Ten
by Pearl Jam

A classic album and it has always and always will be my favorite album to be released by any of the big four bands to come from Seattle (including anything by The Smashing Pumpkins or the Stone Temple Pilots)….and there is a big reason for that…….

The musical style and production of Ten has far more in common with that of Metallica and Guns N’ Roses than it does of Nirvana, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. Pearl Jam started out as that band that made music for people that also enjoyed Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi and Skid Row and they were that “grunge” band that people liked to blend in with the other kids who loved the new grunge scene. It’s specifically why Kurt Cobain hated Pearl Jam’s music when they first hit the scene and specifically why I am not at all a fan of the direction Pearl Jam took their music and image starting with their sophomore album Vs. in 1993.

And while I do like 90’s Grunge/Alternative Rock and I am not a big Pearl Jam fan in general…Pearl Jam was a definitely a far better and arguably far more authentic band starting out with their careers before lead singer Eddie Vedder became a massive control freak in the way the band writes and performs their music.

Here is some decent radio-friendly guitar based music for people with underdeveloped musical taste. Nice songs, though.

Someone told me that eddie was the best song writter and singer around these era.

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I think this album is overrated on this sight, but it doesn't change the fact that this is the best debut album among grunge's big four. A lot of amazingly written tracks (Jeremy, Black) and also high-energy grunge anthems (Once, Even Flow).

I was never that into grunge but when I first heard this album I was blown away by the sound and songwriting.

An energetic album that is an essential part of the history of the 90's. The impact it had is mainly due to the initial 6 track run that opens this release. There isn't a single weak link in this run with it just going from banger to banger. The instrumentation is also very infectious with Even Flow and Jeremy captivating me right from the first listen. Furthermore, while his vocal seems to be a little divisive, I absolutely love Eddie Vedder's style of singing and it suits the crashing guitars and drums perfectly. It also does a great job of filling the listener with energy as the passion and spirit of the group is poured into the music on here making for a thrilling experience. Overall, this is the groups strongest record as it has their best songs and is a must listen for anyone who is into this genre of music.

30 years later....and I still enjoy revisiting this album. I was considering dropping it from my top 100, but after another listen I realise what a poor decision that would be. In fact I will lift it up a few more places. Like fine wine, it seems to get better with age.

This good all the way, sometimes it´s just great.

Solid album