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Rating: THE REVIEW
I could write thousands of characters about this masterpiece, and I'll say upfront that it is one of the cornerstones of the '90s, even more so than "Ten".
"Vs." is, in every respect, the first REAL Pearl Jam album understood as a group, since "Ten" was the result of ideas and instrumental parts that each member of the group had in their drawer for a while, and which were combined with limited teamwork compared to subsequent albums.
Going through the tracklist, you move from intense songs ("Go", "Animal", the beautiful "Rearviewmirror") to melodic ones ("Daughter", "Elderly Woman...") to others that are even shouted ("Blood" and "Leash"), always with non-trivial lyrics, ranging from the committed ("Glorified G" is against gun ownership... the album is from the early '90s, but the theme is still relevant...) to the reflective ("Elderly Woman..." which tells the story of an elderly woman who has always lived in a small provincial town and after many years meets her youthful love again, triggering thoughts and memories in her that can only remain such because too much time has passed since their lives diverged).
Last song, last gem, heartrending, that "Indifference" which has sometimes seen Eddie Vedder (PJ's singer) duet live with Ben Harper.
The beauty of these songs is magnified by the live versions, always different: just think of the improvisations and covers that are often "grafted" into "Daughter" and the improvisations that often embellish "Rearviewmirror".
In short, if you like rock music YOU CANNOT NOT HAVE THIS CD (which, by the way, is now also on sale at a reduced price).
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Summary by Bot
The review hails Pearl Jam's Vs. as one of the definitive albums of the 1990s, surpassing even their debut Ten in cohesion and impact. It highlights the album's mix of intense, melodic, and shouted songs, with meaningful lyrics addressing themes from social issues to personal reflection. Particular praise is given to live performances that showcase improvisation and emotional depth. The reviewer strongly recommends this album to any rock music fan.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 Enrico Martello
The passion, the fury, the love, the dissent, the family... These themes envelop the souls of those who created this album.
Vs is a historic album... the soundtrack that accompanies the memories of a time now far away, when the "shabby rock" filled the garages across the ocean.
By joe strummer
"Here one is content with good old Rock n’ Roll tinged with Punk; it’s no novelty, but it remains a highly enjoyable and energetic work."
"Pearl Jam abandon the sounds of their debut and venture into sounds that didn’t seem natural to them; the result is more than satisfactory, with truly memorable episodes."
By FabbioAW
What continually draws me to "Vs" is how it’s still enveloped in that warm and profound breath that characterizes many grunge albums.
"Indifference," ineffable, moving, and "W.M.A." (White Man American), a primitive and tribal mantra inspired by an episode of racism.
By Mr.Black
"In this album, every song has a reason to exist."
"'Small Town'... a song that cannot be described because of how perfect it is in its simplicity."
