Uncharacteristically, bass player Mike Mills sings lead vocals instead of Michael Stipe. Stipe reportedly felt the song didn't fit his vocal style or the band's serious image at the time, though he eventually embraced it.
It is one of the few cover songs R.E.M. included on a studio album during their I.R.S. Records era. R.E.M. - Superman
Released on Life's Rich Pageant , the song marked a shift for Michael Stipe toward more "loud and clear" vocals after the "murmuring" style of their earlier records. Chart Performance & Legacy included on a studio album during their I
The song features a distinct, scratchy spoken-word intro in Japanese. This was provided by a pull-string Godzilla toy belonging to the band. Thematic & Lyrical Content Chart Performance & Legacy The song features a
R.E.M.'s "Superman," the final track on their 1986 album , is a rare departure for the band—a bright, power-pop cover of a song originally recorded by the Texas sunshine-pop group The Clique in 1969. Historical Significance & Production
The track has appeared in several media projects, including an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and the 2022 film DC League of Super-Pets .