By the time Pop Song 89 was released as a single in May 1989, R.E.M. had already made the jump from beloved college radio favorites to major-label stars. But if anyone thought they were about to play it safe, this track — the opener on their Green album — made it clear they’d keep doing things their own way, with a smirk and a sideways glance.
A Pop Song That Isn’t
At first listen, “Pop Song 89” sounds like a light, jangly tune — bright guitars and a catchy, repetitive chorus. But look closer, and it’s clear the band is mocking the very idea of a “pop song.” The lyrics are intentionally bland: “Should we talk about the weather? / Should we talk about the government?” It’s small talk pretending to be meaningful, and that’s exactly the point.
Michael Stipe later called it a “complete piss-take,” meant to be both the prototype and the end of the pop song. It’s undeniably catchy — but also a clever wink at how shallow pop music can be when it tries to say something but ends up saying nothing at all.
The Video: Equal-Opportunity Nudity
The music video, directed by Stipe himself, doubled down on the satire. It showed him and three women dancing topless in a minimalist black-and-white set. When MTV demanded a censored version, Stipe didn’t just cover the women — he added black bars over his own chest too, famously saying, “A nipple is a nipple.” It was a cheeky jab at censorship and gender double standards, boosting the song’s cult status.
Chart Performance and Reception
Despite its poppy sound, “Pop Song 89” wasn’t a huge hit. It peaked at No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and didn’t chart in the UK, where the label chose to re-release “Stand” instead. Still, it did better on alternative and rock radio, reaching No. 16 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay and No. 14 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
Critics were mixed — some praised its clever parody, others saw it as lightweight. Over time, though, it’s become a fan favorite, especially among those who enjoy R.E.M.’s playful, self-aware side.
A Subversive Start
As the opening track on Green, “Pop Song 89” set the tone for an album blending political commentary, surrealism, and pop experimentation. It’s not R.E.M.’s deepest song, but it might be one of their most revealing — a band stepping into the mainstream while refusing to take it too seriously.
R.E.M. – Pop Song 89 – Lyrics