“Losing My Religion” was released as a single in February 1991, in advance of R.E.M.’s album, Out of Time, where it appeared as the second track.

It became R.E.M’s biggest hit, reaching #4 on the Billboard pop chart, and #1 on the Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock charts.

The song was also a major international hit, charting in 14 countries, including #1 in Belgium and the Netherlands.

“Losing My Religion” also received glowing critical reviews, winning the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. The music video won a Grammy (Best Short Form Music Video).

Rolling Stone Magazine included the song on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs”.

Despite the title (and the imagery in the video), the song has nothing to do with religion. Lyricist and lead singer Michael Stipe has stated the song is about doubt, obsession, and unrequited love. He was inspired by The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”. Stipe told Rolling Stone magazine: “It’s just a classic obsession pop song. I’ve always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, ‘Yeah, that’s me.’"

However, in an “MTV Unplugged” concert, he intimated that the song was also about the relationship between himself and his audience. Stipe introduced the song by directly addressing the audience, saying, “This song is about you”.