Backspacer (Limited Edition Gatefold Sleeve)

First off, let's get something straight : The days of Pearl Jam writing songs such as Even Flow and Alive are gone.

In short this is a good album which for me tails off dissapointingly at the end.

In length, well the first four songs are typical uptempo and enjoyable. "Gonna see my friend", "Got some" and the single "The Fixer" (the later two were both played on the recent tour) I like a lot and as with most Pearl Jam albums it gets you off to a lively start.

Im then left with a smile on my face with the lyrics and pace of "Johnny Guitar" - a cracking tune that comes in at under three minutes, yet is so enjoyable.

"Just Breathe" is an appropriately named changed of pace and is great - something that wouldn't be amiss on the recent "Into the Wild" soundtrack by Eddie himself, similar to "Thumbing my way" only classier.

It's from this point that, for me, the album begins to let itself down- especially after such a bright start. "Amongst the waves" is uninspiring, a slight reprieve with "Unthought Known" and the Ramones like "Supersonic" - which is enjoyable but also instantly forgettable - and then we are into the last three tracks.

"Speed of Sound", "Force of Nature" and the closing track "The End" I find dissapointing and before you know it the album is finished.

I've been a Pearl Jam fan since day one and still enjoy their work and love their live performances. There are some enjoyable moments on this album, it's just a shame there wasn't one or two more.

If I could give half stars I'd give 3-and-a-half out of Five, but as I can't I'll happily give it Four stars out of Five.

It has to be said that there last two releases where underwheaming to say the least , with Vedder having phoned in his performaces, and the band sounding sluggish and uninspired. Backspacer is a return to form however, but with something new...optimism, and a sense of playfulness that often the band have lacked. The new wave influances are something of a bonus to, giving some of the tracks a Split Enz feel. If you have written the band off in the past, give this a try....a great return to form.

Here comes the Grunge Rock revival. With the release of this album, the new revival album from Alice in Chains and the greatest hits from the post-grunge band Foo Fighters on it way: Grunge is back.

Pearl Jam have always been one of the best, and this album is one of their best. Every song is deep, fresh and some of them are even very catchy. The end song, named 'The End' is one of my alltime favourite Pearl Jam songs. It's a shame it isn't doing that well over here, because it went straight to number 1 in the US.

What a year for Pearl Jam fans. Firstly we're treated to the newly re-mixed / remastered version of Ten, a few stunning tour dates and now, a brand new album, 'Backspacer'.

For me, the last few albums have been slightly, well, underwhelming. I have been practically obsessed with Pearl Jam since the early nineties, but even my dedication was challenged with 'Riot Act' and to some extents the self titled 'Avocado' album. In all honesty, 'Backspacer' is a stunning and triumphant return to form, reminding us just how good they can still be. If the self titled album was a step in the right direction (but for me did not quiet deliver), 'Backspacer' is a giant leap in the right direction, proving the band still possess the appropriate minerals to rock your socks off!

At times, it reminds me of the heavy parts of No Code, but remains coherent and fresh, somehow they've managed to harness some of their awesome live show energy and capture an entertaining and urgent sound. Immediate stand out tracks include 'Got Some', 'Force Of Nature', 'Just Breathe' and recent single 'The Fixer'. If you like, or have ever liked Pearl Jam you should purchase this immediately, FACT.

Great Album.
Davvero un ottimo lavoro da parte dei Pearl Jam. 40 minuti scarsi di ottima musica e ancora una splendida voce di Eddy.