6. Dark Matter
Take the ferocity of “Vs”. add in some of the maturity of “Gigaton” and add a splash of the Insignificanceof “Yield” and you have yourself one winning formula for a Pearl Jam album in 2024. Arguably no band’s 12th album is their best album, but that doesn’t mean a band can’t have a late-career renaissance with lucky number 12.
Key Tracks: “Dark Matter” “Waiting for Stevie”
5. Vitalogy
What can be said about “Vitalogy” that hasn’t already been said? It’s Pearl Jam getting a little weird and weird Pearl Jam is always fun. It sort of foreshadows some of the experimentation found on “No Code” and it also brought us “Bugs.” ‘Nuff said.
Key Tracks: “Spin the Black Circle,” “Corduroy,” “Better Man”
4. Ten
This is the album all of your friinds who aren’t Pearl Jam fans own. It’s sold more than 10 million copies for a reason and that reason is that it’s a near flawless debut. “Ten” has plenty of hits, is filled with angst and emotion and was a sign of things to come when it was released 33 years ago.
Key Tracks: “Black,” “Alive,” “Even Flow”
3. Vs
The band’s sophomore album proved that “Ten ” wasn’t a fluke by not only being a punchier, more aggressive album than its predecessor, but also by selling nearly 1 million copies in its first week of sales. “Vs.” hasn’t reached the RIAA diamond status of “Ten” but it is loaded with plenty of setlist staples and fan favorites.
Key Tracks: “Animal,” “Rearviewmirror,” “Daughter”
2. No Code
Known as the band’s experimental album, the record incorporated some heavy Neil Young influences (I’m looking at you, “Smile”) and overall is one of the most well-rounded entries in the band’s catalog.
Key Tracks: “Present Tense,” “Sometimes,” “Smile”
1. Yield
It’s as well-rounded as “No Code” but more accessible. It has hits like “Ten” but doesn’t sound dated. From the opening notes of “Brain of J” all the way to the final notes of hidden track “Hummus,” it’s a complete record with no skippable tracks.
Key Tracks: “Given to Fly,” “Do the Evolution,” “Wishlist”
