Review Summary: What happened, Pearl Jam? You were superstars, remember? You made it big off of Ten...and then...no videos, no singles? What is wrong with you? I cannot answer that question. It seems that with each new Pearl Jam album, they just get weirder and weirder.
I love song-by-song reviews the best, so here I go.
Brain of J.- Really excellent, breakneck opener. Starts with a punky guitar riff, keeping up the velocity throughout the enitre song. The slightly off-kilter chorus works well within the confines of the song, and Ed Vedder's political commentary makes the song even more intriguing (Who's got the brain of JFK/What's it mean to us now?). Score: 9 of 10.
Faithful- Beautiful song featuring rather inspirational lyrics, rather different from the ones found on Brain of J. "Beautiful" does not mean slow and plodding, at least not here, as the epic chorus and McCready's melodic solo demonstrate. One of, if not the best, songs on the album. A masterstroke. Score: 10 of 10.
No Way- God, that riff is catchy. No, better word, crunchy. That is a crunchy opening riff, ain't it? Unfortunately, where a great song could develop out of it, only a good one did. Is it ironic that Vedder sings, "I'm not trying to make a difference", when that seems to be all he is doing? While the song could be better, that riff keeps you hanging on, and the ending is great. Score: 7.5 of 10.
Given to Fly- Nice choice for a single from the album. The music, to put it in words, seems out-there, and Vedder is actually spurting out some rather inspirational religioius lyrics. The song itself could be seen as a meditation on the life of Jesus Christ. And, at the end, when Vedder screams "I'm flying!", you believe him. One of Pearl Jam's crowning achievements. Score: 10 of 10.
Wishlist- I could see Springsteen belting out this one. Which is a compliment, to those out there who do not know of the great works of the Boss. The lyrics are as simple as they could get, but just as beautiful. Vedder wishes he was many things, from a neutron bomb to the moon. The music reflects on this simplicity, creating a shimmering effect. Score: 9.5 of 10.
Pilate- Third ballad in a row? Almost. From the start, it would seem like it. But then the song goes right into the chorus, which is rather loud and funky. The words may seem like nonsense, "Like Pilate, I have a dog", but they probably have a symbolic meaning to them. This album has to be the spiritual pinnacle of Pearl Jam's career. The quiet verses and funky chorus create a cool (and startling) effect, but I couldn't help but wish that more became of this song. Score: 8 of 10.
Do the Evolution- "It's evolution, baby!" has evolved (get it?) into my catchphrase. So simple, yet so sincere. This is the funkiest, punkiest, funniest song on the record, and perhaps Pearl Jam's career. The lyrics speak sarcastically of the mindset of humankind. When Vedder yells, "Those ignorant Indians have nothing on me!", you can't help but laugh. The message of the song is serious, however, a correct commentary on evolution. Great song, and one of Pearl Jam's finest rockers. Score: 10 of 10.
Untitled, red dot thingy- I have no clue what to call this "song". It's really just a backdrop, with Vedder singing, in falsetto, "I'm crazy". Weird, but effective. Not going to rate this one.
MFC- Right, back to the songs. The Indian-music inspired opening riff is great, as are Vedder's lyrics about driving fast in a car. This song breezes by. Literally. It's a great song, no doubt, but much to short. It could have been one of Pearl Jam's greatest anthems. Nonetheless, it's a song you will find yourself putting on repeat. Score: 8.5 of 10.
Low Light- And here come the ballads. Low Light just may be the finest ballad of the album. Some of Vedder's best singing, and the guitarwork is great. It's hard to describe how this song feels, but imagine a breezy Autumn day. That is what this song feels like. Score: 9 of 10.
In Hiding- Ah, a misstep. The guitarwork sounds like Zeppelin circa Physical Graffiti, but altogether doesn't have much tone to it. The verses are overlong, the song is overlong. So is it just a bad song? Not at all. The chorus saves it from completely plodding along, with a great chant of "I'm in hiding!" Vedder sings this perfectly, and the ending is memorable. Guess I can find the good in anything. Not bad, I guess. Score: 7 of 10.
Push Me, Pull Me- If you thought the album was weird up to this point, you haven't heard anything yet. Vedder sings, or rather, speaks this song, or poem, over some weird guitar and ambience effects. And I love it. It's Pearl Jam's pinnacle of coolness. Who else could effectively pull this off? Score: 8 of 10.
All Those Yesterdays- A hidden gem. The song seems funny enough, with Vedder's sarcastic tone, and the funny basswork. The song seems to be a reflection on restlessness. The ending is what made this song for me. A great melodic guitar solo fades through the end, with Vedder and Co. chanting "All those yesterdays!" It's a feel-good tune! And I felt good while listening to it! Score: 9.5 of 10.
Hidden track- Plays after All Those Yesterdays. Some odd Indian guitarwork. If I didn't hear the rest of the album, I wouldn't have thought this is Pearl Jam. Strangely, it suits the album. Not going to rate this one.
