Reckoning (R.E.M. album)

Reckoning is the second LP released by the band R.E.M.. It was released in 1984 by indie label IRS Records. The album explores a number of different musical styles. Song topics include cold weather, a fairy tale in which a child drowns, a flood, superficiality, and separation. Yet the jangling guitars and beautiful melodies hide the dark lyrics. The final song, "Little America", is written about rural America, and the song is a prelude to the Southern themes on the subsequent album, Fables of the Reconstruction.

The cover art is a collaboration between lead singer Michael Stipe and Georgia outsider artist Howard Finster.

Track Listing

1. Harborcoat – 3:54
2. 7 Chinese Brothers – 4:18
3. So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry) – 3:16
4. Pretty Persuasion – 3:51
5. Time After Time (Annelise) – 3:30
6. Second Guessing – 2:52
7. Letter Never Sent – 2:59
8. Camera – 5:26
9. (Don't Go Back to) Rockville – 4:55
10. Little America – 2:56

Personnel

• Howard Finster - Art Direction
• Peter Buck – Guitar
• Mitch Easter – Producer, Engineer, Mixing
• Mike Mills – Bass, Vocals
• Michael Stipe – Vocals
• Bill Berry – Percussion, Drums, Vocals
• Ed Colver – Photography
• Mike Cameron – Photography