R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe has one of the most distinctive voices in rock history, and for decades he’s been wonderfully generous with it. Here are the guest appearances that fans can’t stop talking about.
“Kid Fears” — Indigo Girls
The one that gives everyone chills. Stipe doesn’t arrive until late in the song, but when he does, the whole thing transforms into something genuinely spine-tingling.
“Your Ghost” — Kristin Hersh
A perfect duet from 1994 that’s quietly one of the most beautiful vocal collaborations of the entire decade. Haunting, intimate, and completely unforgettable.
“Future 40’s” — Syd Straw
A fan favourite that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Stipe’s harmonies here are warm, unexpected, and completely wonderful.
“Boy (Go)” — The Golden Palominos One of several Golden Palominos tracks that gave fans a rawer, more unbridled side of Stipe that R.E.M. rarely showed.
“Alive and Living Now” — The Golden Palominos
Many fans consider this the best of his Golden Palominos work, with Stipe front and centre and clearly loving every second of it.
“A Campfire Song” — 10,000 Maniacs
Pure joy from start to finish. Stipe belts alongside Natalie Merchant and the chemistry between those two voices is something else entirely.
“To Sir With Love” — 10,000 Maniacs
Another Stipe and Merchant moment that fans have never stopped talking about, this time a gorgeous cover that the two of them make completely their own.
“Trout” — Neneh Cherry
An unexpected pairing that absolutely works. Stipe’s voice alongside Cherry’s is playful, soulful, and surprisingly moving.
“Injured Bird” — Vic Chesnutt
A deeply emotional vocal performance that shows just how much range and tenderness Stipe brings when the song calls for it.
“You Woke Up My Neighbourhood” — Billy Bragg
Warm, punchy, and full of personality. Stipe sounds like he had a brilliant time making this one.
“She Doesn’t Exist” — Robyn Hitchcock
A subtle, understated gem where Stipe’s backing vocals drift in at the fade and somehow make the whole song feel larger than it was before.
“Broken Promise” — Placebo
A gorgeous and unexpected late-career collaboration that showed Stipe’s voice had lost absolutely none of its power or emotional depth.
“Almond Kisses” — Spacehog
A cult favourite among fans, and for good reason. Stipe sounds completely at home in Spacehog’s glam-tinged world.
“Time Is the Killer” — Rain Phoenix
Dreamy, melancholy, and deeply moving. Many fans quietly consider this one of his finest vocal performances outside of R.E.M. entirely.
“Dancing on the Lip of a Volcano” — New York Dolls
Proof that Stipe’s voice can slot into absolutely any context and make it better. Even the New York Dolls didn’t see this one coming.