Rising from the underground of Athens, Georgia, in the early '80s, R.E.M. would become one of alternative rock's most influential acts. Fueled by frontman Michael Stipe's politics and self-reflection, the sunny jangle of Peter Buck's guitar (and mandolin and banjo) and Mike Mills' driving bass boost the band's signature sound. Since their bouncy debut single, "Radio Free Europe," they've made doomsday a thrill ("It's the End of the World…"), turned bubblegum pop cool ("Stand"), gorgeously encapsulated unrequited love ("Losing My Religion"), and offered a collective warm hug ("Everybody Hurts").