Has it really been four years since “Backspacer”? It actually feels longer. I’ve celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary, my first child was born, Pearl Jam celebrated their 20th anniversary with PJ20 and a majority of the band members released solo projects. Basically, it’s been a long time. Well the time has been worth it as “Lightning Bolt” is Pearl Jam’s strongest effort in years and for me it launches into the 2nd tier of their overall catalog.
Pearl Jam’s “Lightning Bolt” starts out with a fury with the tracks ‘Getaway’, ‘Mind Your Manners’ and ‘My Father’s Son’. Each of these tracks is under 4 minutes in length and pack a punch. The track ‘Mind Your Manners’ in particular punches your ear drums as it harkens back to their 94’ screamer ‘Spin the Black Circle’.
After whipping up listeners into frenzy with those first three tracks, Pearl Jam readies their lighters for the beautiful ‘Sirens’.
At first this reviewer didn’t know what to think about that track, but as I listened to it a few times it definitely grew on me and now it’s one of the stand out tracks on the album.
After the emotion of ‘Sirens’ the band kicks it up a notch with ‘Lightning Bolt’. This track is a fun one and each of the band members is in fine form. The band continues on with one of my favorite tracks off of the album ‘Infallible’.
‘Infallible’ has a lot going on in the track. From the cautious lyrics “Want a third second chance , Put your faith in big hands , Pay no more than a glance , All good things come to an end.” The song has a unique rhythm and should be a great live track.
‘Pendulum’ kicks off the 2nd half of the album and is a dark and moody tune. Jeff Ament’s bass and Mike McCready’s guitar are the driving forces of this tune and Vedder’s voice is the icing on the cake. This is another stand out track.
‘Swallowed Whole’ is up next and this one is still sinking in. This track is not a low point by any means, but my ears have been interested in other tracks off this album.
‘Let the Records Play’ is a fun track. There’s a nice groove laid down by Stone Gossard and it feels like a bluesy rave up of that old 20’s track ‘Jeepers Creepers, where’d you get those peepers’. ‘Let the Records Play’ should be a good one in concert.
Pearl Jam tackles one of Vedder’s solo tunes ‘Sleeping By Myself’ and gives it a little bit of a folksy sound. I think the ladies will like this one.
Rounding out the album are two slow burners. The first ‘Yellow Moon’ is modeled after some dark Neil Young sounds. Certainly reminds me of something off of ‘No Code’ with a bit more polish. I really dug this one. ‘Future Day’s is all Eddie and for some reason the band’s producer on keys. It’s a nice ode to lasting relationships. Hopefully our ‘Future Days’ are filled with more Pearl Jam music.
Overall 4.5 out of 5.
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