In contrast to the directness of Green and Document, this may seem like a return to the abstractness of the early years, but that isn't the case. Out of Time is among R.E.M.'s best work -- a mature, balanced, graceful collection of pop songs quite different from Murmur and Reckoning. Buck, Berry, and Mills switch instruments frequently, keeping ...

In contrast to the directness of Green and Document, this may seem like a return to the abstractness of the early years, but that isn't the case. Out of Time is among R.E.M.'s best work -- a mature, balanced, graceful collection of pop songs quite different from Murmur and Reckoning. Buck, Berry, and Mills switch instruments frequently, keeping the music fresh and exciting. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide