Bands that absolutely hit a home run with their debut album sometimes experience what the industry dubs the “Sophomore Slump”. One would think that Ten would be almost damn near impossible to follow up.
Not for Pearl Jam; they crushed it with Vs. It’s one of those albums that feel extremely personal. You might feel like you’re the only person on earth hearing it at that moment. Vs. makes everyone who listens to it feel something different.
Vs. is a masterpiece. It’s one of those albums that can be listened to from start to finish, and it’s best experienced that way. Calling the second Pearl Jam album underrated would be criminal.
The band opens Vs. with “Go”. While it may not showcase Eddie Vedder’s vocal prowess, the song is an absolute jam. It demands your attention and throws you headfirst into the album.
Jeff’s bass lays down a heavy riff, showcasing former drummer Dave Abbruzzese’s skills on the skins.
The flow from “Go” directly into “Animal” is a sign of the amazing things to come from Vs. Lyrically, it illustrates the band’s struggles with fame and the pressures imposed on them by the industry at the time. The song also emphasizes their tight-knit group dynamics with the lyric “1-2-3-4-5 against one.”
When guitarist Stone Gossard reflects on this time in the band’s history, he mentions realizing they could say “No” to what was asked of them. During their “Ten” era, PJ said yes to everything, which burned them out. With Vs., they said No, making them stronger as a collective.
“Daughter” is a standout song on the album. Its structure, tuning, and topic make it a modern classic. It was an immediate hit, despite being an acoustic song. However, Pearl Jam infused it with a rock edge.
The song truly comes to life during live performances. It’s a highlight of every single show, as the band takes it to unexpected places, providing an unforgettable experience for fans of Pearl Jam or music in general.
“Rearview Mirror” hits hard. At the time of its release, it was mandatory to blast it with the windows rolled down in your car. Decades later, it transports Gen Xers back to their angst-ridden teenage selves whenever it comes on.
“Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town” vividly captures the emotions conveyed in its lyrics. You can visualize the people in the small town and the faces of the past. The song delves into regrets and what-ifs, evoking contemplation about life-changing moments and alternative paths.
The song is also a gem when performed live, turning into a sing-along that sends shivers down your spine when Eddie sings, “Hearts and Thoughts They Fade Away,” and a crowd of thousands joins in.
While Pearl Jam’s “Vs.” sold millions, it’s incorrect to label it as the peak of Pearl Jam’s career. The band released several equally exceptional albums afterward. It’s better to see this album as the beginning. While “Ten” put them on the map, “Vs.” showed their longevity and independence from record companies, solidifying them as a formidable rock band.
Must listen to tracks: Go, Animal, Daughter, Glorified G, Dissident, Blood, Rearviewmirror, Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town, Leash, Indifference
Purchase Pearl Jam Vs. on Amazon.
