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Rating:
It was with "Out of Time" that REM conquered the world, and they did it in a unique way: over ten million copies sold in just a few months without any supporting tour - apart from a few show-cases around the world. "Out of Time" is the definitive proof that a great single can make you rich with music.
An album neither good nor bad (although a radio masterpiece), but certainly not an "out of time" record. In "Out of Time" what is out of time is just a few songs: "Losing My Religion" (mandolin rhythmic masterpiece, with a nihilistic text that rejects universal certainties valid for everyone: "Life is bigger than you, and you are not me"); "Country Feedback" (good rock piece in the style of Neil Young, who played it with the band live); "Half a World Away" (mandolin, classic harpsichord, and a breathtaking Stipe); "Low" (excellent slow piece, though somewhat drawn out).
"Texarkana" and "Near Wild Heaven" could be better than they are if they weren't sung by Mills, a genius of counter-melodies, but unable to pitch, and therefore unable to reach the listener as Stipe's nasal tone could practically without singing.
The rest is a mix of mediocrity/boastfulness to which REM has accustomed us since 1986. But this should not scandalize us. Peter Buck defined REM's music as "part truth, part lies, part heart, and part garbage" (just like the title of "Best 1982-2011"). "Out of Time" is precisely this - as indeed are almost all REM records (except "Automatic for the People" and, to a lesser extent, "Murmur").
Either way, with "Out of Time", the four from Athens finally achieved worldwide success. Having solved their economic problems, they returned to being themselves, as in the days of "Fables...". With this newfound inner freedom, they would create their masterpiece.
Tracklist and Samples
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Other reviews
By ste84
"The success of this CD is 80% due to the mega hit 'Losing My Religion,' the blessing and curse of ours."
"An album nonetheless interesting and a must-have, but please let's stop dedicating so many compliments and (undeserved) attention to it!"
By Sixchords
Although it initially seems like a rap-rock CD with 'Radio Song,' after just the first 4 minutes, we find ourselves plunged into a very particular atmosphere.
'Out Of Time is an album that must absolutely be in one’s record collection, both for connoisseurs and for those who want to approach good music.'
By pinkoSpallino
"Losing My Religion" is one of the most beautiful songs of all time, featuring a melancholic and catchy pop-rock style with Peter Buck's famous mandolin.
"Shiny Happy People" mocks fake happiness, while songs like "Half a World Away" and "Near Wild Heaven" showcase the album's diversity.
By STIPE
"Out Of Time is a ‘baroque’ album, meticulous in its sounds and melodies, melancholic but not sad, imbued with an over-the-top lightness."
"The absolute masterpiece of the album remains ‘Country Feedback’ along with ‘Losing My Religion.’"
By Starblazer
"Is one great song enough to make a great album? Absolutely not."
"Out Of Time is an experimental album that offers moments of great pleasure and quality, even if interspersed with a few too many blunders."
