In the world of rock, some names have become bastions of the genre and are known worldwide. Formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. would become one of those bands with timeless classics such as “Losing My Religion” still being played regularly to this date.
That’s not all the band is known for, however; before their eventual break-up in 2011, the band would create a hefty number of love songs that deserve more of the limelight. Here is my 10 favorites!
1. You Are The Everything
Album: Green
Released: 1988
If you’re looking for a beautiful, loving song to send to someone special, look no further than “You Are The Everything”. Its beautiful pace, Michael Stipe’s unmistakable vocals carrying loving messages to someone who means the world, and delicate piano passages from Bill Berry make it a smorgasbord of elating emotion.
“You Are The Everything” didn’t grace our airwaves until 1988 in R.E.M.’s sixth studio album, but it was worth the wait.
2. Strange Currencies
Album: Monster
Released: 1994
In “Strange Currencies”, the band travels the confusion of trying to win someone’s affection even if the feelings aren’t initially reciprocated. Stipe is trying his damnedest to win the woman over, which haunts him.
It isn’t necessarily the happily-ever-after love song one might expect from R.E.M., especially with its slightly somber sway as it turns into a ballad in and of itself. That said, it’s among their catchier songs and Joey Waronker’s drumming supports the track greatly.
3. Arms Of Love
Album: The Automatic Box
Released: 1993
The Automatic Box was a rather special album from R.E.M. in that it allowed them to breathe and experiment instrumentally. Their covers in particular allowed this, with their cover of Robyn Hitchcock’s “Arms Of Love” being among their best offerings.
Their somber, loving sway and minimalistic acoustic guitar approach show respect for Hitchcoick’s cover while remaining true to their sound.
4. That Someone Is You
Album: Collapse Into Now
Released: 2011
“That Someone Is You” is one of R.E.M.’s most interesting contributions to their discography. Moving from the slower, more delicate instrumentals is their attempt at a pop-punk, borderline pop-rock track which acts as a nice change of pace from their usual material.
The lyrical content is what makes this a love song, as it’s all about hoping someone else ‘makes the first move’ and brings him out of a slump. It’s quite adorable when you listen beyond the instrumentals.
5. You
Album: Monster
Released: 1994
At the start of this track, it’s hard to tell whether you’re listening to R.E.M. or a Tool demo. Stipe’s vocals take on a more grunge-like persona here also, juxtaposing the typical idea of what R.E.M. can do. Peter Buck especially shines in this track with both long, dragged-out open chords and complex hammers and pull-offs.
Lyrically, we’re exploring the pure, raw attraction to someone else and it’s here that Stipe’s songwriting and lyrics have to be recognized as a cornerstone of R.E.M.’s success.
6. Be Mine
Album: New Adventures In Hi-Fi
Released: 1996
“Be Mine” is to R.E.M. as “Kashmir” is to Led Zeppelin. I couldn’t think of a better magnum opus than Be Mine; it’s the perfect love song without being over-the-top or cheesy while maintaining the complex flair R.E.M. are known for. Its gradual build-up and tambourine background make it a simplistic track that explodes into euphoria at its peak.
Ideal for a summer trip or showing someone special how you feel, “Be Mine” simply can’t be beaten.
7. Let Me In
Album: Monster
Released: 1994
Diverting slightly from the direct theme of love we have “Let Me In”, which shows a different kind of love. Stipe wrote this track while navigating the grief and confusion around Kurt Cobain’s death, which impacted him greatly as they were very good friends.
Lyrically it may be an ode to a lost friend, but the feeling of love from Stipe is unmistakable. Get the tissues ready for this one.
8. The One I Love
Album: Document
Released: 1987
R.E.M. shoot themselves straight into classic love rock territory with their aptly named “The One I Love”, which was used in 2008’s The Man Who Loved Yngve.
Despite its appearances, however, it has a darker undertone that directs itself more towards break-ups than makeups; it narrates as a love song until the line ‘A simple prop to occupy my time’ chimes. Here, we see that Stipe (or the character he’s writing about) is experiencing heartbreak. A clever contribution and twist to an already alluring track.
9. At My Most Beautiful
Album: Up
Released: 1998
“At My Most Beautiful” could be pinned as R.E.M.’s first fully-committed love song. The entirety of 1998’s album Up had an overpowering loving air, but this track in particular takes the overall prize.
Its emotional piano passages and tantalizing, complementary bassline alongside Stipe’s voice make it an emotive powerhouse destined for slow dances and loving memories.
10. Tongue
Album: Monster
Released: 1994
Following with another incredible piano-based contribution is one of R.E.M.’s lesser-acknowledged tracks. “Tongue” is a delicate ballad that is carried through with Stipe’s soprano singing and a slow church organ adding an almost evangelical vibe to the overall track.
I struggle to understand why this isn’t one of R.E.M.’s most popular tracks. This could be a graceful thing, however, as the best things are often those hidden away for us to find.
Jordan McEvoy is a UK-based music journalist. He’s also an avid concert-goer, amateur photographer, and part-time gig promoter. When he isn’t rambling about his love for metal, attempting to write poetry, or playing RuneScape for the 50th time, he’s usually surrounded by coffee and listening to techno or Woods Of Ypres.
