After my graduation from university at the end of June this year I was overcome by a liberating sense of freedom and relief, a sense that my time was my own time and I could do whatever the hell I wanted with it. I started to read more books, fall back into my old hobbies and take up some new ones. I also began to widen my horizons musically, discovering new artists and sounds - a sort of musical epiphany, you might say and it began with my discovery of Pearl Jam.

I can't really believe that I hadn't heard of them up until July this year. After a few songs, I was blown away by their rawness and intensity, musically and lyrically. 'Ten' is an album which adds to my feelings of misplacement within my generation, feelings which make me want to go back to a time when music could be golden and almost revolutionary in spirit - hardly something I can say about rock music today.

*~ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS~*

Now really, I can listen to this album start to finish without complaint and speak of each track adoringly but in my opinion there is a selection of tracks which really stand out...

~Even Flow~

Apparently, this song is about a homeless guy which makes a lot of sense if you listen to the lyrics ('rests his head on a pillow made of concrete'). The song opens with terrific guitar riffs. There's something so explosive and energetic about this song, something which is reflected in the video where Eddie Vedder is practically swinging from the rafters. Makes me kinda' wish I was there.

~Alive~

I've heard that this song was partially about Vedder not knowing his biological father growing up which makes it very interesting lyrically. You've got a great story in there and I dunno' about you but this song makes me feel alive. Amazing stuff.

~Black~

'Black', in my opinion, is the absolute gem of the album - a cathartic masterpiece. It takes all the painful emotions of having your heart ripped to shreds and turns it into a searingly beautiful song. Certainly the best song on the album if not Pearl Jam's best.

~Jeremy~

'Jeremy' is a blisteringly powerful track. Of course I could say this about many songs on this album but this one was based on the real-life story of a 15 year old boy who shot himself in front of his class mates. It leaves us with a song which tells us a lot about society and remains socially and politically relevant today. It reminds us of just how cruel and tormenting humanity can be...

~Oceans~

This song is sublime and makes great use of ocean imagery to express the anguish of not being able to be with the one you love. After the ripping riffs and guitar solos of the previous tracks, there's something instantly calming about this song but just as powerful. This is a beautiful song and contains some of Vedder's best vocals...

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All in all, 'Ten' is an epic album - sheer musical genius that deserves a place as one of the best rock albums of all time. I have fallen in love with Eddie Vedder's 'golden baritone' voice, the brilliant musicianship of the band on the whole and the way the meaning behind their songs really resonates. The songs are very heartfelt, dealing with human relationships and all their problems. This is why I think this album is very special, because not only does it have riffs and melodies which hook you in but it seems like the band members really poured their heart and soul into the words themselves. A piece of rock history not to be overlooked.

*~Thank you for reading my review :-)~*
*~Also published on Ciao - November 2010~*