CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Backspacer (2009 Monkeywrench (US)/Universal Music Group (International)
Tracks: 11
Artist website: http://www.pearljam.com
OVERVIEW
Backspacer is the ninth studio album from one of the most important bands of the 1990’s, Pearl Jam. They, along with other Seatle bands, brought the world grunge and alternative rock. (The second musical label still makes me cringe today for its ambiguity – alternative to what? Hair-metal? Top 40?)
The two first Pearl Jam albums, Ten and vs., are still very dear and important to me. Over the years, I’ve head bits and pieces from Pearl Jam, but nothings really stuck with me like the material from those first two albums.
Backspacer is a very mature album that manages to communicate its ideas in a fresh way. It also manages to be different from those first two albums and all the stuff that came after. Vedder’s voice is still as powerful as ever! He definitely has one of the best voices that has come along in rock music. The instrumental performances are great as well. The production is great.
I really enjoyed this album a lot. This is an album that just about anyone can pick up and listen to without having any prior knowledge of who Pearl Jam are. There’s enough variation so that there is something for everyone. I may be in the minority here, but honestly feel this is the best album since vs. Awesome album, well worth checking out!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Gonna See My Friend, Just Breathe, Amongst The Waves
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Gonna See My Friend
Very cool up tempo track. Fresh and energetic.
Track 2 – Got Some
Catchy. Good energy.
Track 3 – The Fixer
Loved the groove here.
Track 4 – Johnny Guitar
The short break down just after 1:00 was cool. Very simple.
Track 5 – Just Breathe
Pretty acoustic track. Made me wonder if this was a leftover from Vedder’s Into the Wild sessions.
Track 6 – Amongst The Waves
I love this track! Great melody. I love the half-time chorus.
Track 7 – Unthought Known
This track was a bit “meh”. Kind of Coldplayish to me.
Track 8 – Supersonic
Cool song.
Track 9 – Speed Of Sound
Pretty vocal work here.
Track 10 – Force Of Nature
Good groove. Got better towards the end.
Track 11 – The End
Sublime!