R.E.M. – Document (R.E.M. No. 5)

Review

'Document' captures R.E.M. at a fascinating moment of transformation, as they began moving their chess pieces from the indie board to the mainstream square. Michael Stipe's vocals on tracks like 'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' deliver a torrent of imagery with the strategic precision of a grandmaster making quick moves during a blitz game. This 1987 release marks their fifth studio effort, and you can hear the band developing a more muscular sound while retaining the thoughtful lyricism that made them college radio favorites.

Peter Buck's guitar work throughout 'Document' forms the backbone of standout tracks like 'Finest Worksong' and 'Welcome to the Occupation,' creating a framework for the political and social themes woven throughout the album. The energy feels deliberate yet natural, like a well-executed opening gambit that sets up the next decade of their career. What makes this album particularly significant is how it functions as both a culmination of their early style and a declaration of new intentions, establishing R.E.M. as a formidable influence on countless alternative rock bands that would follow in their wake. - Zach