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Three and a half years after the self-titled album, on September 20, 2009, Pearl Jam released their ninth studio work, "Backspacer".
Although we are talking about a band with an almost twenty-year career, PJ cannot be considered "old", because each of their albums is created with the goal of achieving something new, something that perhaps wasn't achieved with previous albums.
In "Backspacer" there is a clear search for balance and continuity (from my point of view, a shortcoming of previous albums); we do not find songs destined to make history, but neither do we find low-level fillers. Overall, the 36 minutes of the album flow quickly and pleasantly, among successful songs and somewhat anonymous tracks, without provoking symptoms of boredom.
The first part is by far the best, "Gonna see my friend" is the typical PJ opening, sharp and well-functioning, "Got some" is another impactful song, aggressive and convincing, "The fixer" has a catchy riff and a melody that is easily memorable, it's truly a perfect hit!, in "Johnny guitar" the band shows a bit of fatigue, it hits quite well on the first listen but doesn't manage to leave a mark. "Just breathe" is the acoustic moment, with atmospheres that recall "Into the wild" 100%, both in words and music... and the result is the same: the song is truly moving and should definitely be added to the many gems that PJ has given us over all these years.
The second part, however, doesn't quite convince: "Amongst the waves", "Unthought known", "Supersonic", and "Speed of sound" are just decent tracks, where new solutions are also sought (except in "Supersonic," which I found to be too repetitive... too many times!), with sometimes interesting and sometimes less successful results. We then arrive at the tenth track, "Force of nature", the best on the album, very inspired, simple but not trivial, it's the kind of song that never bores you, even after many listens. Finally, we come to "The end", the second acoustic piece, also in the vein of "Into the wild", wonderful and poignant, a trademark of Vedder and company.
Overall, "Backspacer" is not bad at all... but one cannot fail to notice that it lacks a bit of freshness... in several places it seems as if PJ are trapped and can't fully showcase their talent (because they truly have a lot!)... In short, either they are settling, or they are afraid to take risks! And that would be strange... because when they have dared, they have always achieved great things... and there would be no need for examples!
So in waiting for the new "Vitalogy" or the new "VS", let's settle for "Backspacer", which is still a satisfying settlement!
P.s.: okay, there are already 2 reviews on this album...but being my first one, I opted for a record that many will know well, so (I hope!) they will know how to best evaluate what I have written...
Tracklist Lyrics and Samples
03 The Fixer (02:57)
Yeah, hey, hey
When somethings dark, let me shed a little light on it
When somethings cold, let me put a little fire on it
If somethings old, I wanna put a bit of shine on it
When somethings gone, I wanna fight to get it back again
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, fight to get it back again
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
When somethings broke, I wanna put a bit of fixin on it
When somethings bored, I wanna put a little exciting on it
If somethings low, I wanna put a little high on it
When somethings lost, I wanna fight to get it back again
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, fight to get it back again
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
When signals cross, I wanna put a little straight on it
If there's no love, I wanna try to love again
I’ll say your prayers, I’ll take your side
I'll find us a way to make light
I'll dig your grave, we'll dance and sing
What's saved could be one last lifetime
Hey, hey, hey
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, fight to get it back again
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Fight to get it back again, yeah, yeah, yeah
Fight to get it back again, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
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Other reviews
By Domenico_Lotti
Pearl Jam releasing inferior albums, come on, that’s otherworldly stuff.
A great performance by Vedder and his companions, and particularly by Matt Cameron, who is truly outstanding behind the drums.
By Black Creep
Backspacer is a well-made album and songs like "Got Some," "The Fixer," and "Force of Nature" will surely go on my mp3.
Beautiful, but no longer exciting... it’s as if PJ decided to always play it safe, offering tracks that don’t move an inch.
By umb
This is a sincere and unfiltered album, recorded directly, demonstrating that the passion and honesty of this band only increase with the passing of the years.
The gem of Backspacer is undoubtedly Force Of Nature, where the delicate hand of guitarist Mike McCready lays a sonic carpet for Eddie Vedder’s inspired voice.
By verorock
It’s an album that certainly won’t be accepted by everyone, but it will thrill the longtime fans.
Pearl Jam has changed in clothing, in age but are STILL ANGRY!!
