U2 and REM were always considered peers to a certain extent. I think the late 90s is where their courses parted ways. Both bands experienced a decline in popularity in the late 90s. U2 did what everybody wanted them to do and made ATYCLB, HTDAAB, and caught a 2nd wind and cemented their legacy forever. REM did not pander to the masses, and instead made Up, Reveal and Around the Sun. I personally like those albums, but can understand why they didn't tear up the radiowaves. By the time REM did their "return to form" album with Accelerate, it was too late. Also, Stipe's homosexuality and Bill Berry's departure played a huge role in their decline in popularity.