REVIEW: Pearl Jam Backspacer

Bands change.

The Beatles went pop rock to psychedelic to just rock.

Radiohead went Brit rock to electronica to a strange combination of both.

U2 went from hard rock to techno to pop.

Pearl Jam is one of the bands that has changed over the years as well, though that change is more subtle, and, I feel, misunderstood.

With TEN, Pearl Jam was an aggressive rock band. You all know the anthems. The first three albums were like that, then the band started to move away from the hits. They didn't want to top the charts, but wanted to become a more complete band. The election of George W. Bush also pushed the band toward angry punk songs calling out the government.

The albums were solid, but angry.

Now they're back with their tightest album yet. Checking in at just over 35 minutes, this one moves. Not only that, but Pearl Jam has moved toward... pop music?

Well, not quite, but it's close.

The first half of the album is still guitar driven with "Got Some" and their most radio friendly single "The Fixer" being the highlights. "The Fixer" is a song that'll get stuck in your head for days. I've been listening to it since it was released and haven't gotten sick of it yet. Both songs are also extremely optimistic, something that's been rare for the band over the years.

The studio version of "Got Some" is much better than the rendition seen on THE TONIGHT SHOW.

Don't get me wrong, the band can still rock out, punk style. "Supersonic" is pure punk goodness.

The second half of the album is a series of ballads with sweeping hooks and long guitar solos. The songs also feel radio friendly with some studio elements added in, making the songs feel thick and deep. The highlights are "Speed of Sound" and "The End," where Eddie Vedder singing over an orchestra. Also "Just Breathe" is a fantastic love song, one I can imagine Vedder will sing solo, just he and his guitar.

The album is Pearl Jam's strongest in years. It finally feels as if the band has climbed out of the the doldrums writing politically, and become hopeful. Everything on this song is catchy.



Well done, Pearl Jam. You've grown. You've changed. And, it seems, it's for the better.