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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  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. 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
  4. LucaG
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    yeah!yeah!yeah!yeah!yeah!
  5. [Anonymous]
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    Excellent Excellent Excellent
  6. eliads
    Oct 3, 2004
    9
    great album
  7. jimd
    Oct 7, 2004
    9
    Let it grow on you and it will reveal it's beauty for you. A masterpiece from the Athens boys.
  8. bobbyG
    Oct 8, 2004
    8
    I 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.
  9. wilfa
    Oct 9, 2004
    8
    this is a definite grower just gets better more u listen to it
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. MaikK
    Oct 3, 2004
    8
    This is not a standard R.E.M. record, it's darker, slower, more experimental than most of their work. When I first listened to the album I didn't like most of it, but by hearing it again and again, i must say that I start liking almost every song. The only song i really don't like on the album is the song that most critics like the most, "I Wanted To Be Wrong", It just This is not a standard R.E.M. record, it's darker, slower, more experimental than most of their work. When I first listened to the album I didn't like most of it, but by hearing it again and again, i must say that I start liking almost every song. The only song i really don't like on the album is the song that most critics like the most, "I Wanted To Be Wrong", It just sounds to awkward to me. It's not their best album, but it's still very good… Expand
  14. davet
    Oct 3, 2004
    9
    Leaving 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.
  15. SimonO
    Oct 4, 2004
    9
    Don'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
  16. HeathS
    Oct 4, 2004
    8
    Fantastic
  17. BrandonS
    Oct 5, 2004
    9
    Incredible. 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.
  18. AdrianEC
    Oct 5, 2004
    9
    Attention "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.
  19. JohnH
    Oct 6, 2004
    9
    Such an enjoyable listen: smooth, melodic, and-yet at times-piercing, throbbing, and insistant. I've read reviews from those pundits who wail the demise of REM since Berry left the band, and those seem dry, vacuous, and trite to me. I sincerely doubt they've given their disks more than the one obligatory spin before expousing their own vitriol. Give Up, Reveal, and Around the Such an enjoyable listen: smooth, melodic, and-yet at times-piercing, throbbing, and insistant. I've read reviews from those pundits who wail the demise of REM since Berry left the band, and those seem dry, vacuous, and trite to me. I sincerely doubt they've given their disks more than the one obligatory spin before expousing their own vitriol. Give Up, Reveal, and Around the Sun a good listen with the stereo cranked loud. You'll be happy you did. :)… Expand
  20. juniorm
    Oct 7, 2004
    10
    What do critics have against pretty melodies and downbeat music? REM's always been about melody more than attitude. There's nothing wrong with a beautiful, downbeat, sincere album. This one does it just the right way, a lot like David Bowie's "Hours." I don't think critics understand it because they're deluged with all those ironic faux-punk albums that are all What do critics have against pretty melodies and downbeat music? REM's always been about melody more than attitude. There's nothing wrong with a beautiful, downbeat, sincere album. This one does it just the right way, a lot like David Bowie's "Hours." I don't think critics understand it because they're deluged with all those ironic faux-punk albums that are all the rage these days and don't have room in their heads for much else.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. Kg.
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    This album is not for everybody
  24. Collingsj
    Mar 8, 2006
    10
    a master piece
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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..
  28. tdrm
    Nov 2, 2004
    7
    aaaa ..listen... , not bad
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. CorperJ
    Oct 5, 2004
    9
    Amazing, and ridiculous, how poorly reviewed this album has been. Another brilliant record.
  34. michaelp
    Oct 5, 2004
    10
    this cd has some of the finest r.e.m. songs ever. highlights include leaving new york, electron blue, the outsiders, the ascent of man, and around the sun.
  35. LucaP
    Oct 6, 2004
    8
    The 3 boys still rock, see ya in italy on january!!!!
  36. Edwind
    Oct 6, 2004
    8
    This album sounded really boring at first, but it grows on you after a while and only then its beauty is revealed. That's why the critics don't like it. I love it
  37. gopalr
    Oct 6, 2004
    9
    A great REM album.
  38. MichaelW
    Oct 8, 2004
    10
    A beautiful, subdued, and uplifting album. Michael Stipe has never been more honest or straightforward. You can actually UNDERSTAND every word he is saying. With every album REM creates a different work of art. And of course, as with every REM album, it gets better and better the more you listen to it.
  39. 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.
  40. 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
  41. 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!!!
  42. JSaint
    Nov 16, 2004
    9
    Their most tuneful (by far) since automatic for the people
  43. 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.
  44. 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......
  45. 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
  46. flamer
    Nov 8, 2004
    9
    i really liked this album especially electron blue
  47. 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
  48. 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...
  49. 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

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
See all critic reviews »