Radio Song


"Radio Song" is a song by American rock band R.E.M., released as the fourth single from their seventh album, Out of Time, where it appears as the opening track. Lead singer Michael Stipe once said that he hoped everyone had enough sense of humor to realize that he was "kind of taking the piss of everyone," himself included. Stipe also asked KRS-One, leader of Boogie Down Productions, to contribute to the track. He provides some backing vocals for the track, as well as a closing rap, and appears prominently in the video.

Critical reception

from NME named "Radio Song" Single of the Week, adding, "The most galvanising radio-wave song since Joy Division's 'Transmission' sees Messrs Berry, Buck and Mills pressure-cooking some dirty funk with poignant pauses." Another NME editor, Terry Staunton, declared it as "predictably the most curious and out of character track, which switches from gentle Velvet Underground strumming to anxious funk workout."
Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel named it one of the album's "strongest cuts" and "an adventurous amalgam of jangly funk and sugary-sweet pop balladry, with KRS-1 a good foil for otherworldly singer Michael Stipe." He added, "While Stipe is, as usual, a bit oblique, KRS-1's words are unambiguous." Celia Farber from Spin felt it's one of the few "that rocks out a little , settling intermittently on a classic dramatic R.E.M. moment, with a crescendo of arpeggiated guitars and words about the world collapsing."

Track listings

All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe unless otherwise indicated.
7-inch and cassette
  1. "Radio Song" – 4:15
  2. "Love Is All Around" 1 – 3:15
UK "Collectors' Edition" CD
  1. "Radio Song" – 4:15
  2. "You Are the Everything" 3 – 4:43
  3. "Orange Crush" ² – 4:03
  4. "Belong" 4 – 4:47
CD, 12-inch, and maxi-cassette
  1. "Radio Song " – 4:14
  2. "Love Is All Around" 1 – 3:15
  3. "Belong" 4 – 4:07
UK and Germany 12-inch
  1. "Radio Song" – 4:15
  2. "Love Is All Around" 1 – 3:15
  3. "Shiny Happy People "

    Personnel

Personnel are taken from the Out of Time liner notes.
R.E.M.
  • Bill Berry – drums, percussion
  • Peter Buck – guitar
  • Mike Mills – organ, bass guitar
  • Michael Stipe – vocals
Additional musicians
Strings

Release history

Bingo Hand Job version

A live version of "Radio Song" was released in early 2019 via Noisetrade. Recorded in 1991 at The Borderline in London, the track was credited to Bingo Hand Job, a pseudonym for R.E.M. and guests. A recording of the much bootlegged full concert was officially released in April 2019 as Live at the Borderline 1991.

Use in other media

The song was featured in the Cameron Crowe film Singles, although it is not included in the official soundtrack album.