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
Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics are often interpreted as "slightly stalkerish". The protagonist believes he has X-ray vision and can "see right through" a woman to know she doesn't love her current partner, declaring he will find her even if she is "a million miles away". R.E.M. - Superman
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 The song features a distinct, scratchy spoken-word intro
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. Stipe reportedly felt the song didn't fit his
While it didn't dominate the main pop charts, it peaked at #17 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart .