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. EQ
    Oct 23, 2004
    0
    Wow... This band use to be the sh*t. I wore out my record, tape, and CD players playing REM in the 80s and early 90s. Chronic Town through Automatic for the People were ALL classic albums. I am a firm believer Monster was the demise of the band. I saw them on that tour and they were horrible. They looked out of place as an arena rock band. New Adventures in Hi-Fi was acceptable... but Wow... This band use to be the sh*t. I wore out my record, tape, and CD players playing REM in the 80s and early 90s. Chronic Town through Automatic for the People were ALL classic albums. I am a firm believer Monster was the demise of the band. I saw them on that tour and they were horrible. They looked out of place as an arena rock band. New Adventures in Hi-Fi was acceptable... but still not a classic. Then Bill Berry left. Ever since then, this has been a really cr@ppy band. A real embarassment, considering that these guys were the best band in the world at one point. Up, Reveal, and Around the Sun is just terrible. I can't believe how bad they are. Warner must be puking at the fact that they signed these guys for $80 mil at the start of their decline. The album sales are terrible. REM. PLEASE RETIRE BEFORE YOUR LEGACY GETS RUINED BEYOND REPAIR! … Expand
  6. [Anonymous]
    Oct 3, 2004
    10
    Excellent Excellent Excellent
  7. eliads
    Oct 3, 2004
    9
    great album
  8. stefano
    Oct 6, 2004
    5
    Dull and uninspired.
  9. thomasm
    Oct 6, 2004
    5
    quiet and peacefull, something for the background, no peaks, no lows
  10. Bagheera
    Oct 6, 2004
    3
    Sadly, REM seem to be afflicted by a kind of aural torpor at the moment. It may be offred as "atmospheric" and "experimental" and it is nowhere near as far down that road as Radiohead have gone in recent years, but with every release we get further away from their ear catching guitar driven best. I have followed them since Lifes Rich Pageant (still their best work) and sadly my Sadly, REM seem to be afflicted by a kind of aural torpor at the moment. It may be offred as "atmospheric" and "experimental" and it is nowhere near as far down that road as Radiohead have gone in recent years, but with every release we get further away from their ear catching guitar driven best. I have followed them since Lifes Rich Pageant (still their best work) and sadly my anticipation, borne out of a belief that "Bad Day" was signalling a return to form, was sadly withered away, even after my third play. Bring out a retrospective of rarities and give fans a taste of historic treasure still to be enjoyed. 3/10 I'm afraid… Expand
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. wilfa
    Oct 9, 2004
    8
    this is a definite grower just gets better more u listen to it
  14. 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
  15. Markp
    Feb 2, 2006
    3
    I expected more after the superb lead-off single ("Leaving New York" is in my top 3 REM songs) but the album is drab and lacklustre. You feel the fire has gone out of their bellies and the expected lp-every-two-years routine has killed their creativity. They need to take a couple of years and stockpile some better material. And up the tempo a little. Away with the middle-age malaise
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. HeathS
    Oct 4, 2004
    8
    Fantastic
  22. 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.
  23. Brett
    Oct 5, 2004
    3
    this album flat out sucks.
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. michaels
    Feb 21, 2005
    4
    Don't hate the band; hate the album.
  29. 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
  30. JaceN
    Jan 31, 2006
    3
    The pre-release word on this album was "Primitive and Howling" and we all thought "Good...no more experimental weird tinkering with organs...and stuff from the 70s like the bands attire and cover art in the UP days of 1998". ...post release we see its yet another pop, click buzz & beep festival with a slow, dragging pace and tired half-asleep vocals. Cmon...COME ON...yell Mr Stipe...we The pre-release word on this album was "Primitive and Howling" and we all thought "Good...no more experimental weird tinkering with organs...and stuff from the 70s like the bands attire and cover art in the UP days of 1998". ...post release we see its yet another pop, click buzz & beep festival with a slow, dragging pace and tired half-asleep vocals. Cmon...COME ON...yell Mr Stipe...we know you can! Ditch this whispering falsetto and spaceman kaleidescope background music and make us remember why we loved Monster and New Adventures In Hi-Fi!… Expand
prev
Page:

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 »