Pretty Persuasion (song)

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"Pretty Persuasion"
Promotional single by R.E.M.
from the album Reckoning
ReleasedApril 9, 1984
RecordedDecember 1983 – January 1984
Genre
Length3:50
LabelI.R.S.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Pretty Persuasion" is a song by

Rock Tracks chart.[2] According to R.E.M. biographer Tony Fletcher, it is often regarded as "the 'archetypal' R.E.M. anthem".[3]

Background

Although not released commercially until 1984, R.E.M. performed "Pretty Persuasion" live in concert as early as 1980 and 1981.

Producer Mitch Easter wanted to record the song again for Reckoning but the band, particularly lead singer Michael Stipe who no longer liked the song, was initially reluctant.[4] They eventually agreed to a multi-track studio recording for Reckoning due to the popularity of the song live with fans.[5][6]

Content

Lyrical themes

Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz describes the lyrics as "an anti-consumerism take on advertising."[7]
The song makes the point right away with the lines:

It's what I want
Hurry and buy
All has been tried
Follow reason and buy.[7]

Style and composition

As with many R.E.M. songs, the

Rolling Stones for the cover of their last single, which in the dream was entitled "Pretty Persuasion".[3][6]

The song begins with a

guitar riff based on descending arpeggios.[3] Easter has noted a musical similarity to Todd Rundgren's 1972 song "Couldn't I Just Tell You" and thinks the earlier song provided some inspiration for "Pretty Persuasion".[4][5] Janovitz notes similarities with songs by The Byrds.[7] These include the guitar riffs, which although played on two six-string guitars, produce an "electric-guitar jangle" similar to that achieved by The Byrds' Roger McGuinn on his 12-string Rickenbacker guitar.[7] They also include the multi-track vocals by Stipe and bassist Mike Mills, which evoke The Byrds' vocal harmonies.[7] However, the vocals on "Pretty Persuasion" are not precisely enunciated, making the lyrics difficult to decipher at times.[3][7]
Spin critics Eric Weisbard and Craig Marks described "Pretty Persuasion" as "a great rocker."[8]

Performances

In addition to being played live in the early portion of R.E.M.'s career, "Pretty Persuasion" was included in the live set as late as 2007 and 2008.

live album Live at the Olympia.[7] "Pretty Persuasion" has also been included on several of R.E.M.'s compilation albums, including The Best of R.E.M. in 1991 and And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 in 2006.[7]

The band briefly reunited on February 27, 2025 at the 40 Watt Club in their hometown of Athens, GA to perform the song alongside Jason Narducy, Michael Shannon, and others.[9] Stipe, alone, also joined Shannon and Narducy in a performance of the song on March 8, 2025 at Brooklyn Steel.[10]


Music video

This song, and others from the album, is part of a short film called "Left of Reckoning", directed by James Herbert. The four-minute clip has the band wandering around folk artist R.A. Miller's Whirligig Farm in Rabbittown, Georgia.

References

  1. ^ a b Raymer, Miles. "The 10 Best R.E.M. Songs You Probably Haven't Heard". Esquire. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
  2. ISBN 9780898201741
    .
  3. ^
    ISBN 9781780386980
    .
  4. ^
    ISBN 9781448132461
    .
  5. ^
    ISBN 9781560251774
    .
  6. ^
    ISBN 0879307765
    .
  7. ^
    Allmusic
    . Retrieved 2015-06-17.
  8. ISBN 9780679755746
    .
  9. ^ Kaufman, Gil (February 28, 2025). "R.E.M. Stage Surprise Reunion at Athens' 40 Watt Club For Spirited Run Through 'Pretty Persuasion". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
  10. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (March 9, 2025). "Michael Stipe Surprises at R.E.M. Tribute in NYC". Spin. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
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