Possibly one of the most significant bands of the last 30 years, Eddie and the guys are rightfully one of the most thought of bands still touring. Throughout their time together, they have showed off many times on how to write epic and amazing songs, while also acting how a legendary should do with their platform and influence.
They arrived onto the scene with instant success in the Seattle Grunge scene in 1991, which left their debut album to be one of the best selling albums of the 90's. The band have worked and worked to stick around, offering amazing songs way past their prime and deciding what are the best Pearl Jam songs, is real tough one!
20) Off He Goes (No Code)
Ignoring that the arse-hole friend within the song is Eddie, the third single off the bands 4th album is soothing and incredibly blissful. The guitar work by both Stone and Mike are therapeutic, with its plucking nature and also a gentle electric guitar, being a lovely added texture to the mix. Overall this song shows the calming mind that the band has, which is on album that is purposely disjointed at times.
19) In My Tree (No Code)
A genuine personal favourite here, might I add! The deep track off ‘No Code’, includes the sounds of the LP, while feeling atmospheric and extremely personal too. Written about Eddies need and desire for peace and privacy, the frontman sings about wanting to retreat up into his tree away from the media and crazy fans. The drumming by Jack Irons is fantastic and the sense of reaching to the sky for your escape by the guitars, is truly phenomenal. The song live feels spiritual, as it captures a mood of escapism and the desire for space to such a hard hitting level.
18) Animal (Vs.)
The fiery second track of ‘Vs.’ really captures a lot of the burning anger and passion found on the bands second album. Straight off the bat, the guitar by Stone and the lyrics of ‘One, two, three, four, five against one’ gets you GOING.
The song seems to be about the struggles that band members face with their individual creativity and their own voice in a band, however some fans do take this isolating battle to even darker themes at times. It is truly an awesome grunge song, offering a great melody alongside the riff, that both capture the minds of the listener. One of the bands strongest songs live too, that guitar can start a mosh anywhere! Also, the version from their Reading Festival headlining set is amazing.
17) Present Tense (No Code)
The infamous deep cut has a simple but effective meaning and mantra, it makes more sense to live in the present tense. The spine tingling start, showcasing how spiritual Mike McGready’s guitar playing can be, sends you away to a place of calm and pure clarity of the mind. Eddie offers gentle lyrics to welcome us in, then progressing to question the listener on if we have thought or experienced moments, purely in the present.
The acoustic guitar that enters into the mix offers such a natural texture to it all, acting as a way of us connecting with the earth and the universe, to be in the present tense. It keeps stepping up with its diction and Im sure many of us can imagine Michael Jordan smoking that cigar, looking out to the ocean as we get closer to the big finish.
16) Do The Evolution (Yield)
One of the most underrated rock songs that looks at social/cultural/political themes. The at times, satirical song, is an epic take down of western culture and has perfectly described both the Bush and Trump administrations. The raw guitars have a great groove to it, the incredible work by Stone both leaves us wanting to mosh and dance like we are at a disco.
With lyrics of ‘I'm a man, I’m the first mammal to wear pants…I can kill 'cause in god I trust’ and ‘Admire me, admire my home, Admire my son, he's my clone’, the track off Yield brutally takes down the ethos of the right wing/nationalistic crap that has led to such awful aspects of western culture, that has impacted society so often. If you want Neil Young on MD (I don’t know if he has been), then listen to this.
15) Once (Ten)
The first track off one of the most iconic grunge albums on the list and funnily enough, is the first song off said record, too! One of the bands heaviest songs to date, the song was written by Stone and Mike in 1990 and was one of the 5 songs that featured on a demo tape that circulated many music circles, in hope to find a lead singer and drummer. Eddie sent back vocals to this song after hearing it back in San Diego, with this number becoming the middle part of a trio of songs that was seen as a ‘mini opera’ on the bands debut release.
Here we find the character in the song, descending into madness with such rage and ferocity, which is backed up by some great drumming and loud guitars. It is a dramatic opener, that shows off the rage in Eddie's voice and the guitar playing of Stone and Mike, brilliantly.
14) Nothingman (Vitalogy)
Jeff Ament was on a role during the recording of the bands third album, this beautiful and moving song shows off his great songwriting chops. Eddie connected with the chord progression straight away and the song was done within an hour, capturing a tension of not wanting to let go of your lover and fear of being left as a ‘nothing man’.
It is an arms to the air moment during the grunge bands live shows, while making you pray that the ones you love will never leave your side. What has to be said too, is how the drumming by Dave Abbruzzese is done perfectly on the single.
13) Given To Fly (Yield)
The tension building up in this song, feels so classic Pearl Jam doesn’t it? Mike based the guitar work off Led Zeppelin and wrote it on a rare snow day in Seattle. The drums and bass on this cut gives the song such a push in the verses, while the ‘Ten’ like sounds of the guitars gives the chorus a beautiful rise to the heavens.
Eddie’s vocals roll like the waves, as it crashes into the big chorus and the whole song bringing together so many key elements of the bands iconic sound. The band bring such a relatable tone here but are still wanting to help you feel like you can make something of your life, their great impact on their fans base is felt so much on this song.
12) Porch (Ten)
Written by Eddie on his way to up to Seattle from San Diego, the song is about the breaking point of a relationship. However the song has strong links to the pro-choice movement, due to the bands frontman having his support to the abortion stance on show (on his arm), during their MTV Unplugged performance.
I do prefer the 2008 remix done by Brendan O’Brian I must say, the rougher edges of this mix gives the song an even bigger bite to it all. The pace of Ament on bass is outstanding and the vocal delivery by Vedder, is nothing short of pure class with its clarity and passion. The song incapsulates the solos found on ’Ten’ so well and the overall mood found on this amazing debut album. And what is also incredible, how well this sounds acoustically by Eddie…..how?!!!
11) Dissident (Vs)
I can’t think of too many riffs that feel rough and spiritual, something that this cut does incredibly well. Based on the epic hook and a woman, who is looking after a refugee, the song off ‘Vs.,’ was very popular upon its release. What is also interesting too, is what Eddie said in 1994 on how the ‘holy no’ in the song, is in reference to a woman’s word is sacred and that no means, no.
With the song itself, it feels like the band are on all top form during this track, just going truly at it as you can feel the sheer power that is deep within this song. It’s a standout Eddie performance too, the passion and distinct tone he possess offers such a dimension to the recording, overall it is a truly underrated PJ song.
10) Jeremy (Ten)
Jeff Ament wrote all of the music on this ICONIC grunge single and plays the most ICONIC rock opening ever...it has truly gone down in music folk lore the performance by Ament. It is well known that Eddie wrote the song about a school shooting he saw in a newspaper and created the story about the little boy, who acted out the awful tragedy. No surprise this led to a lot of complaints and long lasting discussions that is still going on today.
The outro feels amazing with the vocals backed up so well with the instrumentation (apparently the outro was done by Jeff and Eddie alone!). Also you can not forget about the music video, possibly one of the most 90’s things ever…..the clow…..black and white……it has everything you don’t realise that is full on 90’s. (fun theory: 'arms raised in a v, in pools of maroon blood'....maroon V.....Maroon 5.....).
9) Rearviewmirror (Vs)
The drive of wanting to leave the pain and torture in this song, is second to none and possibly the most impactful song you can experience by the band. The imagery found in the lyrics is so clear and brutal, even disgusting at times, but it does truly capture how it feels to be kicked down by awful people. The working on the drumming by Dave and producer, Brendan O’Brian, is so detailed and exquisite, it offers such a feeling and force in the song.
The closing moments of the song, where we are finally looking back in the 'rearviewmirror', is touching and immense. The song live goes through a journey, the moshing and then reaching to that moment for the crowd to scream the song name, it takes your breath away. Also, it is indeed the first time we hear Eddie playing guitar in Pearl Jam, which is a cool little fact to through in.
8) Daughter (Vs.)
The earnest nature of this amazing, stripped back, Pearl Jam song feels so incredibly unique. The chords on the acoustic guitar feel pure and takes you away to feel like you are witnessing the strumming of it all for the first time. Lyrically, the content is all about the pain of a girl that has learning difficulties, who’s environment is unforgiving and even violent at times. Eddie spoke about how truly awful it is that so many people who are not supported growing up, have that as a defining point in their lives and how unfair that is.
The song is incredibly powerful, feeling genuine while the guitar solo that comes in does make you hope, that anyone who has gone through such an experience, will rise above it. Jeff’s standup bass performance is also noteworthy on the recording, showing off the great variety the band has at their disposal.
7) Sirens (Lightning Bolt)
Off their 2013 release, ‘Lightning Bolt’, this song took everyones breath away when reaching this track on the record for the first time. Mike thought up the chord progression after seeing Roger Waters live and Eddie wrote the incredible lyrics in a hotel room, while the band could hear sirens in the distance during the night. The song tackles the emotion of wanting to keep the devotion felt between two partners, with the lyrics being some of Eddie’s finest work. It feels honest while still wanting to be filled with love, really putting us on the line on how strong love is but how brutal life can be.
The journey of the song is astonishing, the way it builds up and the crunching guitar solo capturing the overall mood of the song, takes your breath away every time. It is probably the best song Pearl Jam released post 2000, the overall result is exquisite and the burning feeling of it, captured the hearts of every rock fan when it was released. The recording of the song for the albums documentary is mind-blowing.
6) Better Man (Vitalogy)
This song was written when Vedder was a teenager, truly outstanding that. The song is based on woman who is stuck in a bad relationship, the lines ’she dreams in colour, she dreams in red, can’t find a better man’, captures everything so well. With its humbling opening, the song becomes a chorus of hope of freedom for any woman facing any type of abuse.
Interestingly, ‘Better Man’ missed the grade for ‘Vs.’, mainly as it was deemed to be too accessible and was then nearly given to another singer! Thank god they kept it and put it on their third album, as the single has become a special moment at their gigs, with Eddie all by himself on stage and eventually conducting the crowd to sing the first half of the song. Then as the whole band return to finish the big ending, the joy felt within the music is electrifying and sends the crowd wild.
5) Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town (Vs.)
Possibly one of the best song names, ever? Despite never being a single, the song was extremely popular when ‘Vs’. came out and has become a fan favourite, causing such a singalong during the bands shows. There is something I have picked up on while compiling this list and this song is a great example of it, is how so much of the lyrical content is not about universal concepts, that so many popular songs touch on, but they are about specific moments in existence that beautifully resonate with us, bringing us all together to sing about.
‘Elderly Woman' is outstanding as the band offer us a song about a woman stuck in a small town, working behind a counter, while an old flame from yesteryear walks in and she is trying to place who he is…..anyway! The song was written by Vedder one morning and while playing it to himself for the first time, though Stone Gossard overheard this and went on to tell his band mate, to record it straight away.
4) Even Flow (Ten)
This is a Guitar Hero classic, it is so outstanding how that game inspired so many of us to enjoy some great rock music!
The second single from Pearl Jam’s debut record has become infamous with the classic and also the comical commentary of Eddie’s vocal delivery, who knows what the dude is saying in the verses?Despite the band never reaching to a state of satisfaction when recording the track, the song is a great example of where Mike McGready, Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard were at back in 1990, the force of the guitars is mind-blowing and has a such a classic feel to it.
The lyrics come from Eddie befriending a homeless veteran in Seattle and has regularly introduced the song by talking about homelessness during the bands concerts. ‘Even Flow’ is definitely a grunge highlight, showcasing Pearl Jam’s early interpretation of the decade defining genre.
3) Yellow Ledbetter (Lost Dogs)
The most famous unreleased but released song from the 90’s and possibly of all time....this B-side to Jeremy has become incredibly famous around the world. The emotion that is automatically felt as soon as the opening guitar starts, is something that feels incredibly magical and takes you into a dramatic ending of Friends.
It was the second time McGready and Vedder wrote something together and famously no lyrics were really penned down, despite it being recorded in the studio during the sessions for ‘Ten’. Despite the lyrics changing so many times by the bands singer, alongside theories circulating in fan forums of the songs meaning, the conclusion of the songs context is based on Eddie’s friend who received a yellow letter, telling him that his brother died in the Gulf War.
For sure the mystery of the lyrics has helped this song become such an iconic 90’s piece of art. However you can not deny how Mike nailed this ‘Hendrix like ballad’ guitar part and that this song is a song to singalong to, even if you make up the lyrics with random grunts and noises.
2) Black (Ten)
Eddie Vedder wrote the lyrics to the instrumentation demo of the song, on his way up to Seattle to meet his future band mates back in the early 90's. However I am pretty sure Eddie was not thinking during that journey, how this idea of a song, would become an uncontrollable force which would become an incredible hit.
‘Black’ is about the demise of a relationship, focusing on the isolation and need to let go of someone you loved perfectly. ‘Oh the pictures have all been washed in black, Tattooed everything’ sang in the chorus is a fine example of the dark and damaging feeling of not having the love you truly want, also the incredible vocal performance elevates this incredible, heartache song even more.
Pearl Jam became a commercial success with their debut, however the likes of Kurt Cobain mocked them for it and for Eddie Vedder, he truly ended up struggling with the new found fame. The label though, wanted another single two years into the albums cycle, with Black being the obvious choice. The band pushed hard for it not to be and the compromise was met that there would be no music video for the song. Yet this song was destined to be anthem for that grunge generation due to its incredible lyrics, amazing guitars and the spiritual feeling of the spine-tingling ‘doodoodododohdoooooo’s’ in the last third of the song.
1) Alive (Ten)
The riff, the lyrics, the chorus, the story, the vocals and the scenes when its played live….how could it not be the song placed at the top of this list. On the tape that Eddie was given, containing Stone’s demos, the soon to frontman wrote a fictionalised story soon after arriving in Seattle, based around the moment when his mother, told him that his original father (who he did not know was his biological father) had passed away. Then during the recording process of the track, McGready nearly allowed a producer to compile his best moments of takes for the guitar solo before impressively, nailing the immense solo all in one take.
With regards to the dark lyrics as previously mentioned, Eddie penned down the fictional but biographical story in a way where the concept of the songs title and hook, was meant as a sad curse for the lead singer. Luckily, with the fans passionately singing back the incredible song with a sense of hope instead, they managed to help Eddie be at more peace and basically lift the curse he felt with him living and his father not.
‘Alive’ has everything going for it with its amazing riff and top notch bass playing, alongside the vocal display. The song feels immortal and is undoubtably an incredible rock song, one that shows off one of the epic sides to grunge and what is so special about music, as a whole.
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