After the immense success of its first two albums, Pearl Jam took a creative detour and churned out music for real fans, some edging toward experimental. With that said, this 8th full-length, dubbed the “Avocado Album,” is a return to the band’s roots. Straightforward rock numbers fill up the 13 tracker, as Eddie Vedder growls and pours his emotions out on top of aggressive, hard instrumentals. Writing was a truly collaborative process according to the band, and perhaps that’s why the Seattle icons sound so focused throughout. Check out: “Come Back,” “Life Wasted,” “World Wide Suicide,” and “Parachutes.”

• remastered
• gatefold sleeve
• 36-page booklet with lyrics and credits included
• music label: Epic 2006 / 2017

reviewed by buffalo fingers 12/2017