Which R.E.M. member sang lead on 'Near Wild Heaven'?

Mike Mills sang lead on R.E.M.’s “Near Wild Heaven.” The bassist’s bright, melodic vocal is a defining feature of the song, which appeared on the band’s 1991 album Out of Time and became its third single.

The track was especially notable within R.E.M.’s catalog because it was the first single released by the band whose lyrics were both co-written and sung by Mills. The lyrics are credited to a collaboration between Mills and Michael Stipe, while all four R.E.M. members share the songwriting credit in the album’s broader listing.

Mills was already an important vocalist in the group, best known for layered harmonies and backing parts. He had previously sung the cover “Superman” and contributed lyrics to “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville,” but “Near Wild Heaven” put his own lead vocal at the center of a major R.E.M. single. The song was released in August 1991 and reached No. 27 in the United Kingdom.