Album: Vitalogy
Artist: Pearl Jam
Release Date: November 22, 1994
Genre: Grunge Rock
Length: 0:55:30
Label: Epic Records
Producer: Brendan O'Brien/Pearl Jam
Rolling Stone Top 500 (2012): #485
Rolling Stone Top 500 (2020): N/A
"Bugs" bugs me...
The second-fastest selling album in history, only behind none-other than another Pearl Jam record, Vitalogy sold nearly one million copies in its first week alone and eventually would go on to achieve 5x platinum certifications. Peaking at #1 on the US Billboard 200 and ranked #76 on the US Billboard 200 90s decade-end chart, Vitalogy has easily become one of Pearl Jam's most notable accomplishments.
With hit ballads "Nothingman" and "Better Man" as well as the pinnacle grunge sound in "Not for You" and "Corduroy", Vitalogy gives the listener an album that features Pearl Jam at the peak of their creativity and musicianship. Each song slightly different from the last, while still maintaining the sound that made them famous, Pearl Jam focuses on more experimental features to add to what was already one of the most popular sounds at the time.
Each member performs their instrument and parts in unison so perfectly and each song showcases this. For example, in "Immortality", the intro starts with just a cleanly distorted guitar, then the drums are added with the large impact they bring, all while Vedder brings in his beautifully unique voice, all show how perfect each member works together to bring the listener the best of Pearl Jam's talent.
The way the album is laid out performs almost like a live concert. Starting off with a heavy rock song in "Last Exit" and continuing while each song up until "Tremor Christ" gets less involved than the last, finally rounding out with "Nothingman", the album constantly goes through this up-and-down motion, mimicking a stylistic roller coaster that keeps each song more intriguing than the last.
One major thing that keeps the songs on this album interesting are the lyrics performed by Eddie Vedder. One great example of the lyrical treasure is between the two songs "Nothingman" and "Better Man". The songs seem to mimic each other but with the main glaring difference being the storyteller of the song. In "Better Man", the song is written about a woman dealing with a lover that keeps her in a toxic relationship. These lyrics about relationship problems and issues are contrasted with "Nothingman", coming from the perspective of a man thinking nothing was wrong and wondering why his girlfriend/wife has left him. Along with the themes prevalent in these two songs, Vitalogy focuses a lot on money, fame and the issues Vedder deals with being famous, something that has become a large focus in Pearl Jam's career.
Even with all the "highs-and-lows" in terms of style, there is also a large amount of "highs" in terms of great songs on this album, but also a few "lows". The songs "Bugs" and "Stupidmop", while filler songs, sadly bring down the entire quality of the album. Yes, they are experimental jams and are made to not be taken seriously, but sadly accomplish that and more. It's hard to listen to this album as a collective piece of solidified, perfected work, as "Bugs" is thrown right in the middle which completely disrupts the flawless flow as the songs prior to this. Then, to put "Stupidmop" as the closing song, the listener leaves the album remembering that song which is sad as there are much more notable and impressive songs throughout.
From the more "punkish" songs, to the beautiful ballads, Vitalogy is a fantastic grunge album that is sure to transport you to the mid-90s. The way the album climbs high with the large-scale arena grunge songs, filled with booming tom fills and static induced guitar solos, but quickly finds a way to smoothly bring you back down to the more delicate and meaningful from Vedder's distinctive bellowing voice is pure artistry. While this album is amazing, it isn't an overall masterpiece as some songs are hits and others are misses, I would recommend listening to the more notorious songs off Vitalogy and who knows, maybe you'll find yourself becoming a "Better Man"...
Favorite Songs: "Better Man", "Nothingman"
Least Favorite Songs: "Bugs", "Stupidmop"
Production Quality:
Mix = 8/10
Innovation = 6/10
Songwriting Quality:
Arrangement = 8/10
Lyricism = 10/10
Instrumentation Quality:
Vocal Timbre = 8.5/10
Instrumental Timbre = 9/10
Group Chemistry = 10/10
Overall Likability:
My Personal Rating = 6/10
Overall Rating: 7.95/10
Any confusion on how the rating is weighted/calculated, please look at my "About" page.
Remember this is all my opinion! Let me know if you agree, disagree or have any comments!
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