I will start this review by saying that I have already made my argument for the validity of the entire Pearl Jam catalogue and thus I will not be calling this a "comeback" album because they never went anywhere. That being said, this album leaves the artier trappings of 'Binaural' and 'Riot Act' behind and prefers to spend most of it's time rocking hard. The album opens with 5 straight rockers, including the album's first single, "World Wide Suicide", before settling down with the pretty Beatles-esque "Parachutes". Vedder sounds angry, but avoids namecalling and instead chooses to take a personal view of the state of the world, writing through characters with whom we can sympathize rather than righteous finger-pointing. For me it's the guitars that really makes this album fantastic as Stone Gossard and Mike McCready (my mentor whom I slavishly imitate at every chance I get, both intentionally and unintentionally) are in the best form they have been in since the 'Vs'/'Vitalogy' era. McCready's solo in "Comatose" is on par with the frantic flurry of his solo in "Go" (from 1993's 'Vs') and the main riff of "Severed Hand" is nothing short of inspired, having been stuck in my head since I got the album. My album highlight is "Gone", a slow burner with an anthem-like chorus that makes me want to throw my arms in the air and sing, much like "Alive". Album closers "Come Back" and "Inside Job" (McCready's first lyric ever) are both excellent and finish the album on a slower, more reflective note.
I really love this album and the only thing I am sad about is that I will not be able to see my beloved PJ when they hit the Gorge at George, Washington on July 22 and 23, due to its proximity to the wedding and my lack of spending money. I should not complain too much because I have seen them 4 times and own 40+ concerts on CD. It's nice to see a band with integrity and passion who can actually play, unlike most of the crap on modern rock radio, step back up to the plate and kick ass on all the PJ imitators out there, such as Theory of A Dead Nickleback. Eddie and Co., it's nice to hear from you again! Grade: A-
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Well you knew that I would be waiting in anticipation for this review, as I know you are a true PJ fan. Although it is well know in the world I was not a fan of the single at first but now having it set to disk I am glad to say that I believe World Wide Suicide will be one of the best singles ever. I do want to say to all the people out there that this album will get you hooked if you listen to it. It is the mature yet angst PJ that I think many have been waiting for. Thanks for listening.
Wes C. Attle
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