he demos, recorded at John Keane Studio in early 1990 and featured on all versions of the ‘Out Of Time’ reissue, provide key insight into the band’s creative process: from early instrumental passes to versions of "Losing My Religion" and "Texarkana" with different lyrics, and even a version of "Radio Song" that features a rare moment with drummer Bill Berry on lead vocals for a verse. While recording them, it was clear to Keane that R.E.M. were "at their peak in terms of creativity.”
By 1991, R.E.M. (Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe) had amassed a sizable following in the United States, but ‘Out Of Time’ brought the Athens, GA band unprecedented global recognition. It was the group’s first album to top both US and UK charts, selling 12 million copies worldwide, and garnered 7 Grammy nominations, including wins for Best Alternative Music Album, Best Short Form Music Video ("Losing My Religion”), and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ("Losing My Religion”).
Instant classic songs like "Losing My Religion,” "Shiny Happy People,” "Near Wild Heaven,” and "Radio Song” broke new ground, artistically and commercially. Reviewing ‘Out Of Time,’ Rolling Stone simply said, "This may well be America’s best rock & roll band.” Earlier this year, Pitchfork called the album "arguably their most important record,” while Time Magazine named ‘Out Of Time’ one of it’s All-Time 100 Albums, saying it contains "ethereal beauty rarely heard on a rock record.