Around The Sun  by R.E.M.

The thirteenth album by R.E.M. titled Around The Sun was released in 2004. R.E.M. presents an album whose musical style moves towards the alternative rock sound. Many consider it to be one of the weakest albums of their entire career.

Although several singles were released, one ultimately dominated, Leaving New York. In the song The Outsiders, the rapping of the lyrics by Q-Tip stands out. For the production of the album, the band collaborates with producer Pat McCarthy for the third and final time.

Around The Sun reached No.1 in the United Kingdom, but in the U.S. it stayed at No.13. Thus, after six consecutive studio albums by R.E.M. that had reached the Top-10 of the Billboard, Around The Sun becomes the first since 1988's Green not to reach the high positions of the American chart (!)