If you’re a fan of the iconic alternative rock band R.E.M., then you know they have some of the most memorable and beloved songs of all time.
From their debut single “Radio Free Europe” to their smash hit “Losing My Religion,” they have been an influential force in the music industry for over three decades.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, learning to play R.E.M. songs on guitar can be a great way to improve your skills.
To help you get started, here are 10 easy R.E.M. songs to play on guitar, including all of the tabs to help you learn the chords and progressions.
With a blend of jangly guitars, melodic bass lines, and Michael Stipe’s unique vocal style, these songs are sure to become some of your favorite tunes to play on guitar.
Table of Contents
10. “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
“It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by REM is an iconic song that has been around for decades.
It was released in 1987 as the third single from the band’s fifth studio album, Document.
The song is an upbeat, almost surreal take on the end of the world, with the lyrics being a stream of consciousness of apocalyptic images.
The song is driven by a fast-paced drumbeat, a jangly guitar riff, and Michael Stipe’s passionate vocals.
It has become a classic and is still played on the radio today.
It was even featured in the movie Armageddon and was performed by the band at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989.
The song is a great example of REM’s signature sound, combining elements of folk, rock, and pop to create a unique and memorable sound.
It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and will continue to be a fan favorite for years to come.
9. “The Great Beyond”
“The Great Beyond” by REM is an iconic song from their 1999 album, “Up”.
It is a beautiful, melancholic song that serves as a reminder of the band’s legacy.
The song was written by lead singer Michael Stipe and guitarist Peter Buck, and it was inspired by the death of Stipe’s close friend, River Phoenix.
The lyrics reflect the idea of death as a gateway to a greater realm, and the chorus features the line “You were right about the stars”.
The music video for the song was directed by the late Stan Winston, who was known for his work on films like “Terminator 2” and “Jurassic Park”.
The video features a young girl who is visited by a mysterious figure, and it is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the band’s impact on the music world.
The song has been featured in films like “Man on the Moon” and “Me Before You”, and it has become an anthem for those who have lost loved ones.
REM will always be remembered for their timeless music, and “The Great Beyond” is a perfect example of their lasting legacy.
8. “Nightswimming”
“Nightswimming” by R.E.M. is a classic song from the band’s 1992 album Automatic for the People.
It was written by the band’s lead singer, Michael Stipe, and the music was composed by the band’s guitarist, Peter Buck.
The song is a gentle, dreamy ballad, characterized by its lush string arrangement and Stipe’s emotive vocals.
It tells the story of a group of friends who go swimming in a lake at night, and the narrator’s reflections on the beauty of the experience.
The song was a fan favorite, and was performed live by the band on their Monster tour in 1995.
It was also featured in the film The Perks of Being a Wallflower in 2012.
The song’s success helped to solidify R.E.M.’s reputation as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of the 1990s.
7. “Driver 8”
“Driver 8” by REM is an iconic song from the band’s third studio album, Fables of the Reconstruction.
Released in 1985, the song was written by lead singer Michael Stipe and guitarist Peter Buck and is considered one of the most influential songs of the 1980s.
The song is a mid-tempo rocker with a steady drumbeat and a prominent guitar riff.
The lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, but they seem to be about the mundane aspects of life in the suburbs.
The lyrics also reference a train, which is believed to be a metaphor for the monotony of life.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
It has been covered by many artists over the years and remains a fan favorite.
6. “Stand”
The song “Stand” by rem is an uplifting and inspiring track from the band’s 1991 album Out of Time.
The song is a call to action, urging listeners to take a stand for what they believe in and to never give up.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful, with lines like “Stand in the place where you live / Now face the truth” and “Stand for the ones who will come”.
The song was a hit single, reaching number six on the Billboard charts and becoming rem’s third top 10 single in the United States.
The song was also a critical success, with Rolling Stone magazine calling it “a stirring anthem of personal and political commitment”.
The song was written by rem frontman Michael Stipe, who has said that the song was inspired by the civil rights movement of the 1960s. rem was an American rock band that was formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980.
The band was composed of Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry, and they released 15 studio albums throughout their career.
The band was known for their unique sound, which combined elements of alternative rock, folk, country, and pop.
They were also known for their socially conscious lyrics, which often dealt with political and environmental issues.
5. “Shiny Happy People”
“Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M. is an upbeat, catchy pop song that was released in 1991 as the lead single from their album Out of Time.
It has become one of the band’s most recognizable songs, and is often used in commercials and soundtracks.
The song features a buoyant, optimistic melody and lyrics that evoke a sense of joy and togetherness.
It was written by R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills, and was produced by the band’s longtime collaborator Scott Litt.
The song features backing vocals from Kate Pierson of the B-52s, and the music video was directed by Peter Care and featured the band in a whimsical, brightly-colored setting.
“Shiny Happy People” was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
It has become an iconic song of the 1990s and is still beloved by many fans today.
4. “Man On The Moon”
“Man On The Moon” by the band R.E.M. is a classic hit that has been around since 1992.
The song was released as part of their album Automatic for the People and was written by the band’s lead singer, Michael Stipe.
It is a melancholic track that is driven by a haunting piano melody and Stipe’s signature vocal style.
Lyrically, the song speaks of a man who lives on the moon, isolated from the rest of the world, and his longing for a connection with someone else.
The song has been covered by many other artists and has been featured in the films “The Family Man” and “Evan Almighty”.
It is a timeless track that speaks to the human experience of loneliness and longing for companionship, and is a testament to R.E.M.’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs.
3. “The One I Love”
The song “The One I Love” by the American rock band R.E.M. is an iconic single from their 1987 album Document.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer Michael Stipe and guitarist Peter Buck, and it is one of their most successful and recognizable singles.
It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been featured in several films and television shows.
The song is an upbeat, jangly rock tune that features Stipe’s signature vocals.
The lyrics are full of metaphors and imagery, and they tell the story of a person who is in love with someone who doesn’t love them back.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with the lines “This one goes out to the one I love/This one goes out to the one I’ve left behind.”
R.E.M. has been praised for their innovative sound and their influence on alternative rock music.
They are one of the most successful rock bands of all time, with over 85 million records sold worldwide.
“The One I Love” is a classic R.E.M. song that has stood the test of time and continues to be beloved by fans around the world.
2. “Everybody Hurts”
“Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. is a poignant and deeply moving song that speaks to the shared experience of pain and suffering.
Released in 1992, the track was the lead single from the band’s fifth studio album, Automatic for the People.
The song was written by band members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills, and was produced by Scott Litt.
The track features a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar, organ, bass, and drums, and the lyrics are a simple and direct plea for understanding and empathy.
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and peaking at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It has since been covered by a variety of artists, including Faith Hill, Avril Lavigne, and Coldplay, and has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and powerful songs of the 1990s, and continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
1. “Losing My Religion”
“Losing My Religion” by REM is an iconic song that has been around since the early 1990s.
It was released as the first single off their album Out of Time and became a massive hit.
The song is a soft rock ballad that features the lead singer Michael Stipe singing about the struggles of life and his own personal struggles.
The song is known for its unique guitar riff, which is said to be inspired by the mandolin.
The song also features a unique use of mandolin and strings, as well as a variety of percussion instruments.
The lyrics are very poetic and are open to interpretation, making it a great song to discuss.
REM was an American alternative rock band formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980.
They were one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s, and are known for their unique sound and style.
They have released 15 studio albums and have sold over 85 million records worldwide. “Losing My Religion” is one of their most popular songs, and has been covered by numerous artists.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
