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Rating: THE REVIEW
Eddie Vedder is among the best rock vocalists ever. And not only for his undeniably high technical skills, but also thanks to his undoubted ability to communicate thoughts and emotions. And in this album, folks, Pearl Jam are seriously pissed off!
The decision to take the longest break in their history between albums (the previous one was "Riot Act") was a great choice: the result is the most rock 'n' roll album of their long career. Opening with " Life Wasted", the band lays all their cards on the table: a dirty and aggressive riff and Vedder already hints at the mood, with a powerful shout-singing style that packs a high emotional punch. This modus operandi is repeated in the single "World Wide Suicide", which is a rather bland track and in the end turns out to be perhaps the most insipid of the album (Eddie is great here too). "Comatose" is the most aggressive of the bunch, at times even close to some of the stuff by Motorhead of Kilmister (!). And if "Severed Hand" stands out for a strangely pseudo-experimental intro that then repeats the pattern of previous tracks (maybe in a more rhythmic mode), "Marker In The Sand" feels more expansive thanks to an excellent melodic opening in the refrain, introducing us to "Parachutes" (nothing to do with Chris Martin & Friends…), a ballad where Vedder (oh my!) whispers over a consolidated and fairly melodic instrumental part: surely the most interesting track on the album.
After two tracks that come and go, repeating the template of previous songs, the album surprises at the end with "Come Back" (Vedder's performance here is chill-inducing), a ballad that astonishes and stands as a candidate for best song on the LP, and the concluding "Inside Job", a great track in progression (are these the Pearl Jam of the future??). Definitely among the best works of 2006, even though it lacks the song (or songs) destined to become group classics. It remains a band that, after years of (excellent) career, continues to gift us good albums, even for those who never really got into grunge.
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Summary by Bot
Pearl Jam's self-titled album marks a return with raw and aggressive rock, showcasing Eddie Vedder's powerful vocals and emotional delivery. Despite some less impactful songs, standout ballads like 'Come Back' highlight the band's continued strength. The album may lack classic hits but remains one of their best works in years, appealing even to non-grunge fans.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 antuana
"Come back... yes, they have made a great return... without a doubt."
"Inside Job has at least three climaxes with significant variations and a massive presence of guitars... a great closing track that wants to emphasize the incredible health of the best ROCK band on the planet."
By puntiniCAZpuntini
Pearl Jam’s self-titled album is a return that doesn’t leave a mark.
These Pearl Jam are harmless, they don’t give us any memorable track, but rather a carefully crafted aurea mediocritas.
By franza
Fans most attached to the band’s early works say that Pearl Jam is back... I say they never left and I hope they continue to make great music with simplicity.
"Come Back"... This song makes you daydream. So close your eyes anyway... and listen.
By SignoreDeiSogni
The sound of the guitars is full, aggressive and seventies more than ever.
Eddie Vedder and his choked and warm voice, enveloping and overwhelming, continues to mark the generations that grew up in the years of Kurdt’s death.
By satavtar
Pearl Jam is certainly not innovators; neither the style, nor the artistic solutions... It’s their passion that infects, that makes them one of the best bands in activity.
The passion in this latest release never excites, but it will guarantee us a great sweat in the live performances in September in Italy.
