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, Rovi