VIDEO | R.E.M. – "The One I Love" by R.E.M.

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"The One I Love" by R.E.M.

Last updated 📅 2025-04-19

Listen closely to R.E.M.'s haunting 1987 breakthrough hit, "The One I Love." This powerful alternative rock track from the album Document grabbed mainstream attention with its iconic, menacing guitar riff and Michael Stipe's intense, ambiguous vocals, becoming their first US Top 10 single.

Released as the lead single from their critically acclaimed 1987 album Document, "The One I Love" marked a shift towards a harder-edged alternative rock sound for R.E.M. Peter Buck's simple yet powerful guitar riff drives the song, creating a dark, insistent atmosphere that captivated listeners worldwide.

Often misinterpreted due to its title, this 1987 alternative rock classic features a driving rhythm section and Michael Stipe's stark vocal delivery. Its success launched R.E.M. into a new level of fame while retaining their artistic integrity, making it a landmark track in their influential catalog.

SONG MEANING: Despite the repeated line "This one goes out to the one I love," the band members have indicated the song is far from a straightforward love song. It's often interpreted as dark and cynical, with the subsequent line "A simple prop to occupy my time" suggesting manipulation or using someone, subverting romantic expectations.

HASHTAGS: #REM #AlternativeRock #August24
BAND: R.E.M.
GENRE: Alternative Rock
RELEASEDAY: August 24
YEAR: 1987

Band

"R.E.M."

R.E.M. emerged from Athens, Georgia, as pioneers of alternative rock, influencing generations with their distinctive sound and enigmatic lyrics. Led by Michael Stipe, they transitioned from indie darlings to global superstars. Explore the influential jangle pop and thoughtful rock anthems created by the iconic band R.E.M.

Active from 1980 until their amicable split in 2011, R.E.M. forged a unique path in rock music. Their influential early sound blended post-punk urgency with folk rock sensibilities and signature jangle pop guitars. Key periods, such as around 1987 and 1991, marked their evolution and ascent into massive alternative rock success. This distinctive sound produced compelling tracks, including some considered ideal cruising classics, that resonated deeply with listeners. R.E.M.'s journey from college radio favorites to stadium headliners was built on artistic integrity and a constantly developing sonic identity that defined alternative music for decades. This influential band produced landmark songs that broke alternative music into the global mainstream. Signature hits often featured Michael Stipe's distinctive, sometimes cryptic vocal delivery and stream-of-consciousness lyrical style, inviting multiple interpretations...

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