R.E.M.: Monster

Monster is the ninth studio album by the American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in September 1994 on Warner Bros. Records. Co-produced by the band and Scott Litt and recorded in four different recording studios, Monster was an intentional stylistic shift from the group's preceding albums, Out of Time (1991) and Automatic for the People (1992), consisting of loud, distorted guitar tones and simple song arrangements. Singer Michael Stipe's lyrics on the album dealt with the nature of celebrity, which he sang while assuming various characters. Led by the successful single "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?", Monster debuted at number one in the United States and at least seven other countries. Four further singles were released from the album in 1995, including UK Top 20 hits "Bang and Blame", "Strange Currencies" and "Tongue". The album received generally positive reviews from critics. In 1995, the band promoted the record with its first concert tour since 1989. Although the tour was commercially successful, it was marked by several personal health problems. The album's follow-up, New Adventures in Hi-Fi, was mostly recorded during the tour.