R.E.M.’s album released in the United States on November 8, 1988, was “Green.” It was the band’s sixth studio album and its first release for Warner Bros. Records.
The date was strategically chosen to coincide with the 1988 U.S. presidential election. The album’s lyrics and packaging explored political themes, and R.E.M. used its heightened public profile to comment on the contest between George H. W. Bush and Michael Dukakis. The record followed “Document,” the final album in the band’s original I.R.S. Records contract.
“Green” was produced by Scott Litt and R.E.M. and marked a period of experimentation. Peter Buck played mandolin on several tracks, while the band also incorporated accordion, cello, and lap steel guitar. The album moved between pop songs, harder rock, and acoustic textures.
A useful distinction is that the UK and Europe received “Green” one day earlier, on November 7. In the United States, however, the canonical release date is November 8, 1988. The album eventually went double platinum there.