10 Hidden Songs You Didn't Know Were On Albums
3. R.E.M. - Untitled (Track 11)
R.E.M.s Green ends with an untitled track so good that most people believe the band never named in order to give it back to the people. It’s for you to call whatever you want.
Although R.E.M. hadn’t yet hit their absolute peak yet, songwriter Michael Stipe wrote Untitled (Track 11) after spending almost 10 years on the road and away from his loved ones. The band switched up their instruments for the song as Stipe sang about distant love and travelling the world without those closest to you. The untitled track unites loved ones through music despite the distance that divides them and is emotive not just for worldwide singers on tour but parents with children who are growing up, those that have lost a loved one or people in long distance relationships. Like the very best music, the song takes different forms in the eye of the beholder depending on their own personal experiences.
Green wasn’t the album that turned R.E.M. into heavyweight global stars, however their sixth album progressed the band from their Deep South swampy roots, and although it starts with 60s influenced pop bangers, ends up being the perfect depiction of the sadder dynamics of youth. Untitled is the kind of hidden track you’ll thank yourself for hearing.