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Written by Jim Ryan Thursday, 17 October 2013 13:32

One of the best albums I have heard this year.

 

Here's what I thought of Pearl Jam's new album, Lightning Bolt. Please remember all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

“Getaway” - Hell to the yes! A solid rock track that picks up speed as it goes along. I just love the tone of Eddie's voice. An excellent kickoff! Score: 9

“Mind Your Manners” - A high-octane, kick-ass kind of punky rock track. I love the scatter shot vocals and jangly guitars. But most of all, I really dug the energy of this track. Score: 8

“My Father's Son” - I did like the funky bass work on this track, but that is about all. It just really didn't grab my attention. Score: 5

“Sirens” - Man, when Eddie turns it on, he turns it ON. Love, love, love the vocals on this track. The music is equally excellent and had me swooning the entire song. Score: 10

“Lightning Bolt” - Are you fucking kidding me? An excellent song from start to finish. Great energy, awesome vocals, and stellar guitar work. Love. Score: 10

“Infallible” - This is another track that grew on me as it progressed. In the beginning I was like, “OK, this is nice, but nothing outstanding.” Then, as the track went on, I got more involved and more impressed. It just grows on you. The lyrics are what really got me involved. Very nice boys — this is what I expect from you. Score: 8

“Pendulum” - Whoops. From the beginning of this song, I was hooked — Emotional realness in its vocals and deep, brooding rhythms. But then the song just never really went anywhere. I was waiting for this emotional punch, which never came — quite the letdown. Score: 4

“Swallowed Whole” - Back on track! Whew! Sold rock song — there is just something about how Pearl Jam arranges their songs. It seems they know how to layer their sounds to create a symphony of rock. Just a fantastic rock track. Score: 8

“Let The Records Play” - This track has what I like — balls. It stomps all over the place and drew me in with its character. Just a fun track with great rhythms and awesome vocals. Another solid track. Score: 9

“Sleeping By Myself” - I love when a band strips down — of sorts. A lighter, more mature sound from Eddie and the boys. His vocal wiggle is still there as he croons on this airy song. Overall, quite enjoyable. Score: 7

“Yellow Moon” Unlike “Pendulum,” this emotional track took me somewhere and got into my soul. I love when Eddie injects his vulnerable vocals into each lyric of a song. I could listen to this all day. Score: 10

“Future Days” - Sploosh. Emotional realness does not even begin to cover the tone of this track. Soulful realness — that’s what this track has. I would hope my husband would play this track for us on our 50^th wedding anniversary. Heartfelt and tender, this is my favorite track on the entire album. Score: 10

Average Track Score: 8.2. Would I recommend this album to buy? YES. A thousand times yes. One of the best albums I have heard this year. | Jim Ryan @draglover