R.E.M. - Unplugged: The Complete 1991 and 2001 Sessions (2014)
Tracklist, Album Image Covers, Info and Fun Facts
R.E.M. – Unplugged: The Complete 1991 & 2001 Sessions (2014): Two Iconic MTV Performances
Released on November 7, 2014, R.E.M. – Unplugged: The Complete 1991 & 2001 Sessions compiles the band’s two legendary MTV Unplugged performances into one comprehensive live album. Spanning a decade, the release showcases R.E.M.’s evolving acoustic interpretations, from the introspective early ’90s to the mature, textured sound of the early 2000s.
This collection is a celebration of R.E.M.’s songwriting, acoustic mastery, and adaptability on stage.
Album Overview
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Artist: R.E.M.
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Album: Unplugged: The Complete 1991 & 2001 Sessions
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Release Date: November 7, 2014
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Label: Warner Bros. Records
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Genre: Acoustic Rock, Alternative Rock, Live Performance
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Length: 95:45 (2 CDs)
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Producer: R.E.M. & Don McGuire
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Recorded:
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1991 – Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA
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2001 – MTV Studios, New York, NY
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Background and Recording
R.E.M. appeared on MTV Unplugged twice, creating performances now regarded as iconic acoustic reinterpretations of their work.
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1991 session: During the Out of Time era, featuring lush acoustic arrangements, mandolin highlights, and orchestral textures.
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2001 session: During the Reveal era, showcasing ambient textures, keyboards, and subtle electronic elements.
The 2014 release combines both sessions, providing a decade-spanning perspective on the band’s acoustic evolution.
Album Credits
R.E.M. Members
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Michael Stipe – Lead Vocals
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Peter Buck – Guitar, Mandolin, Backing Vocals
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Mike Mills – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
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Bill Berry – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals (1991 session)
Production Team
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Produced by R.E.M. & Don McGuire
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Mixed and Mastered by Bob Ludwig
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Art Direction & Design: Chris Bilheimer
Cover Art Design
The cover features a stylized black-and-white photograph of the band performing unplugged, emphasizing intimacy and focus on musicianship. The minimalist design mirrors the stripped-down, acoustic nature of the performances.
Commercial Performance & Sales
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Peaked at #41 on the Billboard 200
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Reached #3 on the US Top Rock Albums chart
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Popular with collectors and long-time fans, though not a mainstream chart-topper
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Celebrated for historical significance rather than sales dominance
Popular Tracks
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Losing My Religion (1991) – Mandolin-driven classic with an intimate live feel.
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Shiny Happy People (1991) – Acoustic reworking of their upbeat hit.
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Imitation of Life (2001) – Lush, keyboard-accented version.
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Daysleeper (2001) – Reflective and texturally rich acoustic interpretation.
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Man on the Moon (1991) – Audience singalong retains all of the original magic.
Critical Reception & Ratings
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Highly praised by critics and fans for historic value and performance quality.
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Seen as a definitive showcase of R.E.M.’s songwriting and stage presence.
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Retrospective ratings: 8–9/10
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Celebrated for capturing two distinct eras in R.E.M.’s acoustic evolution.
Fun Facts About Unplugged: The Complete 1991 & 2001 Sessions
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🎸 The 1991 session prominently features Peter Buck on mandolin, adding unique textures.
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🌍 2001 session incorporates ambient textures and keyboards, reflecting the Reveal era.
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🎤 Michael Stipe’s vocals shift in style across the decade, showing artistic growth and nuance.
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🏆 The sessions include fan favorites alongside deep cuts, giving a comprehensive acoustic overview.
Trivia
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The 1991 session coincided with the release of Out of Time, a career-defining period for the band.
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Bill Berry performed on the 1991 session but had retired by the 2001 session.
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Several songs were re-arranged for acoustic performance, offering listeners new perspectives on familiar tracks.
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The album provides a rare glimpse into R.E.M.’s evolution over a 10-year span, highlighting their adaptability.
Did You Know?
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📀 The 2014 release is the first official compilation of both MTV Unplugged sessions in one package.
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🌟 Fans and collectors prize the album for its intimate, stripped-down interpretations.
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🎶 The performances highlight R.E.M.’s ability to transform studio tracks into compelling live acoustic arrangements.
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🔊 Each session captures different eras: the youthful energy of 1991 vs. the mature, textural sophistication of 2001.
