Pearl Jam- The Return of the Legend
There’s no question that the 1990s gave us one of the most popular rock and roll bands in history. It was in this decade that we first heard of the music of the would be legend, Pearl Jam. Thanks to the band member’s outstanding talent and artistry, their popularity and music merch sales haven’t dimmed. This is despite the fact that they have made controversial stands in relation to social and political issues.
One other explanation behind the band’s enduring quality is its strong following and fan base. Millions continue to listen to Eddie Vedder on lead vocals and guitar, Matt Cameron on drums, Stone Gossard on rhythm guitar, Jeff Ament on bass guitar and Mike McCreedy on lead guitar.
Enduring Popular Band Discography
With impressive album sales of 60 million worldwide, Pearl Jam definitely has staying power over its contemporaries from the 1990s. This comes as no surprise as its songs are as relevant today as it was 20 years ago, the themes touching on subjects ranging from the personal to the social and political.
Currently, Pearl Jam is credited with a full twenty-eight singles, six live albums, two compilations and nine studio albums. The band’s prolific nature is made more apparent when one considers the numerous music collaborations it has had. Some of the notable artists that have worked with the band include Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden and Mother Love Bone.
The 9 studio albums with their release year are as follows: Ten (1991), Vs. (1993), Vitalogy (1994), No Code (1996), Yield (1998), Binaural (2000), Riot Act (2002), Pearl Jam (2006) and Backspacer (2009).
Musical Style, Influences and Legacy
There is no doubt that the band has its own unique and noticeable mark. Most hardcore fans would know though that it is difficult to pin Pearl Jam entirely on one category. Although the group is generally considered a classical or punk rock band, they have successfully fused a number of musical elements from different genres.
The variety of influences can clearly be noticed across the band’s albums. Ten is strongly alternative rock while No Code is considered more Garage Rock. Vitalogy evinces a noticeable punk rhythm. Yield belongs more to the category of rock and roll while Binaural is more within the realm of art rock. Riot Act is perhaps the most unusual with elements of folk rock. The band’s self titled album is more definitive because of its return to the alternative influence. Backspacer is perhaps the most in tune with popular culture and music.
Because of the band’s variety of music quality, the band’s influence also encompasses bands from different genres. Bands that reflect Pearl Jam’s work include alternative band Silverchair, rock band The Strokes and post grunge band Puddle of Mud. More bands influenced by the group are perhaps currently in the works.
But their legacy does not only extend to the music industry. Eddie Vedder has used and continues to use the band’s popularity to espouse social and political causes like pro-choice, environment and wildlife protection, awareness of Chrohn’s disease, voter registration and participation, and charities.
It’s clear that the band members’ additional point of appeal is their social involvement. They definitely have more in mind than fame and money. This truly makes them the best candidates for immortalizing at least on band posters.
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