Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam

Genre rock Publisher J Records External Links Official Pearl Jam Website Official J Records Website

They're back. They're finally back. After two albums (Binaural, Riot Act) of inconsistent, experimental tracks Pearl Jam has finally released a self-titled album worthy of their name and place in the music history. Pearl Jam is their first release since 2002 - and it's been well worth the wait. These four years have given Vedder and the boys a chance to regroup and write some consistently good material.

When you first put in the album you're hit with two rock guitars and Vedder belting out, "You're always sayin' that there's something wrong, I'm starting to believe that it's your plan all along." Gossard and McCready are back at it again as well in the very first track ("Life Wasted") - playing intricate and upbeat guitar tracks that play off one another meanwhile Cameron keeps the beat constantly pushing forward.

Unless you've been stuck on your iPod day and night - you've most likely heard "Worldwide Suicide" getting a decent amount of radio-play since February. "Worldwide Suicide" is a great rock tune that is political but not quite as forward as "Bu$hleager," such actions will probably please and bring back Pearl Jam's more conservative fans.

"Marker in the Sand," "Parachutes," "Unemployable," "Big Wave" and "Army Reserve" are other great tracks on the album. They employ clanging guitars, Zeppelin-like harmonies, and choruses to scream out loud when you see them live. Pearl Jam has figured out how to blend their politics seamlessly with their music. No longer will fans be turned off by Vedder's undying leftist leanings - unless he starts impaling Bush on a stick during shows, that is. This is the album Pearl Jam fans have been waiting for since 1998.