By the late 90s, grunge was gone. Kurt Cobain had died, pop-punk acts like Green Day and Blink-182 had took over the charts, and Soundgarden and other grunge bands broke up. Though, through all this decline Pearl Jam continued on to still make albums and tour into the 00s. With a comeback album, 1998s Yield, under their belt and former Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameroon now on the lineup, Pearl Jam were ready to make a new record right at the beginning of the new millennium. They called it Binaural. By now Pearl Jam were getting a little old. They had moved from an energetic grunge band to more of a solid modern rock group, but as binaural will never live up to Ten or Vs., it is still a wonderful album that can be fully enjoyed by any fan of Pearl Jam. And that’s the end of my review. Actually, wait I think I’ll write more.
Binaural is more of a laid back album. Although the first three songs are great rockers they sometimes will seem to lack energy. When the first song, Breakerfall, begins it sounds as strong as any opener with a great riff and excellent vocals, though as this short song reaches an end and the next song, Gods Dice, starts with the same general feel as the previous track, Eddie Vedders vocals lack energy and the riff is fairly boring, but not nearly enough to make this song bad for it is still very enjoyable. Just as Eddies vocals lacked energy on Gods Dice, they do similarly with Evacuation. Evacuation is one of the better songs on this album, but comparing it to a song such as Leash or even the then more recent song, Do The Evolution its energy level is fairy pathetic. To make this album seem even more laid back or relaxed, some softer more melodic songs start rolling in. The first one is Light Years. Its not played with acoustic guitars like on songs such as Daughter or Off He Goes, but rather played with electric guitars. Its more of a haunting song with a truly beautiful chorus making it definitely one of the best songs on the album. Next another soft song, Nothing As It Seems, begins with a even more haunting acoustic guitar chord progression with some amazing electric guitar soloing over a deep deep bass. Some of Mike Mcreadys best guitar work can be heard on this song. He does an amazing job and makes this song much better than it would be without the guitar work. So far, Binaural is an impressive album, that does not sound too similar or too different from other Pearl Jams albums and the listener will find that it continues that way.
As the soft songs continue, Thin Air, begins as another acoustic song this time more cheerful and less haunting with a nice chorus and bridge that goes well with the catchy verse that’s got a cool bouncy bass line. Overall, another beautiful song. Then Pearl Jam returns with another more rocky song more similar to the beginning album. This ones called Insignificance. Its an amazing track with a driving chorus and fitting backup vocals making it much better than the songs from the beginning of the album. It has a wonderful verse bridge everything making it a classic song and maybe could alone make this album worth buying. Next is one of the stranger songs on the album, Of the Girl. It starts with some interesting quiet acoustic guitar picking and some bongos. It has some nice very bluesy guitar playing that fits well with Eddies soft vocals. Although Of the Girl is very well done, it gets a little boring and repetitive. Next another rocky song called Grievance begins with a good drum intro and the most energetic vocals on the album making it also the most kick ass song on the album with some very impressive drum work. Grievance is one of my favorites and Overall, is one of the songs that makes the album so good.
As the album reaches its end, it unfortunately begins to decline. The 10th song, Rival, shows the more blues influenced side of Pearl Jam with a cool bluesy riff and guitar solo that goes strangely with a high piano heard especially during the unfitting bridge. The song is a little boring, but isn’t a low light on the album. The next song Slight of Hand is where it gets interesting. Its a strange song with heavy, sometimes annoying drums and a weird chorus. It is an interesting track and can be an enjoyable listen but overall, the vocals, drums, and guitars as well as the different parts of the song dont fit very well together. Next a maybe even more interesting song, Soon Forget, begins with just Eddie and yes a ukulele. Its a very catchy song thats about a greedy, lonely man. Its a short song bit very enjoyable. Soon another weird song, Parting Ways, ends the album. Its actually quite a nice song and fine way to end Binaural. Its quiet and features a violin that fits fine with the rest of the instruments. Although Parting Ways is definitely not a bad song, it doesn’t quite live up to songs seen earlier on the album. In general, the end of Binaural isnt as exciting as the beginning or middle sections.
Pearl Jam is definitely one of the greatest modern rock bands. Between Eddie Vedders singing and lyrics and Mike Mcreadys amazing guitar playing they never fail at making an album. Although during theyre later career they dont sound quite as energetic or even enthusiastic as on albums such as Ten, they still create wonderful songs like Light Years that keeps their music enjoyable. Also, they stretch to do new things, which makes albums such as Binaural interesting and great. Even though Binaural isnt as good as some of Pearl Jams earlier works, its still a wonderful album and worth the money of any Pearl Jam or modern rock fan alike. Overall, Binaural is a very great album by a great band that does not disappoint.
Pros.
+Variety of soft and loud songs
+Instrumentation
+Lyrics and vocals
+Not to different and not too similar from other PJ albums
Cons.
-Vocals are not always energetic
-The album declines towards the end
-May not live up to earlier PJ works
3.5/5 Great
Recommended tracks
Breakerfall
Light Years
Insignificance
Grievance
Soon Forget
Please comment and enjoy
Flea is Godly
Odd
