Environmental pollution is a problem that has been around for centuries. The Environmental Protection Agency has its hands full focusing on the release of toxic chemicals and other pollutants. This week’s EHSDA Song of the Week, R.E.M.’s “Fall On Me,” came out in 1986 and while its initial focus was on acid rain, its ecological concerns still resonate.
“Fall On Me” was the first single released from R.E.M.’s fourth studio album Lifes Rich Pageant and it marked a shift in the band’s sound, moving away from the jangly guitars and mumbled vocals of the group’s previous releases. The song is a duet between lead singer Michael Stipe and bassist Mike Mills, who share vocals on the bridge and chorus.
Although the song wasn’t a big hit, reaching #94 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was popular on rock radio, hitting #5 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. The video got plenty of play on MTV at the time and “Fall On Me” quickly became a fan favorite.