R.E.M. – Around the Sun (2004): A Contemplative, Polarizing Chapter
Released on October 5, 2004, R.E.M.’s Around the Sun is a reflective and politically aware album that captures the band as a trio navigating a post-9/11 world. Following the melodic textures of Reveal, the record leans into slower tempos, introspective lyrics, and understated arrangements, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over rock energy.
While critically mixed, Around the Sun remains a notable part of R.E.M.’s later catalog for its ambition and lyrical depth.
Album Overview
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Artist: R.E.M.
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Album: Around the Sun
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Release Date: October 5, 2004
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Label: Warner Bros. Records
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Genre: Alternative Rock, Art Pop, Folk Rock
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Length: 52:10
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Producer: Pat McCarthy & R.E.M.
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Recorded: Various studios including Bad Animals (Seattle) and Tokyo
Background and Recording
After the reflective work of Reveal, R.E.M. explored more politically conscious and contemplative themes on Around the Sun, reflecting global events, aging, and personal introspection.
The absence of Bill Berry meant the trio relied heavily on:
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Drum machines and session drummers for rhythm
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Layered keyboards and ambient textures
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Careful studio arrangements to replace the energy Berry brought live
The album was recorded over a long period in multiple locations, contributing to its polished but restrained sound.
Album Credits
R.E.M. Members
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Michael Stipe – Lead Vocals
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Peter Buck – Guitar, Keyboards
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Mike Mills – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Additional Personnel
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Drum Programming & Percussion: Joey Waronker (session drums)
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Produced by Pat McCarthy & R.E.M.
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Engineered by Pat McCarthy
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Mastered by Bob Ludwig
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Art Direction & Design: Chris Bilheimer
Cover Art Design
The cover features a digitally manipulated, abstracted globe, highlighting the title’s theme of planetary awareness and interconnectedness. The muted, earthy colors and minimalist typography underscore the reflective, contemplative tone of the album.
The design conveys a sense of global perspective, echoing the politically and socially conscious lyrics present on the record.
Commercial Performance & Sales
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Debuted at #1 in the UK
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Peaked at #13 on the Billboard 200
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Certified Gold (RIAA) in the United States
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Sold approximately 1 million copies worldwide
While commercially successful in Europe, the album underperformed in the U.S., partly due to its subdued sound and slower pacing.
Popular Tracks
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Leaving New York – A melancholic yet melodic reflection on change and loss.
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I Wanted to Be Wrong – Addresses political frustration with understated instrumentation.
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Electron Blue – An atmospheric, keyboard-driven track that became a fan favorite.
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Around the Sun – The contemplative title track explores global and personal awareness.
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The Worst Joke Ever – A slower, introspective ballad with layered textures.
Critical Reception & Ratings
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Received mixed reviews, with critics praising lyricism but critiquing pacing and lack of immediacy.
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Some considered it too subdued compared to R.E.M.’s earlier rockier albums.
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Retrospective ratings: 6.5–7.5/10
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Seen as a mature, meditative record exploring political and emotional themes
Despite its reception, the album is valued by fans for its depth and experimentation in mood and texture.
Fun Facts About Around the Sun
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🌎 The album is heavily influenced by post-9/11 global politics and personal reflection.
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🎹 Joey Waronker contributed session drums and percussion throughout the record.
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🎤 Michael Stipe’s vocals were recorded with greater subtlety, emphasizing intimacy and nuance.
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🖼️ Chris Bilheimer’s artwork reflects the band’s concern with global awareness and modernity.
Trivia
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The album was originally intended to feature more upbeat tracks but evolved into a slower, introspective sound.
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R.E.M. intentionally avoided recreating the energy of Monster or Out of Time, embracing restraint.
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The track Leaving New York was inspired by Stipe’s experiences in New York City and feelings of displacement.
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The album marked a rare moment of U.S. chart underperformance for the band, despite strong international sales.
Did You Know?
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🎶 Electron Blue was inspired by the band’s fascination with electronic textures and ambient sounds.
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📀 Around the Sun was the first R.E.M. album in several years without a major radio “hit” in the U.S.
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🌍 Themes of global awareness and personal reflection dominate the album, making it one of the band’s most contemplative works.
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🔊 The record features more subdued, ambient production than nearly any other R.E.M. release.