R.E.M. – Out of Time (1991): The Album That Made Alternative Rock Global
Released on March 12, 1991, R.E.M.’s Out of Time transformed the Athens, Georgia band from respected alternative pioneers into worldwide superstars. Powered by the massive hit “Losing My Religion,” the album became one of the defining records of the early 1990s and helped bring alternative rock into the mainstream.
Blending folk textures, orchestral arrangements, and introspective songwriting, Out of Time showcased a bold stylistic shift — and it paid off in historic fashion.
Album Overview
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Artist: R.E.M.
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Album: Out of Time
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Release Date: March 12, 1991
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Label: Warner Bros. Records
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Genre: Alternative Rock, Folk Rock, Pop Rock
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Length: 44:08
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Producer: Scott Litt (with R.E.M.)
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Recorded: Bearsville Studios (New York) and other locations
Background and Recording
Following the success of Green, R.E.M. chose not to tour extensively and instead focused on studio experimentation. The band leaned into acoustic instruments, string arrangements, and unconventional structures.
Most notably, Peter Buck’s mandolin became central to the album’s sound — particularly on “Losing My Religion.” The album also features guest appearances, including rapper KRS-One and singer Kate Pierson of The B-52’s.
Unlike their earlier guitar-driven records, Out of Time emphasized melody, texture, and atmosphere over traditional rock energy.
Album Tracklist
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Radio Song
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Losing My Religion
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Low
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Near Wild Heaven
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Endgame
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Shiny Happy People
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Belong
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Half a World Away
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Texarkana
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Country Feedback
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Me in Honey
Popular Tracks:
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Losing My Religion
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Shiny Happy People
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Near Wild Heaven
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Country Feedback
Album Credits
R.E.M. Members
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Michael Stipe – Lead Vocals
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Peter Buck – Guitar, Mandolin
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Mike Mills – Bass, Keyboards, Backing & Lead Vocals
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Bill Berry – Drums, Backing Vocals
Notable Guest Appearances
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Kate Pierson – Backing Vocals (Shiny Happy People, Me in Honey)
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KRS-One – Rap Vocals (Radio Song)
Production Team
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Produced by Scott Litt & R.E.M.
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Engineered by Scott Litt and team
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Mastered by Stephen Marcussen
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Art Direction & Design: Chris Bilheimer
Cover Art Design
The cover of Out of Time features a close-up image of a yellow-orange star-shaped ornament set against a muted blue background. The simple yet textured design conveys fragility and introspection.
The warm tones contrast with the cool background, visually echoing the album’s emotional themes — longing, distance, vulnerability, and reflection. The minimalist aesthetic marked a departure from the collage-style boldness of Document and the earthy textures of Green.
The artwork complements the album’s softer, more introspective musical direction.
Commercial Performance & Sales
Out of Time was a global commercial triumph:
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Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200
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Reached #1 in the UK and multiple international markets
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Certified 4× Platinum (RIAA) in the U.S.
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Sold over 18 million copies worldwide
“Losing My Religion” became:
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A Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100
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A global radio staple
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One of the most iconic alternative songs ever recorded
Awards & Recognition
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🏆 Won 3 Grammy Awards (1992), including:
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Best Alternative Music Album
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Best Short Form Music Video (Losing My Religion)
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Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
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The album solidified R.E.M. as one of the most important bands of their generation.
Fun Facts About Out of Time
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🎸 Losing My Religion is built around a mandolin riff, unusual for a major pop hit.
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🎵 “Shiny Happy People” became one of R.E.M.’s most upbeat and commercially accessible songs.
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🎤 “Country Feedback” is often cited by fans as one of Michael Stipe’s most emotionally raw performances.
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🎹 “Endgame” is an instrumental track — rare for a mainstream album of that era.
Trivia
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The phrase “losing my religion” is a Southern expression meaning losing one’s temper or patience.
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The band did not tour extensively in support of the album.
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Mike Mills sings lead vocals on “Near Wild Heaven” and “Texarkana.”
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The success of the album helped open doors for other alternative bands in the early ’90s.
Did You Know?
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🌍 Out of Time helped redefine what alternative rock could sound like — softer, introspective, and globally appealing.
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📀 The album’s success set the stage for 1992’s darker and more ambitious Automatic for the People.
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🎬 The “Losing My Religion” music video became one of the most played clips in MTV history.
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🚀 The album arrived just months before the explosion of grunge, helping pave the way for alternative music’s dominance.