5 Things to Know About R.E.M.'s Reckoning (File Under Water)

The album is also called File Under Water R.E.M.’s 1984 album Reckoning is commonly known by the alternate title File Under Water.

The title came from a record store bin The band suggested the title after seeing how some record stores filed their albums under “water” due to the cover art’s imagery.

The cover art inspired the name The album’s cover features a painting of a water scene, which led to the playful filing suggestion.

It is not an official subtitle File Under Water is not printed on the album’s official packaging but is widely recognized by fans and critics.

The title reflects the band’s humor R.E.M. often used quirky, self-aware references, and this alternate title is a clear example of their playful approach to their own work.