R.E.M.'s major label debut 'Green' came out 25 years ago.

R.E.M.'s Mike Mils On 'Green' At 25

Soundcheck | Nov 7, 2013

Twenty-five years ago this week, R.E.M. released its major-label debut album Green, and it went double platinum. To commemorate the landmark -- and to some, still polarizing to this day -- album R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills reflects on the record and his favorite songs. And, eMusic editor-in-chief J. Edward Keyes looks back at what it all meant.

"The band at the point that Green was released had really cultivated a reputation as underground darlings," explains Keyes. "They hit a point of personal frustration a little bit...and a major [label] was the next logical step. But at the time, the stigma of an indie darling jumping to a major was pretty strong."

"We were ready to branch out a little bit musically," says Mills of Green. "It was the album that took us worldwide."

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