"Pretty Persuasion" is a song by R.E.M. that was first released on the band's 1984 album Reckoning. Although not released as a single, it reached number 44 on Billboard's Rock Tracks chart. According to R.E.M. biographer Tony Fletcher, it is often regarded as "the 'archetypal' R.E.M. anthem". Allmusic critic Bill Janovitz describes the lyrics as "an anti-consumerism take on advertising." The song makes the point right away with the lines: It's what I wantHurry and buyAll has been triedFollow reason and buy.