R.E.M. - Losing my Religion - 1991
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R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" (1991)
"Losing My Religion" is a song by the American alternative rock band R.E.M. Released in 1991, this track quickly became one of the band's biggest hits and a staple of the 1990s music scene. It's known for its distinctive mandolin riff and its ambiguous, introspective lyrics. In this aiMOOC, we'll dive deep into the song's history, its lyrics, and its impact.
Background and Release
R.E.M. formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia, and quickly became a key player in the alternative rock scene. "Losing My Religion" was released as the first single from their album Out of Time. Despite being something of a departure from their usual sound, it became an unexpected success.
R.E.M.'s History 'Out of Time' Album Alternative Rock Genre
The Music of "Losing My Religion"
The song is particularly notable for its use of the mandolin, an instrument not commonly heard in popular music at the time. The melody and rhythm of the mandolin part give the song its unique and memorable sound.
The Mandolin in Music Music Composition Techniques Music in the 1990s
Lyrics and Interpretation
The phrase "losing my religion" is an old southern expression meaning "at the end of one's rope" or "losing one's temper". Lead singer Michael Stipe has mentioned that the song is about unrequited love. The lyrics are open to interpretation and have been widely discussed and analyzed since the song's release.
Michael Stipe's Songwriting Analyzing Lyrics Unrequited Love in Songs
Music Video and Cultural Impact
The music video for "Losing My Religion" was directed by Tarsem Singh and won several awards. The song's success helped propel R.E.M. to international fame, and it remains a significant track in the history of alternative rock.
Music Video Production 1990s Pop Culture Award-Winning Music Videos
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What instrument is prominently featured in "Losing My Religion"? (Mandolin) (!Guitar) (!Piano) (!Violin)
In what year was "Losing My Religion" released? (1991) (!1989) (!1994) (!1987)
Which album features "Losing My Religion"? (Out of Time) (!Automatic for the People) (!Green) (!Monster)
Who directed the music video for "Losing My Religion"? (Tarsem Singh) (!Spike Jonze) (!Michel Gondry) (!David Fincher)
What is the song "Losing My Religion" primarily about? (Unrequited Love) (!Religious Faith) (!Political Unrest) (!A Journey of Self-Discovery)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
In which city was R.E.M. formed? (Athens, Georgia) (!Seattle, Washington) (!New York, New York) (!Los Angeles, California)
Who is the lead singer of R.E.M.? (Michael Stipe) (!Peter Buck) (!Bill Berry) (!Mike Mills)
Which of the following albums is NOT by R.E.M.? (!Automatic for the People) (!Out of Time) (!Green) (OK Computer)
What genre of music is R.E.M. most associated with? (Alternative Rock) (!Heavy Metal) (!Pop) (!Jazz)
Before "Losing My Religion," R.E.M. was primarily known as a band of what type? (College Rock) (!Mainstream Pop) (!Punk Rock) (!Electronic)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What does the phrase "Losing my religion" mean in the context of the song? (Feeling Frustrated or At the End of One's Rope) (!Questioning Religious Beliefs) (!Forgetting Cultural Traditions) (!A Literal Loss of Faith)
Which of the following lines is NOT from "Losing My Religion"? (!"And I don't know if I can do it") ("That's me in the corner") ("Trying to keep up with you") ("I thought that I heard you laughing")
The lyric "Oh no, I've said too much, I haven't said enough" reflects a theme of: (Insecurity and Uncertainty) (!Optimism and Confidence) (!Anger and Revenge) (!Happiness and Contentment)
The song's lyrics are often interpreted as being about: (Unrequited Love) (!A Political Statement) (!An Apocalyptic Vision) (!A Road Trip)
Which instrument is NOT mentioned in the lyrics of "Losing My Religion"? (Piano) (!Mandolin) (!Corner) (!Spotlight)
Memory
| R.E.M. Formation Year | 1980 |
| "Losing My Religion" Release Year | 1991 |
| Lead Singer of R.E.M. | Michael Stipe |
| Album Featuring the Song | Out of Time |
| Song's Main Instrument | Mandolin |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of songs from the 1990s that share a similar mood or theme with "Losing My Religion".
- Draw a Music Video Scene: Draw or digitally create a scene that you imagine could fit in the music video for "Losing My Religion".
- Write a Short Poem: Write a short poem inspired by the themes of unrequited love and frustration in "Losing My Religion".
Standard
- Research Paper on 1990s Music: Write a research paper exploring the impact of "Losing My Religion" on 1990s music and culture.
- Analyze the Lyrics: Do a detailed analysis of the lyrics of "Losing My Religion", discussing the themes and possible interpretations.
- Create a Mandolin Cover: If you play an instrument, try creating a cover of "Losing My Religion", focusing on replicating the mandolin sound.
Difficult
- Direct a Music Video: Plan and direct a short music video inspired by "Losing My Religion". This could be a re-interpretation of the song or an original creation inspired by its themes.
- Compose a Song: Write and compose a song that captures the mood and themes of "Losing My Religion", and record a performance of it.
- In-depth Artist Study: Conduct an in-depth study on R.E.M., focusing on their musical style, evolution, and influence in the alternative rock genre.
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Oral Exam
- Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast "Losing My Religion" with another R.E.M. song in terms of lyrics, themes, and music composition.
- Historical Context Discussion: Discuss how the early 1990s cultural and music scene may have influenced the creation and reception of "Losing My Religion".
- Music Video Interpretation: Analyze the "Losing My Religion" music video, focusing on its symbolism, narrative, and artistic choices.
- Artist Influence: Discuss how R.E.M.'s style in "Losing My Religion" has influenced other bands and musicians in the alternative rock genre.
- Lyric Adaptation: Create a spoken word or dramatic interpretation of the lyrics of "Losing My Religion", focusing on conveying its emotional tones and themes.
OERs on the Topic
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MUSIC QUIZ
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