Pearl Jam, the flannel-clad heroes of the 90s grunge scene, have just dropped a new album, Dark Matter. For long-time fans, this is always an event. Imagine sitting in a darkened movie theater, surrounded by fellow devotees, experiencing the album in its entirety with “mesmerizing visuals.” That’s the unique listening experience Pearl Jam is offering for Dark Matter. Whether or not it lives up to the hype remains to be seen (or heard), but it certainly sparks a deeper appreciation for their extensive catalog.
For many, Pearl Jam isn’t just a band; it’s a musical institution. With a career spanning decades, their albums have become soundtracks to countless lives. This got us thinking about a question posed on Reddit: If you could only save two songs from each Pearl Jam album, which would you choose? While the premise is intriguing, limiting ourselves to just two feels almost criminal. Instead, let’s dive into each of Pearl Jam’s studio albums and highlight not just the “best” songs, but the truly indispensable tracks that define each era. Consider this a fan’s passionate, slightly over-the-top, but ultimately heartfelt guide to Pearl Jam’s top songs.
Ten (1991): The Album That Started It All
Pearl Jam Ten Album Cover
Ten, Pearl Jam’s debut, is more than just an album; it’s a cultural phenomenon. From the opening chords of “Once” to the final echoes of “Release,” Ten is a masterclass in raw emotion and powerful songwriting. To pick just a couple of tracks from this masterpiece feels almost sacrilegious, as every song holds a special place in the hearts of fans.
Best Song: Black. Arguably Pearl Jam’s most iconic ballad, “Black” is a heart-wrenching exploration of loss and longing. Eddie Vedder’s vocals are at their most vulnerable, soaring over a melancholic yet powerful melody. It’s a song that resonates deeply and remains a live staple for a reason.
Indispensable Songs: Black, Jeremy, Alive, Release. “Jeremy” tackles societal issues with its poignant storytelling, while “Alive” is an anthemic declaration of resilience. “Release” closes the album with a cathartic release of emotion, leaving a lasting impact. To truly appreciate Ten, these four songs are essential listening. While “Oceans” is a beautiful track, if push came to shove, these four would be the pillars of Ten.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Remarkably, Ten is so ingrained in the minds of fans that every track is instantly recognizable. There are no forgotten gems here; each song is a classic in its own right.
Vs. (1993): Confrontation and Evolution
Pearl Jam Vs Album Cover
Following the massive success of Ten, Vs. showcased a band grappling with fame and pushing their musical boundaries. The album is rawer, more aggressive, and lyrically more introspective. Vs. solidified Pearl Jam’s status as more than just a one-hit wonder, proving their artistic depth and staying power.
Best Song: Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town. This acoustic-driven gem is a stark contrast to the album’s heavier tracks. Its gentle melody and nostalgic lyrics about small-town life make it a fan favorite and a testament to Pearl Jam’s versatility.
Indispensable Songs: Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town, Animal, Daughter, W.M.A. “Animal” explodes with raw energy, while “Daughter” is a powerful anthem with a message. “W.M.A.” (Woman, Man, America) tackles social commentary with unflinching honesty. While “Glorified G” and “Leash” are powerful tracks, these four capture the essence of Vs.‘s dynamic range.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Go. The sheer energy of “Go” is undeniable, but its simple title can sometimes get lost amongst Pearl Jam’s extensive catalog, especially when considering the similar-sounding “Why Go.”
Vitalogy (1994): Experimentation and Raw Honesty
Pearl Jam Vitalogy Album Cover
Vitalogy marked a period of intense experimentation and personal reflection for Pearl Jam. The album is eclectic, unpredictable, and deeply personal, showcasing a band unafraid to challenge expectations and delve into unconventional sonic territories. It’s a fan favorite for its raw honesty and artistic risk-taking.
Best Song: Better Man. Despite its somewhat controversial origins (originally written before Pearl Jam), “Better Man” became a massive hit and a concert staple. Its relatable lyrics about a difficult relationship and soaring chorus make it undeniably powerful.
Indispensable Songs: Better Man, Nothingman, Whipping, Corduroy, Bugs. “Nothingman” is a beautiful ballad showcasing Vedder’s lyrical and vocal prowess. “Whipping” and “Corduroy” are high-energy rock anthems, while “Bugs,” with its unconventional instrumentation and quirky lyrics, exemplifies the album’s experimental spirit. Yes, even “Bugs” is indispensable in understanding Vitalogy.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Stupid Mop. Famously known by its lengthy and unconventional original title, “Hey Foxymophandlemama, That’s Me,” “Stupid Mop” is a hidden gem, often overlooked due to its instrumental nature and unusual name.
No Code (1996): Introspection and Artistic Diversion
Pearl Jam No Code Album Cover
No Code represented a significant shift for Pearl Jam, embracing a more diverse sonic palette and introspective lyrical themes. Initially polarizing, the album has aged gracefully, revealing its depth and artistic maturity. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens and showcases the band’s willingness to evolve.
Best Song: In My Tree. “In My Tree” is a unique and atmospheric track, showcasing a quieter, more contemplative side of Pearl Jam. Its unconventional structure and Vedder’s evocative vocals create a mesmerizing listening experience.
Indispensable Songs: In My Tree, Red Mosquito, Off He Goes. “Red Mosquito,” with its bluesy undertones and memorable chorus, is a standout track. “Off He Goes” is a beautifully understated acoustic ballad that explores themes of friendship and distance. These three songs capture the introspective and diverse nature of No Code.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Red Mosquito. Despite its catchy chorus and memorable melody, “Red Mosquito” can sometimes be forgotten when recalling No Code‘s tracklist, perhaps due to the album’s overall less radio-friendly nature.
Yield (1998): Conciseness and Renewed Energy
Pearl Jam Yield Album Cover
Yield marked a return to a more streamlined and energetic sound for Pearl Jam. The album is concise, focused, and brimming with catchy melodies and anthemic rock tracks. It’s often considered a return to form and a fan favorite for its consistent quality and upbeat energy.
Best Song: Wishlist. “Wishlist” is a tender and heartfelt ballad, showcasing Vedder’s lyrical creativity and emotional delivery. Its simple yet powerful message of longing and desire resonates deeply.
Indispensable Songs: Wishlist, Given to Fly, Low Light, All Those Yesterdays, Faithful. “Given to Fly” is an uplifting anthem of overcoming obstacles. “Low Light” is a beautiful, atmospheric track. “All Those Yesterdays” and “Faithful” round out the album’s diverse sonic landscape. While “Brain of J.” kicks off the album with energy, these five songs represent Yield‘s core strengths.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Brain of J. Despite being the album opener and a high-energy track, “Brain of J.” can sometimes be overlooked amidst Yield‘s wealth of strong material.
Binaural (2000): Atmosphere and Live Performance Focus
Pearl Jam Binaural Album Cover
Binaural is an album characterized by its atmospheric soundscapes and a focus on songs that translate exceptionally well to live performances. Recorded with binaural technology, the album has a unique sonic depth and a slightly darker, more introspective mood.
Best Song: Nothing As It Seems. “Nothing As It Seems” is a haunting and atmospheric track, showcasing a different side of Pearl Jam’s sound. Jeff Ament’s mandolin adds a unique texture, and Vedder’s vocals are both powerful and vulnerable.
Indispensable Songs: Nothing As It Seems, Insignificance, Of the Girl, Parting Ways. “Insignificance” is a raw and energetic rocker. “Of the Girl” is a beautiful ballad with a soaring chorus, and “Parting Ways” provides a reflective and poignant closer. These four tracks highlight the album’s strengths, even if some tracks are admittedly better experienced live.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: None. Binaural, despite being potentially less immediately impactful than some other albums, has a tracklist where each song is quite memorable within the context of the album.
Riot Act (2002): Emotional Depth and Resilience
Pearl Jam Riot Act Album Cover
Riot Act is Pearl Jam’s most overtly emotional and politically charged album, written in the aftermath of the Roskilde tragedy and dealing with themes of loss, grief, and social injustice. It’s a powerful and cathartic listening experience, showcasing the band’s resilience and commitment to addressing difficult topics.
Best Song: Love Boat Captain. “Love Boat Captain” is a deeply moving and personal song, written in response to the Roskilde tragedy. Its lyrics about love and resilience in the face of loss are incredibly poignant and have made it a fan favorite for its emotional weight.
Indispensable Songs: Love Boat Captain, I Am Mine, All or None, Cropduster. “I Am Mine” is an anthem of self-determination. “All or None” is a powerful rocker, and “Cropduster,” despite its initially confusing title, is a high-energy and memorable track. The entire album is arguably indispensable, but these four are key to understanding Riot Act‘s emotional core.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Cropduster. The somewhat unusual title of “Cropduster” can make it less immediately memorable compared to the more emotionally resonant titles on Riot Act.
Lost Dogs (2003): Rarities and Hidden Gems
Pearl Jam Lost Dogs Album Cover
Lost Dogs isn’t a traditional studio album but a double-disc collection of B-sides, rarities, and unreleased tracks. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Pearl Jam’s creative process and is filled with hidden gems that are often as strong as their album tracks. For dedicated fans, Lost Dogs is an essential exploration of the band’s deeper cuts.
Best Song: Down. “Down” is a powerful and anthemic track that arguably should have been on a proper studio album. It’s a fan favorite from Lost Dogs and showcases the high quality of Pearl Jam’s unreleased material.
Indispensable Songs: Down, Yellow Ledbetter, Hard to Imagine, Dead Man Walking, Last Kiss. “Yellow Ledbetter” is an iconic live staple known for its soaring guitar solo and improvisational nature. “Hard to Imagine” is a beautiful and haunting ballad. “Dead Man Walking” is a powerful and intense track, and “Last Kiss,” while a cover, became a massive hit for the band. Despite some quirky tracks like “Gremmie Out of Control” and “Dirty Frank,” Lost Dogs is a treasure trove.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Drifting. With another song titled “Drifting Away,” the simpler titled “Drifting” from Lost Dogs can sometimes be lost in memory.
Pearl Jam (2006): Directness and Raw Rock Energy
Pearl Jam Avocado Album Cover
Often referred to as “The Avocado Album,” Pearl Jam (2006) is a raw and direct rock album, stripping away some of the experimentation of previous records and focusing on powerful riffs and urgent energy. It’s considered a return to their rock roots and a highlight of their post-nineties work.
Best Song: World Wide Suicide. “World Wide Suicide” is a blistering and politically charged opener, setting the tone for the album’s raw energy. Its direct lyrics and driving rhythm make it an instant standout.
Indispensable Songs: World Wide Suicide, Life Wasted, Gone, Come Back, Inside Job. “Life Wasted” is a high-energy rocker. “Gone” is a reflective and powerful ballad. “Come Back” is emotionally resonant, and “Inside Job,” with Vedder on drums, is a unique and powerful closer. This album is consistently strong, making these five tracks essential.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: None. Pearl Jam (2006) is a concise and impactful album where each track contributes to the overall experience, making them all quite memorable.
Backspacer (2009): Brevity and Melodic Focus
Pearl Jam Backspacer Album Cover
Backspacer is Pearl Jam’s shortest studio album, characterized by its brevity and melodic focus. It’s a more optimistic and upbeat record compared to some of their darker albums, showcasing catchy hooks and a slightly more polished sound.
Best Song: Just Breathe. “Just Breathe” is a beautiful and intimate acoustic ballad, showcasing Vedder’s tender vocals and heartfelt lyrics about love and acceptance. It’s become a modern Pearl Jam classic.
Indispensable Songs: Just Breathe, Unthought Known, Amongst the Waves. “Unthought Known” is an uplifting and anthemic track. “Amongst the Waves” is a high-energy rocker. While the album is short and consistently good, these three songs are definite highlights.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Force of Nature. Despite its driving energy, “Force of Nature” can sometimes be overlooked on Backspacer, perhaps due to the album’s overall brevity and focus on other standout tracks.
Lightning Bolt (2013): Dynamic Range and Album Structure
Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt Album Cover
Lightning Bolt is an album of contrasts, showcasing a dynamic range from quiet ballads to explosive rockers. Its tracklist is somewhat unusually structured, with many of the strongest songs appearing in the latter half of the album. It’s an album that rewards patience and reveals its strengths upon repeated listens.
Best Song: Sirens. “Sirens” is a powerful and emotionally resonant ballad, showcasing Vedder’s mature vocals and introspective lyrics about love and loss. It’s a standout track and a fan favorite from Lightning Bolt.
Indispensable Songs: Sirens, Swallowed Whole, Sleeping By Myself, Yellow Moon, Future Days. “Swallowed Whole” is a high-energy rocker. “Sleeping By Myself” is a beautiful acoustic ballad. “Yellow Moon” is a gentle and atmospheric track, and “Future Days” provides a poignant and hopeful closer. While the first half of the album might be less immediately impactful, these five songs make the latter half phenomenal.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Swallowed Whole. Despite its energetic nature, “Swallowed Whole,” appearing earlier on the album, can sometimes be overshadowed by the stronger tracks in Lightning Bolt‘s second half.
Gigaton (2020): Urgency and Contemporary Relevance
Pearl Jam Gigaton Album Cover
Gigaton, Pearl Jam’s most recent studio album before Dark Matter, is characterized by its urgency and contemporary relevance, addressing themes of environmentalism and social change. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking album that showcases the band’s continued artistic relevance and their commitment to engaging with the world around them.
Best Song: Dance of the Clairvoyants. “Dance of the Clairvoyants” is an experimental and rhythmically driven track, unlike anything Pearl Jam had done before. It’s a bold and adventurous opener that sets the tone for Gigaton‘s sonic exploration.
Indispensable Songs: Dance of the Clairvoyants, Seven O’Clock, Comes Then Goes, River Cross. “Seven O’Clock” is a powerful and anthemic track with a strong message. “Comes Then Goes” is a beautiful and introspective ballad, and “River Cross” provides a hopeful and uplifting closer. These four songs capture the diverse and impactful nature of Gigaton.
Best Song I Can Never Remember The Name Of: Seven O’Clock. Despite its anthemic qualities, “Seven O’Clock,” appearing relatively early in the album, might be less immediately recalled compared to the album’s more experimental opener or closing tracks.
And there you have it – a deep dive into the indispensable songs from Pearl Jam’s incredible discography. With Dark Matter now in the world, the conversation about Pearl Jam’s top songs is sure to evolve. Whether Dark Matter joins the ranks of their greatest albums remains to be heard, but one thing is certain: Pearl Jam’s legacy as one of rock’s most important and enduring bands is firmly cemented. Now, it’s your turn – what are your indispensable Pearl Jam songs?
