Michael Stipe

Stipe grew up as the son of a military officer, moving from place to place as a kid. Although he usually kept to himself, he developed an alter side while growing up that contradicts his shyness. While studying photography and painting at the University of Georgia, Stipe met Peter Buck, Bill Berry, and Mike Mills. They created R.E.M. that year and issued their debut single, Radio Free Europe, and in 1983 they came out with their debut album, Murmur. This album differed from the rest of the mainstream pop music being played at the time (StarIQ 261). The music was kind of haunting, and hard to understand, but still carried power and emotion in the lyrics. The album’s central th

eme was the tones and images that bothered Michael Stipe. R.E.M. got exceptional ranking in the early 80’s but it was not until their hit The One I Love, from their album Document in 1987, that they achieved the vast commercial recognition they needed.

According to critic Jonathan Keyes, “Michael Stipe changed the face of music forever by releasing Murmur which was so different than other mainstream music. His style and approach are so different and appealing that it would be hard not to enjoy his music.” (StarIQ 261). I however, do not enjoy Stipe as much as Keyes does. I don’t dislike him and do like a few of his songs, but most are repetitive. I don’t feel that his music is that significant or changed the face of the music scene. I did not know who he was and neither did my peers. I’ve heard his music on the radio but never knew his name before this assignment; however, I have gained respect for Stipe and his accomplishments.

At this point Stipe was put und

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