November 5, 2025
What song makes you feel understood when no one else does?
It would probably be something from Out of Time by R.E.M. It's one of the first records I bought for myself. My family had recently moved to a different area, triggering three school changes in as many years. That was hard going for a shy, introverted child. It's a strange record because it incorporates musical styles and arrangements that often sound exuberant and uplifting, but beneath the surface, the lyrics explore darker themes I identified with at that time. Over the years, it's remained a record I turn to for comfort.