E111 - R.E.M. - Monster

Ok, we’re back & it’s 2025 so let’s kick off with an album we’ve wanted to cover for a fair while… 

"Monster" is the ninth studio album by R.E.M., released on September 29, 1994. The album marked a significant departure from the band's previous work, putting forward a somewhat more aggressive sound that combined elements of alternative rock and grunge, really popular in the early 90’s, don’t you know?

 

The recording of "Monster" was influenced by the personal struggles of frontman Michael Stipe, particularly in the wake of the band's rise to fame and the challenges of maintaining their identity. The album features themes of alienation, fame, and sexuality, with lyrics that often reflect Stipe's introspective style.

 

Musically, "Monster" is characterised by heavy guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section, and a raw production quality, which contrasts with the polished sound of their earlier efforts. The album includes notable tracks such as "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", "Bang and Blame", and "Strange Currencies." "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" became one of the band's most recognized songs, receiving significant radio airplay and being all over MTV at the time.

 

"Monster" was both a commercial success and a point of contention among fans and critics. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified multi-platinum in the United States. However, some critics were divided over the shift in sound and lyrical content.

 

The album is often viewed as a pivotal moment in R.E.M.'s career, as it marked their transition into the 1990s rock landscape while also reflecting the band's ability to evolve and experiment with their music.

 

You know the crack by now, let’s see if it’s any good or not.

 

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Produced by Ning@studio2

 

Title music by StewyD & Del Jones