The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 along with the video album When the Light Is Mine: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987—the label had previously released the compilations The Best of R.E.M. (1991), R.E.M.: Singles Collected (1994), and R.E.M.: In the Attic – Alternative Recordings 1985–1989 (1997).
The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987 sammen med videoalbummet When the Light Is Mine: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982–1987—pladeselskabet havde tidligere udgivet opsamlingsalbummene The Best of R.E.M. (1991), R.E.M.: Singles Collected (1994) og R.E.M.: In the Attic – Alternative Recordings 1985–1989 (1997).