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THE REVIEW
ARTIST: Pearl Jam
ALBUM: Backspacer
LABEL: Universal
After the reunions of Skunk Anansie and Alice In Chains, and the upcoming reunion of Soundgarden, here comes the return of one of the most important bands of the '90s and beyond. We are obviously talking about Pearl Jam, who, three years after their criticized yet intense and experimental self-titled album, are forcefully back on track with the release of their ninth studio album.
"Backspacer" was released on September 29, 2009, and is distributed in Europe by Universal.
The album is available in all record stores and large megastores, unlike in the United States, where Pearl Jam decided to rely on J-Records and sell the album only in certain supermarkets to boycott the American music industry's policies.
The Seattle quintet this time abandons sonic explorations and refinements, creating an instinctive, wild, and raw-sounding album. This is evident in the first two tracks, "Gonna see my friend" and "Got some", a true electric shock, while the first single, "The Fixer", has been in heavy rotation on radios for several months and at the top of the best-selling albums chart.
There are references to more classic rock (Johnny Guitar), the Ramones (Supersonic), and the nature-love duo perfectly described in "Amongst the Waves" and "Unthought Known".
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, in an emotional ride that recalls the most acid and electric Neil Young of the '90s.
In the two acoustic ballads, "Just Breath" and especially "The End" that closes the album, it is evident that Vedder still carries within him the marks of "Into The Wild," the Sean Penn film for which he curated the soundtrack, confirming that he is one of the greatest songwriters around.
Surely, the Pearl Jam of the '90s are a distant memory in terms of originality and ideas, but 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.
UMBERTO ANDREACCHIO
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Summary by Bot
Pearl Jam’s ninth studio album Backspacer marks a return to a raw, instinctive sound after experimentation in their previous work. It blends classic rock influences with emotional ballads, showcasing the band’s passion and songwriting skills. Notable tracks include the energetic single “The Fixer” and the emotional “Force Of Nature.” The album reinforces Pearl Jam’s sincerity and longevity in rock music.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle in 1990, fronted by Eddie Vedder, known for landmark early albums and a reputation for intense live performances.71 Reviews
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 TurboHawk
"The 36 minutes of the album flow quickly and pleasantly, among successful songs and somewhat anonymous tracks, without provoking symptoms of boredom."
"Backspacer is not bad at all... but one cannot fail to notice that it lacks a bit of freshness... either they are settling, or they are afraid to take risks!"
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!!
