Top 5 R.E.M Breakup Songs to Help You Get Over R.E.M. Breaking Up [VIDEO]

As most everyone knows by now, R.E.M. has decided to call it quits after an amazing 31 years together.

The band made the announcement on its official Web site Wednesday:

To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band, the posting on the group's official Web site said.

We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.

R.E.M. formed in 1980 in Athens, Ga., with vocalist Michael Stipe, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry. The band first found cult success, which was followed by mainstream success by the late 80s.

Through the decades, R.E.M.'s cheerfully angst-ridden songs got many through the hurdles of young love. Although R.E.M. never shied away from darkness, there was always some upbeat, powerful element in even their most despondent songs.

With that -- In no particular order -- here are five R.E.M. songs we think will help you get over the breakup of R.E.M.

It's the End of the World as We Know it (And I Feel Fine)

The One I Love

Losing My Religion*

*This song is not about religion at all. It's an expression usually heard in the south when someone is just really fed up and can't take it anymore. This song is about being so angry at another person that you feel you're losing faith in them. Enjoy this awesome, extra moody live version:

So. Central Rain is an oldie but goodie. Look -- Michael Stipe had hair once!

And of course.... Everybody Hurts at the end of an era. Watch a live performance below, and click here for the fancy video.