A Modern (Classic?) Rock Classic

Artist: Pearl Jam                 Album: Ten
Rating: 5.0


On August 27, 1991 Epic records released one of the most important albums in modern rock. They didn't know it at the time. Not even Pearl Jam knew it. Especially that was the attitude in 1991 because the album didn't sell great at the start. But once 1992 rolled around it was sitting at #2 atop the Billboard 200 chart. Now it is considered an epic and giant moment in rock history. Does it deserve such high praise?
Indeed it does. Eddie Vedder's lyrics and vocals fit perfectly with the music. While compared to Nirvana often since they are both Seattle bands, Pearl Jam were more of a straight up rock group then grunge. When one thinks of grunge, I personally think of grinding guitars and punk rock sensibilities. Think Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Or even Godsmack know still uses a grunge tone. And while those bands have made some amazing music, Pearl Jam was a little more complex than just a grunge sound. The album is technically (I mean musically) a gem. Stone Gossard's guitar work is very evident on the album and Mike McCready is in top form. I agree with the other reviewers that you can definitely hear Led Zeppelin and other classic rock influences on the record.
Lyrically the cd is very dark. Vedder talks about things such as loneliness, depression, suicide and even murder. At the same time, it has a sort of unflagging optimism that the future will be brighter.
The songs "Alive," and "Once" are part of a trilogy of songs which tell a story. (The third song is "Footsteps" but isn't on "Ten." It was included on the "Jeremy" single B-Side.) It follows the story of a young man learning his father has already died without his knowledge. He is subsequently brought into a sexual relationship instigated by his mother and even becomes a murderer. He is captured in the final song and executed. Ironically many people considered "Alive" a optimistic song full of hope. Easy to make that mistake....Obviously not a cd that is great for kids. But if you are old enough to handle it, a great rock album.

Yes the record is now over 20 years old. But it still remains just as powerful today. Grunge may not rule the radio anymore, but this gold nugget has stood the test of time. Two thumbs way up.