Question: Losing My Religion was a hit for which band in 1991?
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R.E.M.
“Losing My Religion” is one of the most iconic songs from the early 1990s, and it was a massive hit for the American rock band R.E.M. Released in 1991 as the lead single from their album “Out of Time,” the song marked a departure from the band’s earlier sound, bringing them into the mainstream spotlight like never before.
R.E.M., originally hailing from Athens, Georgia, had already established themselves in the 1980s as a prominent figure in the alternative rock scene with their jangly guitars and enigmatic lyrics. However, “Losing My Religion” catapulted them to international fame. With its distinctive mandolin riff played by Peter Buck and Michael Stipe’s impassioned vocals, the track was both melancholic and catchy, resonating with a broad audience.
The song’s title, “Losing My Religion,” is a Southern expression that means being at the end of one’s tether or losing one’s temper. However, many interpreted the song’s lyrics in various ways, from a tale of unrequited love to a crisis of faith. Michael Stipe, the band’s lead singer and primary lyricist, has stated that the song was about someone who doesn’t have the ability to communicate effectively.
Complementing the song’s success was its music video, which was enigmatic and visually arresting, drawing from religious and art imagery. The video, directed by Tarsem Singh, was heavily rotated on MTV and went on to win several awards, including two Grammy Awards for Best Short Form Music Video and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
“Losing My Religion” remains one of R.E.M.’s most beloved tracks. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the band’s highest-charting hit in the United States. Today, it stands as a testament to R.E.M.’s profound influence on rock music and their ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
