R.E.M. went from college rock indie pioneers to one of the most popular rock bands in the world, eventually selling more than 90 million albums globally. But they never managed to place a single atop the Billboard Hot 100.
The band did score a #1 in Canada with ‘Bang and Blame’ and another in Norway with ‘Supernatural Superserious.’ And in the Netherlands, ‘Losing My Religion’ made it to #1. But in the good old U.S. of A., four hits between 1987-1991 stalled out in the top ten.
‘Losing My Religion’ came closest, peaking at #4 during a 21-week stint on the chart. Paula Abdul. Color Me Badd, and Extreme occupied the top three spots the week R.E.M. had their best shot at a chart-topper. Ouch.
The band’s other top ten hits were ‘The One I Love’ (#9), ‘Stand’ (#6), and ‘Shiny Happy People’ (#10). How crazy that those last two — among R.E.M.’s most mindless, throwaway songs — were bigger hits than anything else in the band’s deep and brilliant discography.
Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before
Now stand in the place where you were
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before
[Verse 1]
If you are confused, check with the sun
Carry a compass to help you along
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around
[Chorus]
So stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before
Now stand in the place where you were
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before
[Verse 2]
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around
If wishes were trees, the trees would be falling
Listen to reason, the season is calling
[Chorus]
Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before
Now stand in the place where you were
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before
[Verse 3]
If wishes were trees, the trees would be falling
Listen to reason, reason is calling
Your feet are going to be on the ground
Your head is there to move you around
[Bridge]
So stand (Stand!)
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before
Now stand (Stand!)
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t
[Chorus]
Stand in the place where you live
Now face north
Think about direction
Wonder why you haven’t before
Now stand in the place where you were
Now face west
Think about the place where you live
Wonder why you haven’t before
[Outro]
Stand in the place where you are
(Now face north)
Stand in the place where you are
(Now face west)
Your feet are going to be on the ground
(Stand in the place where you are)
Your head is there to move you around (now face), so stand
Meet Me In Montauk 
It is a bit embarrassing when a great alternative rock band like R.E.M. can’t score a number 1 hit when they so blatantly sell out with commercial songs like “Stand.” True fans, however, are probably happy and relieved that the band returned to their less popular sound after a few albums.