What is the title of R.E.M.'s eleventh studio album, released in 1998?

The eleventh studio album by R.E.M. is titled Up, released on October 26, 1998.

Through which record label was R.E.M.'s album Up released?

Up was released through Warner Bros. Records.

What significant change occurred within R.E.M. prior to the recording of the album Up?

The album Up marked the first release by R.E.M. following the retirement of drummer and founding member Bill Berry in October 1997.

How did R.E.M. address the absence of their drummer, Bill Berry, on the album Up?

In place of Bill Berry, R.E.M. utilized session drummers such as Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin, and also incorporated drum machines into their recordings for Up.

Who produced the album Up, and how did this differ from R.E.M.'s previous production choices?

Up was produced by Pat McCarthy. This marked R.E.M.'s first album since Lifes Rich Pageant (1986) not to be produced by Scott Litt.

What were the primary musical influences and instrumentation characteristics of the album Up?

Up is characterized by a significant influence from electronic music, featuring extensive use of keyboards and drum programming, a departure from some of their earlier work.

What were some of the lyrical themes Michael Stipe explored on the album Up?

Michael Stipe explored themes such as the contrast between the religious-spiritual and the science-technology-modern-age, as well as aiming for an automatic, unconscious lyrical style.

How tumultuous was the creation process for the album Up, according to the band?

The making of the album Up was described as tumultuous, with the band members later admitting that they came close to breaking up during the process.

How did Up perform commercially compared to R.E.M.'s earlier albums, despite reaching the top 3 in the US and UK?

Although Up reached the top 3 on the album charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, its sales figures were lower than those of R.E.M.'s preceding albums.

What were the four singles released from the album Up?

The four singles released from Up were Daysleeper, Lotus, At My Most Beautiful, and Suspicion.

Which singles from Up achieved Top 10 status in the UK?

Both Daysleeper and At My Most Beautiful achieved Top 10 success in the UK singles chart.

Which single from Up topped the US Adult Alternative Songs chart?

The single Daysleeper reached the top of the US Adult Alternative Songs chart for two weeks.

What was the general critical reception of Up, and how was it viewed in terms of the band's evolution?

Critical reception for Up was generally positive, with many critics viewing it as a transitional record for the band and praising its integration of electronic elements.

Did R.E.M. tour in support of the album Up?

Yes, R.E.M. toured throughout 1999 in Europe and the United States to promote the album Up.

When was a 25th-anniversary edition of Up released, and what did it include?

A 25th-anniversary edition of Up was released on November 10, 2023, featuring a second disc with a live performance from 1999 and a DVD containing music videos and other material.

What significant health issues did R.E.M. members face during or after the tour for their album Monster?

During the Monster tour, Bill Berry suffered an aneurysm, Mike Mills had an intestinal tumor removed, and Michael Stipe experienced a hernia, leading to tour cancellations and impacting the band.

What was the notable aspect of R.E.M.'s recording contract signed in 1996?

In 1996, R.E.M. signed a deal with Warner Bros. Records estimated to be worth $80 million, which was considered the largest recording contract awarded up to that point.

Why did R.E.M. part ways with their manager Jefferson Holt in 1996?

R.E.M. parted ways with their longtime manager Jefferson Holt in the spring of 1996 due to allegations of sexual harassment.

How did the album New Adventures in Hi-Fi perform commercially and critically?

New Adventures in Hi-Fi, released in 1996, was a critical and commercial success, reaching number two in the US and number one in the UK, though its singles did not reach the top 40 in the US and its sales were lower than previous releases.

Where were the primary studio locations used for recording the album Up?

The recording sessions for Up took place at La Casa del Elefante in Seattle, Toast Studios in San Francisco, and John Keane's studio in Athens, Georgia.

Why did R.E.M. not work with their longtime producer Scott Litt on Up?

R.E.M. did not work with Scott Litt on Up because he was in the process of founding a record label and was less interested in producing records at that time.

What was the band's musical direction during early recording sessions for Up, even before Bill Berry's departure?

Even before Bill Berry's departure, the band had begun moving in a more electronic direction, utilizing drum machines and writing songs with minimal guitar.

When did Bill Berry announce his departure from R.E.M., and what was his condition regarding the band's future?

Bill Berry announced his departure from R.E.M. in October 1997, making it clear that he did not want his leaving to result in the band's dissolution.

Who were some of the session drummers utilized on the album Up?

Session drummers Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin were utilized on the album Up.

Which song was among the first to be completed during the recording sessions for Up?

Airportman was one of the first songs to be finished, reportedly written, recorded, sung, and mixed all in one day.

Whose work inspired Michael Stipe's pursuit of an "automatic, unconscious" lyrical style on Up?

Michael Stipe's pursuit of an "automatic, unconscious" lyrical style on Up was inspired by the work of Patti Smith.

What comparisons were made regarding the music and vocals on the song Airportman?

The music of Airportman has been compared to Brian Eno's work, while Michael Stipe's vocals on the track have been likened to Thom Yorke's.

How was the song Lotus described in terms of its sound and instrumentation?

Lotus was written by Peter Buck on keyboards and is noted as one of the few songs on the album to feature live drumming, described by Pitchfork as its 'hardest rocking cut'.

What descriptions were used for the song Suspicion?

Suspicion has been described as a 'strange electronic meditation' and a 'whisper of a Bond theme in some kind of space lounge'.

Why was Leonard Cohen given a writing credit for the song Hope?

Leonard Cohen was given a writing credit for Hope due to perceived similarities in melody and lyrical pattern to his song Suzanne, although he was not directly involved in its writing.

To which album and artist have many tracks on Up, particularly At My Most Beautiful, been compared?

The baroque-esque song At My Most Beautiful, and other tracks on Up, have frequently been compared to the work of The Beach Boys, especially their 1966 album Pet Sounds.

What is At My Most Beautiful often considered to be in terms of R.E.M.'s catalog?

At My Most Beautiful is often considered R.E.M.'s first true love song.

What conversation inspired the lyrics of Walk Unafraid?

The lyrics for Walk Unafraid were inspired by a conversation with Patti Smith, who encouraged Michael Stipe to be 'fearless' during the album's creation.

What is the lyrical perspective of the song Daysleeper?

The lyrics of Daysleeper are sung from the perspective of a nightshift worker whose lifestyle leads to feelings of isolation and depression.

Which tracks on Up were cited as examples of the album's use of experimental instrumentation?

Diminished, with its embellishments of vibes and tabla, and Parakeet, utilizing Pet Sounds-era organs, were cited as examples of Up's experimental instrumentation.

What is the title of the hidden track featured on Diminished?

The hidden track featured on Diminished is titled I'm Not Over You.

To which Radiohead song has the vocal performance on Falls to Climb been compared?

Michael Stipe's vocal performance on the closing track Falls to Climb has earned comparisons to Radiohead's song How to Disappear Completely.

What change in practice regarding lyrics occurred with the release of Up?

With the release of Up, Michael Stipe began including his complete lyrics in the album's CD booklet, a practice he continued for all subsequent R.E.M. studio albums.

What was Mike Mills' perspective on the album's sales figures?

Mike Mills expressed that the band was happy with the album's quality and did not want to judge its success solely by sales, stating that if it wasn't phenomenally successful, it wasn't a problem.

Which single did the band reportedly disagree with Warner Bros. releasing as the lead single for Up?

The band reportedly disagreed with Warner Bros. releasing Daysleeper as the album's lead single, feeling it wasn't necessarily indicative of the rest of the album's sound.

How did Up's US sales performance relate to its RIAA certification?

Up was certified Gold by the RIAA in the US, marking the first time since Lifes Rich Pageant that a R.E.M. studio album did not receive a Platinum certification.

Which European countries saw Up reach number one on their album charts?

Up topped the album charts in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Norway.

What was the sentiment of Pitchfork's original review of Up?

Pitchfork's original review of Up was mixed, finding the band's change in sound to be 'contrived and forced' and describing the album overall as 'dull and tired'.

How did The Guardian review R.E.M.'s musical experimentation on Up?

The Guardian credited R.E.M. for diversifying their sound on Up but found their musical experimentation only intermittently successful, summarizing the album as sounding like it was 'suffering an identity crisis'.

What was Stephen Thomas Erlewine's retrospective assessment of Up on AllMusic?

Stephen Thomas Erlewine retrospectively called Up 'accomplished and varied,' noting it proved R.E.M. could integrate genres while maintaining identity, though he also felt the band sounded like they were 'playing catch-up'.

How did Louis Pattison of Uncut describe Up's embrace of electronica and its relation to other albums?

Louis Pattison described Up's embrace of electronica and its 'fin de siècle' feel as comparable to Radiohead's OK Computer and Kid A, noting that Thom Yorke cited Up as a touchstone for Kid A.

How did Nude as the News rank Up in its list of 'The 100 Most Compelling Albums of the Decade'?

In 1999, Nude as the News ranked Up at number 74 in its list of 'The 100 Most Compelling Albums of the Decade'.

What ranking did Juice magazine give Up in its list of the '100 Greatest Albums of the '90s'?

In 1999, the Australian magazine Juice ranked Up at number 38 in its list of the '100 Greatest Albums of the '90s'.

Besides Buck, Mills, and Stipe, who is credited as a songwriter for the track Hope?

Leonard Cohen is credited as a songwriter for the track Hope, alongside Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe.

What were some of the B-sides released with the single Daysleeper?

B-sides released with the single Daysleeper included Emphysema, Sad Professor (live in the studio), and Why Not Smile (Oxford American version).

What live recordings served as B-sides for the single At My Most Beautiful?

B-sides for the single At My Most Beautiful included live recordings of The Passenger, Country Feedback, and So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry), all performed on Later... with Jools Holland.

Up R.e.m. Album Wiki: R.E.M.'s Sonic Evolution: Deconstructing 'Up'

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Context: The Preceding Era

Post-Monster Tour Challenges

Following the extensive touring for their 1994 album Monster, R.E.M. faced significant personal health challenges. Drummer Bill Berry suffered an aneurysm during a 1995 concert in Lausanne, Switzerland, leading to the cancellation of the remainder of the tour. Bassist Mike Mills had an intestinal tumor removed, and vocalist Michael Stipe experienced a hernia. These events cast a shadow over the band's subsequent activities.

Landmark Record Deal

In 1996, R.E.M. secured a reported $80 million deal with Warner Bros. Records, which was, at the time, the largest recording contract ever awarded. This financial security provided a foundation for their future creative endeavors.

New Adventures in Hi-Fi Performance

The band's 1996 album, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, recorded partly live during the Monster tour, achieved critical and commercial success, reaching number two in the US and number one in the UK. However, its commercial performance, particularly in terms of single sales, did not match the heights of previous releases, signaling a potential shift in their market reception.

The Recording Process: A New Direction

Departure of Bill Berry

The most significant change during the Up sessions was the departure of founding drummer Bill Berry in October 1997. The band decided not to replace him, opting instead to utilize session drummers like Joey Waronker and Barrett Martin, alongside extensive use of drum machines. This marked a pivotal moment, signaling a departure from their established sound.

Producer and Creative Exploration

The album was produced by Pat McCarthy, marking the first R.E.M. studio album since Lifes Rich Pageant (1986) not to be produced by Scott Litt. The band explored a more electronic sound, incorporating significant keyboard and programming elements. Lyrically, Michael Stipe focused on themes contrasting the "religious-spiritual versus science-technology-modern-age," aiming for an "automatic, unconscious" writing style.

Tumultuous Creation

The making of Up was reportedly a difficult process, with the band members admitting they came close to disbanding during its creation. Initial sessions in Hawaii and San Francisco were marked by creative uncertainty and Stipe's writer's block, highlighting the challenges of redefining their sound without a core member.

Sonic Landscape: Electronica and Introspection

Electronic Integration

Up is characterized by a pronounced electronic influence, utilizing drum machines and synthesizers more prominently than on previous R.E.M. albums. This shift integrated electronic textures into their signature alternative rock sound, creating a more atmospheric and sometimes experimental listening experience.

Influences and Comparisons

Critics frequently drew parallels between certain tracks on Up and the work of Brian Wilson, particularly the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds (1966), evident in songs like "At My Most Beautiful." The album's introspective and sometimes melancholic tone, coupled with its electronic elements, also invited comparisons to Radiohead's OK Computer (1997).

Brian Wilson/Beach Boys: Noted in tracks like "At My Most Beautiful" and "Why Not Smile."
Radiohead: Comparisons made regarding themes of alienation and sonic textures, particularly with OK Computer.
Brian Eno/Patti Smith: Influences cited for specific tracks and lyrical approaches.

Lyrical Themes

Michael Stipe explored themes of spiritual versus technological existence and personal resilience ("people falling down and getting back up again"). The lyrics often adopted a character-driven perspective, offering nuanced observations on modern life and introspection.

Release and Chart Performance

Initial Reception

Released on October 26, 1998, Up debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 and number two on the UK Albums Chart. While commercially successful, its sales figures were noted as being lower than some of the band's previous major releases, particularly in the US market.

International Success

The album found greater commercial success in Europe, topping the charts in Germany, Austria, and Norway, and reaching number two in Sweden and the UK. Sales in Italy were particularly strong, exceeding 90,000 units in the first week.

Singles

Four singles were released from Up: "Daysleeper," "Lotus," "At My Most Beautiful," and "Suspicion." "Daysleeper" and "At My Most Beautiful" achieved notable success in the UK, reaching the top 10, while "Daysleeper" topped the US Adult Alternative Songs chart.

Critical Assessment

Contemporary Reviews

Initial critical reception was generally positive, with many publications praising the album's cohesive sound and thematic depth. Reviewers noted the band's successful integration of electronic elements and Stipe's introspective lyrics. However, some, like Pitchfork, found the sonic shift somewhat contrived, while others noted the album might challenge casual listeners accustomed to the band's more accessible hits.

Retrospective Views

Over time, Up has been viewed more favorably by many critics and fans, often considered an underrated or transitional album in R.E.M.'s discography. Retrospective reviews frequently highlight its artistic merit, emotional resonance, and its role in the band's evolution following Bill Berry's departure.

Tracklist Analysis

Album Structure

Up is divided into two conceptual sides, "Upside" and "Downside," featuring 14 tracks. The album opens with the experimental "Airportman" and closes with the reflective "Falls to Climb."

Upside:

Airportman – 4:12
Lotus – 4:30
Suspicion – 5:36
Hope (Buck, Mills, Stipe, Leonard Cohen) – 5:02
At My Most Beautiful – 3:35
The Apologist – 4:30
Sad Professor – 4:01
You're in the Air – 5:22

Downside:

Walk Unafraid – 4:31
Why Not Smile – 4:03
Daysleeper – 3:40
Diminished – 6:01 (includes hidden track "I'm Not Over You")
Parakeet – 4:09
Falls to Climb – 5:06

Key Personnel

Core Band Members

The album features the remaining members of R.E.M.:

Michael Stipe: Lead vocals, guitar, percussion
Peter Buck: Guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, percussion
Mike Mills: Bass guitar, keyboards, guitar, backing vocals, percussion

Additional Contributions

Significant contributions came from:

Pat McCarthy: Production, Engineering
Joey Waronker: Drums, Percussion
Barrett Martin: Drums, Percussion
Scott McCaughey: Keyboards, Percussion
Nigel Godrich: Engineering
Eddie Horst: String arrangements
John Sharpley: String arrangements
Bruce Kaphan: Pedal steel
Paul Murphy: Viola, Leader
Jun-Chin Ling, David Arenz, David Braitberg, Willard Shull, Sou-Chun Su, Ellie Arenz, Jay Christy, Anne Page, Helen Porter: Violin
Reid Harris, Heidi Nitchie, Patti Gouvas: Viola
Daniel Laufer, Elizabeth Murphy, Christopher Rex, Nan Maddox: Cello
Douglas Sommer: Double bass

R.E.M.:

Peter Buck – guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, percussion
Mike Mills – bass guitar, keyboards, guitar, backing vocals, percussion
Michael Stipe – lead vocals, guitar, cowbell

Additional Musicians:

Eddie Horst – string arrangements on "Suspicion" and "You're in the Air"
Bruce Kaphan – pedal steel
John Keane
Barrett Martin – drums, percussion
Scott McCaughey – keyboards, percussion
John Sharpley – string arrangements on "Lotus"
Joey Waronker – drums, percussion
Paul Murphy – viola, leader
Jere Flint – conductor
Jun-Chin Ling, David Arenz, David Braitberg, Willard Shull, Sou-Chun Su, Ellie Arenz, Jay Christy, Anne Page, Helen Porter – violin
Reid Harris, Heidi Nitchie, Patti Gouvas – viola
Daniel Laufer, Elizabeth Murphy, Christopher Rex, Nan Maddox – cello
Douglas Sommer – double bass

Technical Personnel:

Nigel Godrich – engineering
R.E.M. – production, string arrangements on "Suspicion" and "You're in the Air"
Pat McCarthy – production

Chart Performance Data

International Rankings

Up charted significantly across global music markets, demonstrating R.E.M.'s international appeal.

Chart (1998)	Peak Position
Australian ARIA Albums Chart	5
Austrian Albums Chart	1
Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)	4
Belgian Albums Chart (Wallonia)	25
Canadian RPM Albums Chart	2
Dutch Albums Chart	16
Finnish Albums Chart	10
French SNEP Albums Chart	9
German Media Control Albums Chart	1
Hungarian Albums Chart	35
Japanese Oricon Albums Chart	47
New Zealand Albums Chart	8
Norwegian VG-lista Albums Chart	1
Scottish Albums Chart	2
Spanish Albums Chart	17
Swedish Albums Chart	2
Swiss Albums Chart	7
UK Albums Chart	2
U.S. Billboard 200	3

Certifications and Sales Figures

Global Recognition

The album achieved various certifications worldwide, reflecting its commercial performance.

Region	Certification	Certified Units/Sales
Australia (ARIA)	Gold	35,000^{^}
Austria (IFPI Austria)	Gold	25,000^*
Belgium (BRMA)	Gold	25,000^*
France (SNEP)	Gold	100,000^*
Italy	—	150,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)	Gold	7,500^{^}
Norway (IFPI Norway)	Platinum	50,000^*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)	Gold	50,000^{^}
Sweden (GLF)	Gold	40,000^{^}
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)	Gold	25,000^{^}
United Kingdom (BPI)	Platinum	300,000^{^}
United States (RIAA)	Gold	664,000
Europe (IFPI)	Platinum	1,000,000^*
Worldwide (Oct-Dec 1998)	—	1,500,000

^* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^{^} Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Critical Acclaim and Rankings

Decade and Year-End Lists

Up received recognition in various critical lists shortly after its release and in subsequent retrospectives.

Ranked #74 in Nude as the News' "The 100 Most Compelling Albums of the Decade" (1999).
Ranked #38 in Juice magazine's "100 Greatest Albums of the '90s" (1999).
Included in The Word's "Hidden Treasure: Great Underrated Albums of Our Time" list.
Appeared on numerous year-end best-of lists for 1998 from various publications.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Up (R.E.M. album) Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Contextualization

This document was generated by an AI language model, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. While striving for academic rigor and accuracy, it is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

This is not professional music criticism or historical analysis. The content presented here should not substitute consultation with music historians, critics, or official band documentation. The interpretation of artistic merit and historical significance can be subjective and may evolve over time.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or interpretations derived from the information provided.

R.E.M.'s Sonic Evolution

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Context: The Preceding Era ⏳

🎸 Post-Monster Tour Challenges

💰 Landmark Record Deal

📉 New Adventures in Hi-Fi Performance

The Recording Process: A New Direction 🎧

🥁 Departure of Bill Berry

💡 Producer and Creative Exploration

🎢 Tumultuous Creation

Sonic Landscape: Electronica and Introspection 🔊

🎹 Electronic Integration

⭐ Influences and Comparisons

🤔 Lyrical Themes

Release and Chart Performance 📊

🚀 Initial Reception

🌍 International Success

🎶 Singles

Critical Assessment ⭐

📝 Contemporary Reviews

🧐 Retrospective Views

Tracklist Analysis 🎼

🎧 Album Structure

Key Personnel 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

🎤 Core Band Members

➕ Additional Contributions

Chart Performance Data 📈

🌐 International Rankings

Certifications and Sales Figures 💰

🏆 Global Recognition

Critical Acclaim and Rankings 🌟

🏆 Decade and Year-End Lists

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Contextualization

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Context: The Preceding Era

Post-Monster Tour Challenges

Landmark Record Deal

New Adventures in Hi-Fi Performance

The Recording Process: A New Direction

Departure of Bill Berry

Producer and Creative Exploration

Tumultuous Creation

Sonic Landscape: Electronica and Introspection

Electronic Integration

Influences and Comparisons

Lyrical Themes

Release and Chart Performance

Initial Reception

International Success

Singles

Critical Assessment

Contemporary Reviews

Retrospective Views

Tracklist Analysis

Album Structure

Key Personnel

Core Band Members

Additional Contributions

Chart Performance Data

International Rankings

Certifications and Sales Figures

Global Recognition

Critical Acclaim and Rankings

Decade and Year-End Lists

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Contextualization