Out of Time is R.E.M.'s 1991 international breakthrough album, and their second major label release for Warner Bros. Records. Preceded by the idiosyncratic "Losing My Religion", which became R.E.M.'s biggest US hit, Out of Time gave them their first US and UK #1 albums, earning them a slew of additional fans and worldwide renown. Ironically, the band decided not tour to support the release, nor the following one.

Out of Time also birthed a further smash in "Shiny Happy People" (featuring an appearance from The B-52's Kate Pierson). The overtly bubble-gum styling of the song has divided fans over the years as to its virtues, while the members of R.E.M. themselves have long since disowned it, having never played it live and overlooking its inclusion on In Time - The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003. A second cameo appearance arises in the form of rapper KRS-One who makes a memorable appearance on the minor hit "Radio Song". Bassist Mike Mills handles lead vocal duties, aided by frontman Michael Stipe, on "Near Wild Heaven" and "Texarkana".