10 Perfect Rock Singles Of The 80s

R.E.M were one of the first alt rock acts to break into the mainstream during the late '80s. This was a territory usually reserved for hair metal bands. Along with the Pixies, they formed a contingent of darker sounding groups, with just a hint of self-loathing and plenty of appeal.

Indeed their first hit single, although often interpreted as a love song, displayed Michael Stipe for the introspective and sullen song smith that defined his work. Suffering from the same affliction as Springsteen's Born To Run and String's Every Breath You Take, most people focused merely on the overriding chorus hook, rather than delving into the verse for the true meaning.

"This one goes out to the one I love" pretty clear, this is a love song right? How about the line "A simple prop to occupy my time" - not that romantic after all... With a guitar riff that rips into the foreground of the song, the lyrics are equally as forthcoming. Rather than being an espousal of love, the song is a confession of manipulation. But hey, who needs nuance, if you think it's a love song that just fine - it all sounds great.