AMG Review of Out of Time

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

In contrast to the directness of Green and Document, this may seem like a return to the abstractness of the early years, but that isn't the case. Out of Time is among R.E.M.'s best work -- a mature, balanced, graceful collection of pop songs quite different from Murmur and Reckoning. Buck, Berry, and Mills switch instruments frequently, keeping the music fresh and exciting.