R.E.M.: Best of the I.R.S. Years

Before they lost their religion, R.E.M. found their voice on six increasingly ambitious albums for the I.R.S. label. Early touchstones like 1984's “So. Central Rain” spiked '60s jangle with post-punk urgency; Michael Stipe obscured his lyrics as his long curly locks obscured his face. But by 1987's subversive sing-along “The One I Love,” he was ready to face the masses.