the band isn't afraid to try something new; Wanderlust is a strikingly inventive song, with a chorus in 7/4 meter, It is simply unfathomable to me how so many critics panned this album. Michael Stipe's lyrics, as always, are different and dark, and he uses melody as simply a vehicle to deliver the poetry. There is some great stuff here: Q-Tip's verse on The Outsiders shows the band isn't afraid to try something new; Wanderlust is a strikingly inventive song, with a chorus in 7/4 meter, it sounds more like it's from outerspace rather than the trash heap like some critics suggest. And amid the eye-opening moments are light, tuneful, throughtful, beautifuls songs.… Expand
  11. LéoR
    Mar 16, 2005
    9
    Good album... REM is not affraid to invent and to mix new sounds. The Band don´t sell itself. It believe in something. Creative songs and brilliant keysboards. Listen with heart and brain...
  12. DuncanA
    Feb 2, 2005
    9
    Can't believe the bad reviews this album has received. The album is a document of the last four years. Perhaps hard to get into at first. but well worth the effort.
  13. KatieB
    Dec 2, 2004
    9
    Each time I listen to this album I like it more and more. It's absolutely beautiful and definitely deserves a second chance if you're not too sure about it the first time.
  14. JorisV
    Nov 28, 2004
    9
    OOH man I can't believe all this bad reviews, I almost started to believe them and decided not to listen to their new album! Until a friend of mine said it wasn't that bad at all, I gave it a listen. My first opinion was like said in every review, cheesy and uninspired. But then, and as I read opinions of others this seems to have everyone, after a few listens (really 4 or 5!) OOH man I can't believe all this bad reviews, I almost started to believe them and decided not to listen to their new album! Until a friend of mine said it wasn't that bad at all, I gave it a listen. My first opinion was like said in every review, cheesy and uninspired. But then, and as I read opinions of others this seems to have everyone, after a few listens (really 4 or 5!) all the songs begin to reveal their beauty and settle down in your head for days and days! It's the same with the single Leaving NY... The reason why this album only has an overall of 52 here is probably because all those reviewes didn't take time to listen to it more than twice, so please don't be as narrow-minded as those critics by immediately at 1st listening judging that REM is outdated. If you like REM's sound, give it a try! A 9, that's what it's worth, just listen to The Ascent Of Man, Boy In The Well, Electron Blue, The Outsiders, Leaving NY, Wanderlust aah just too much!… Expand
  15. John
    Nov 24, 2004
    9
    Anyone who gives this a low rating reviewed this on first impression. This is a complex and at times moody set of somgs, but they have real depth that grows and grows. If you've given this a low rating, listen again, and again......
  16. TonyO
    Nov 21, 2004
    8
    Not 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..
  17. JSaint
    Nov 16, 2004
    9
    Their most tuneful (by far) since automatic for the people
  18. carmelv
    Nov 11, 2004
    9
    I just love all songs... one by one... a great album... Don't know & don't care for bad critics. R.E.M - Missed you... Its Good to be BACK!!!
  19. JanPK
    Nov 8, 2004
    9
    from all r.e.m records i think i love the idears from "up" the most. so nicely experimentaly searching. reveal and sun have the same lovely etherical mood and better songs. leaving new york is almost as cheesy as that famous track 4 from automatic and high speed train has some minutes of not nicely singing .. aftermath, the ascent of man, the outsiders, & final straw are all great songs from all r.e.m records i think i love the idears from "up" the most. so nicely experimentaly searching. reveal and sun have the same lovely etherical mood and better songs. leaving new york is almost as cheesy as that famous track 4 from automatic and high speed train has some minutes of not nicely singing .. aftermath, the ascent of man, the outsiders, & final straw are all great songs in my opinion though. and it's an really relistenable record that keeps intriguing me. … Expand
  20. flamer
    Nov 8, 2004
    9
    i really liked this album especially electron blue
  21. tdrm
    Nov 2, 2004
    7
    aaaa ..listen... , not bad
  22. MattH
    Oct 21, 2004
    9
    As for some of the other reviewers - I was dissapointed with the album - probably until day 5 of listening n my car to/from work did it hit. I seriously rate this is REM's best - and find it a truly uplifting album. I think Michael Stipe has found peace in some sublime way........love it
  23. craigt
    Oct 21, 2004
    10
    Probably their best record. Yeah, really. It's a great leap on from the over-produced 'Reveal', often sounds nothing like REM at all. Can't stop listening to it and each time hear something new - and 'Aftermath', 'Wanderlust' and particularly 'Ascent Of Man' are just wonderful. This is the sound of a great band finding somewhere new to go Probably their best record. Yeah, really. It's a great leap on from the over-produced 'Reveal', often sounds nothing like REM at all. Can't stop listening to it and each time hear something new - and 'Aftermath', 'Wanderlust' and particularly 'Ascent Of Man' are just wonderful. This is the sound of a great band finding somewhere new to go to, and I love where they're at just now!… Expand
  24. EricF
    Oct 17, 2004
    9
    Ok, so it's not REM's best album but it's a helluva alot better thant he bullshit from the "Creed" type bands that copy each other's sounds and ride the current sound. REM is one of the greatest bands ever. Period. You have to respect their powerful and complicated lyrics. I am a bit disappointed in this album but overall a "relatively" poor album from REM is better Ok, so it's not REM's best album but it's a helluva alot better thant he bullshit from the "Creed" type bands that copy each other's sounds and ride the current sound. REM is one of the greatest bands ever. Period. You have to respect their powerful and complicated lyrics. I am a bit disappointed in this album but overall a "relatively" poor album from REM is better than most albums. … Expand
  25. SkuliH
    Oct 12, 2004
    9
    This is the most consistent and interesting album R.E.M. have released in over a decade. The subtle political overtones are a welcome relief from the in-your-face mud that fills up my living room these days. No, it's not my family! My advice to all the negative critics is- give this album more time.
  26. NeilH
    Oct 11, 2004
    7
    It 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.
  27. pasco
    Oct 11, 2004
    8
    leaving NY is cheesy, but good intro and verse.electron blue/outsiders/final straw(which sounds like leonard cohen meets spaced out bozz scaggs)/aftermath and boy in well are best songs. very modern sounding, yet more back to their roots than any post-bill berry record. I think it is better than "automatic" because it flows so nicely(plus there is nothing on here as saccrine and cheesy as leaving NY is cheesy, but good intro and verse.electron blue/outsiders/final straw(which sounds like leonard cohen meets spaced out bozz scaggs)/aftermath and boy in well are best songs. very modern sounding, yet more back to their roots than any post-bill berry record. I think it is better than "automatic" because it flows so nicely(plus there is nothing on here as saccrine and cheesy as "everybody hurts", which I can't stand).the style is very consistant which we haven't heard from these guys since green/document-yet it doesn't seemed forced-more natural sounding because back are the acoustic guitars. It could use some more "real drums" though.ascent of man is amazing and so is title track. 2 duds are high speed train and worst joke ever. buck says next record will be more rocking, but this a perfect record for fall 2004-r.e.m. always seems to put out great fall season records-capturing the melancholy of summer passing and leaves changing. ATS has a modern, southern neo-country-soul vibe which will grow on you....not perfect, but a classic major label phase rem record-deeper and better than green, monster,up and reveal. it is a real "album" and not a few good singles and a bunch of dream-pop filler. long live the "gurus of eighties mysticism!"… Expand
  28. MarkM
    Oct 10, 2004
    9
    After 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.
  29. LucaG
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    yeah!yeah!yeah!yeah!yeah!
  30. DaveR
    Oct 9, 2004
    9
    Excellent album once you have listened to it properly a few times. I wasn't impressed at first, but now i love it. Diffferent critics have mixed opinions on what the best songs are, but i've seen each song praised by differnet reviewers. I cant believe i've seen soo many mediocre reviews for this album.... its good to see though that normal fans of music like myself Excellent album once you have listened to it properly a few times. I wasn't impressed at first, but now i love it. Diffferent critics have mixed opinions on what the best songs are, but i've seen each song praised by differnet reviewers. I cant believe i've seen soo many mediocre reviews for this album.... its good to see though that normal fans of music like myself actually agree with me when i say this album is great.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    The first REM album to really disappoint. [2 Oct 2004, p.60]
  2. ShakingThrough.net
    56
    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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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