Out of Time (album)

Out of Time is R.E.M.'s 1991 international breakthrough album, and their second major label release for Warner Bros. Records. Preceeded by the idiosyncratic "Losing My Religion", which became R.E.M.'s biggest US hit, Out of Time gave them their first US and UK #1 albums, earning them a slew of additional fans and worldwide renown. Ironically, the band decided not tour to support the release, nor the following one.

Related Topics:
R.E.M. - 1991 - Warner Bros. Records - Losing My Religion

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Out of Time also birthed a further smash in "Shiny Happy People" (featuring an appearance from The B-52's Kate Pierson). The overtly bubble-gum styling of the song has divided fans over the years as to its virtues, while the members of R.E.M. themselves have long since disowned it, having never played it live and overlooking its inclusion on In Time - The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003. A second cameo apperance arises in the form of rapper KRS-One who makes a memorable appearance on the minor hit "Radio Song". Bassist Mike Mills handles lead vocal duties, aided by frontman Michael Stipe, on "Near Wild Heaven" and "Texarkana".

Related Topics:
The B-52's - Kate Pierson - Bubble-gum - In Time - The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003 - KRS-One - Mike Mills - Michael Stipe

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Known for its eclectic nature, Out of Times critical standing has lessened in later years, and is generally seen as being unbalanced and inconsistent by some reviewers. Nonetheless, its musical virtues are considered to far outweigh its drawbacks, and R.E.M. were rewarded with their biggest-selling album to date, with Out of Time going quadruple-platinum in the US and selling in excess of ten million copies worldwide. At the 1992 Grammy Awards ceremony, Out of Time won the newly-launched "Best Alternative Album" award.

Related Topics:
1992 - Grammy Awards

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In 1998 Q magazine readers voted Out of Time the 38th greatest album of all time.

Related Topics:
1998 - ''Q'' magazine

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In 2005, Warner Bros. Records issued an expanded two-disc edition of Out of Time which includes a CD and a DVD, as well as the original CD booklet with expanded liner notes.

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