Pearl Jam: Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam’s self-titled album has been called a ‘back-to-basics’ return to form of the furious rockers of ‘Vs’ and ‘Vitalogy’ by critics and fans alike. And it is partly true, because the riffs are leaden with foot-tapping hooks, none more apparent than on “Worldwide Suicide” — the first single that became a surprise radio hit over the summer. But Pearl Jam has always been about the basics, never consciously going off tangents musically, yet progressing from album to album without bothering about critics, contemporaries or copy-cats.

Lyrically and thematically, the album is tied to its predecessor ‘Riot Act’, in that it talks about life during war, loss and alienation, faith and religion, love and longing. But, where ‘Riot Act’ was intermittently dull and sappy — I still shudder at “Love Boat Captain” — the band has never sounded as refreshing and sprightly as on “Marker in the Sand” and “Unemployable”. It’s also pleasing to hear the vigour of Eddie Vedder’s throaty vocals on raucous rockers “Life Wasted”, “Comatose” and “Big Wave”, something that was missed on past albums. The Nirvana-esque riff of “Severed Hand” that is almost homage to “Porch” is already a live favourite to showcase Mike McCready’s soloing talents. The album has its sedate moments in floaty ballad “Parachutes”, and Vedder-penned “Gone” (with backing vocals by drummer Matt Cameron) has lyrics like “When the gas in my tan / Feels like money in the bank / I’m gonna blow it all this time / Take me one last rideâ€?. The ironically upbeat “Army Reserve” and “Come Back” are reminiscent of ‘Yield’ and the slow burning “Inside Job” continues Pearl Jam’s tradition of ending albums on an introspective note.

‘Pearl Jam’ is an album that not only long-time fans, but also casual listeners that restrict their jam intake to “Alive”, “Evenflow” and “Black” will find enjoyable.

1. February 18, 2007, 3:33 pm basuki dutta

   pearl jam is only seattle band still survivieng out of the other four bands nirvana,aliche in
   chains&soundgarden.These four bands were the main bands of the 90s grunge scence.
   And pearl jam has still managed to hold its deep roots.
2. February 18, 2007, 3:38 pm basuki

   Pearl jam has always been modern rock/alternative band wrirting songs about everything
   from politics to stars.Albums like no code,riot act got pearl jam new edge in alternative rock.