Hitting the studio for the first time since 2020, Pearl Jam reminded everyone that their classic sound is still very much alive with Dark Matter. Including one of the catchiest guitar riffs in their entire catalog in “Waiting For Stevie” and an experimental new sound in “Upper Hand,” the band’s 12th studio album has been critically acclaimed since its release in April. What really brings this record together — there’s plenty for old-school grunge-era fans and new fans alike to enjoy.
- Josh Paredes
FanSided Editorial Director
Best fan moment of the year
Eddie Vedder has never been one to shy away from interacting with fans, but he took it a step further during a show in Barcelona, Spain. “Do you really know how to play guitar?” The frontman asked a fan holding a sign asking to play with the band. Minutes later, the fan joined Pearl Jam on stage to play “Yellow Ledbetter” without missing a beat.
What we’ll remember about this fandom a decade from now
While Pearl Jam has often received the “dad rock” label in recent years, this is the album that most embraces the label, with tracks like “Something Special,” which Vedder dedicates to his two girls. With fatherhood and family as growing themes in the music, this album will likely begin a new, slightly tampered-down era for the band. Slightly.