R.E.M.'s first single to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 was “The One I Love.” The song peaked at No. 9 in the United States after its 1987 release.
Written by all four members of R.E.M., the track appeared on the band's fifth studio album, Document. Its sharp guitar riff and repeated refrain helped make it the group's first major American pop hit, even though singer Michael Stipe later described the lyrics as darker and more ambiguous than many listeners assumed.
Several other options are also genuine R.E.M. hits, which makes the chronology important. “Stand” later reached No. 6, “Losing My Religion” peaked at No. 4, and “Shiny Happy People” reached No. 10. However, “The One I Love” arrived first, making it the canonical answer to the question. The song was produced by Scott Litt and R.E.M. and was accompanied by a video directed by artist Robert Longo.