Aftermath
R.E.M. · Around The Sun
some sour song that sets it right.
and when London falls
he'd like to call
but the stars collide.
they're beautiful and much maligned.
in a universe where you see the worst,
and it's up to you to fix it.
now you've worked it out
and you see it all
and you've worked it out
and you see it all
and you want to shout
how you see it all
it's easy to dismiss the "what's it all about" crowd.
there is no doubt. it's this, here, now.
and you close your eyes.
he's not coming back.
so you work it out, overfeed the cat.
and the plants are dry and they need to drink.
so you do your best. and you flood the sink.
sit down in the kitchen and cry.
now you've worked it out
and you see it all
and you've worked it out
and you see it all
and you want to shout
how you see it all
now the universe left you for a runners lap.
it feels like home when it comes crashing back.
and it makes you laugh
and it makes you cry,
when London falls
and you're still alive.
the radio stutters,
it makes you laugh
and the aftermath,
open up your eyes.
you're so alive.
now you've worked it out
and you see it all
and you've worked it out
and you see it all
and you want to shout
how you see it all
how you've worked it out
and you see it all
how you've worked it out
and you see it all
Aftermath - R.E.M.
Released on the 1991 album Around The Sun, "Aftermath" stands as a defining track in the evolution of alternative rock during the early 1990s. The song features a distinctive, driving rhythm section that anchors Mike Mills' intricate guitar work, creating a sound that balances melodic accessibility with the band's signature atmospheric depth. While often associated with the massive commercial success of "Losing My Religion," "Aftermath" offers a more introspective and textured listening experience, showcasing the band's ability to craft complex arrangements without relying on overt aggression. Its inclusion on Around The Sun highlights the group's transition from their earlier indie roots to a broader mainstream appeal, cementing their status as pioneers of the shoegaze and alternative movements. The track remains a staple of their discography, reflecting the emotional resonance and sonic experimentation that characterized their work in the early 1990s.