REM’s albums are diverse. Their early fans probably gave up on the band after their “Document” or “Green” albums. However, they went from being darlings of college radio to one of the most important bands of the 1990s.
“Automatic For The People,” released in 1992, is arguably one of the best albums ever released. There are no weak filler songs on the album.
There is something about the album’s opening song, “Drive,” that hits you hard when you first hear it.
Michael Stipe sings, “Hey Kids, Rock And Roll, Nobody Tells You Where To Go,” which could be compared to a David Essex song, but REM is addressing a group of people who had just gone through Reaganomics and Thatcherism. It fits the mood of the time of its release.
It is followed by “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight” and the band’s mega-hit “Everybody Hurts.”
“Everybody Hurts” has been used as a joke in movies and television many times. It’s been featured on The Office to the children’s movie “Zootopia.”
Michael Stipe once said it best, “Everybody Hurts is a great song when you’re at a point in life where you need it. The rest of the time, it’s a skip.”
The thing is though, the song is about hope. It’s not about pain, self-pity, self-loathing, or depression. “Everybody Hurts” is about pushing through the darkest times in one’s life. Sometimes it’s worse than others; it can be tough, but you’ve gotta keep going.
“Everybody Hurts” is a great reminder that every single person on planet Earth will go through some hard times. But, you will find a way to pull yourself out of it.
As you continue to listen to “Automatic For The People,” you get the feeling that the album has hit its crescendo at “Star Me Kitten,” but the band then hits you with three more great songs: “Man On The Moon,” “Night Swimming,” and “Find The River.”
“Man On The Moon” is a tribute to comic Andy Kaufman. This song is a reference to the fact that life is a constant pull between belief and disbelief. Andy Kaufman blurred those lines. You didn’t know what parts of his persona were staged and what part was the core of Kaufman.
The song is about that. It touches on that magic with references to Andy’s life and other beliefs, depending on which side of the coin you are on.
REM’s “Automatic For The People” stands as a timeless masterpiece, weaving themes of hope, resilience, and the complexities of human experience into its melodic tapestry. Each track resonates with a depth that transcends mere music.
It’s an album that not only captures the spirit of its era but continues to offer solace and inspiration to listeners across generations. As REM navigates the intricacies of belief and disbelief, they invite us to ponder life’s mysteries and find solace in the shared journey of humanity. “Automatic For The People” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the human condition and provide comfort in our darkest hours.
Must listen to tracks: Drive, Try Not To Breathe, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight, Everybody Hurts, Ignoreland, Star Me Kitten, Man On The Moon, Nightswimming, Find The River
Purchase “Automatic For The People” on Amazon.
