Monster, R.E.M.'s ninth studio album, saw the band embracing a heavier, more distorted sound, largely in reaction to their previous, more understated work. It stands as a deliberate exercise in rock and roll, with fuzzy guitars and a driving rhythm section.
- Monster was the first R.E.M. album to be recorded entirely on a digital multitrack. The album produced the singles "What's the Story (Morning Glory)?", "Tongue Tied", and "Bang the Drum All Day". The album reached number 1 in the UK and number 4 in the US Billboard 200.
- The album was not as critically acclaimed as some of R.E.M.'s earlier work, but it was a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies in the United States alone. The band toured extensively in support of the album, with members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry all participating.
- Monster was the last album to feature drummer Bill Berry, who left the band in 1997. The album's raw sound and lyrical themes, which touched on fame, celebrity, and media saturation, reflected a band grappling with their new level of global recognition.
R.E.M. are an American alternative rock band from Athens, Georgia, formed in 1980. They are one of the pioneering bands of alternative rock, known for their distinctive musical style and often obscure lyrical content. R.E.M. were on the cusp of massive international superstardom with the release of Monster.
Tracklist
