Saturday, August 14, 2021

Pearl Jam - Vs

A rare follow up that’s as good as the classic debut. 

Some might say it’s even better. 

I wouldn’t argue. 

Pearl Jam were really on a roll in the early 90s and it feels like they knew this was their shot and didn’t want to waste it.  Vs feels a little more earthy and organic than the debut album (Ten), it hits a bit harder.  There’s an attitude to the songs that feels like they’re going to take no prisoners.  I think the original title was going to be Five Against One, although Vs sums up the mentality just as well. 

The album comes hard straight out of the blocks and doesn’t really let up.  Pearl Jam are a perfect balance of classic rock with a punk attitude on this album.  It’s also a perfect balance of rockers with ballads.  Daughter takes on the subject of child abuse, Elderly Woman… is a character study. Rocker Glorified G is about gun control, WMA is years ahead of its time talking about racial inequality (sadly still current in 2021).  There are so many good songs on this album, and I haven’t even mentioned my favourites (Rearviewmirror, Animal). 

A classic

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