2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Pearl Jam
Jul 20 2020

Inductee Insights

Pearl
Jam

Inductee Insights explores the artists that have changed the course of rock’s history with their evolution of sound.

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Grunge was the perfect storm of punk and classic rock. At the eye of the storm were Seattle band Pearl Jam. Their socially critical lyrics and dark melodies made for a perfect soundtrack to the angst-ridden generation X.

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Inductee Insights: Pearl Jam

Inductee Insights explores the artists that have changed the course of rock’s history with their evolution of sound.

Inductee Insights: Pearl Jam

Inductee Insights explores the artists that have changed the course of rock’s history with their evolution of sound.

There are many nuanced periods in rock 'n' roll history, but in the 1990s Grunge was the musical explosion that set the radio and MTV on fire. Grunge gave birth to a full-fledged culture, characterized by an expansive band roster, a gritty fashion sense and a catalogue of heady melodies that were both dismal and revitalizing. Pearl Jam was a pioneer of this era.

The early movement revolved around Seattle's independent record label Sub Pop and the region's underground music scene. But by the mid 90s its popularity had spread, partially because of the growing national festival scene, but also because the music reflected a growing cultural agitation. Grunge was the perfect storm of punk and classic rock. The socially critical lyrics and dark melodies made for a perfect soundtrack to the angst-ridden generation X.

The scene’s cultural impact rose to cinematic proportions in Cameron Crowe’s film about Seattle’s music scene and its denizens. Singles. Pearl Jam starred as the lead band.

Although the music and the bands came from the fringes- their album sales would make this period a unique turn in the history of musical counter cultures. Huge commercial success came with the release of Pearl Jam’s debut album: Ten.

Pearl Jam’s sound and impact on music has always been impossible to ignore.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Pearl Jam fused together the riff-heavy stadium rock of the '70s with the grit and anger of '80s post-punk, without neglecting hooks and choruses. Their compositions were powerful yet smooth arrangements emblematic of Led Zeppelin, the Doors, The Who and their idol - Neil Young.

 

Critic Jim DeRogatis described Vedder's vocals as a "Jim Morrison-like vocal growl.” Jimi Hendrix influenced McCready’s lead guitar style and experimental energy. Their unpredictable vocalizations and tempo syncopations channeled the frenzy of the Ramones. And their deep melodies and lyrics harkened to Patti Smith and R.E.M.

The band’s lyrics were cerebral and emotionally charged. Their songs were often introspective, addressing themes such as social alienation, apathy, concerns about confinement, and a desire for freedom. But they were also about the simple joys of life.

Pearl Jam spent the 90s appearing all over the globe in every festival including Lollapalooza, which is hailed as the world’s first wide-scale indie rock festival. And this catalyzed the mosh pit and emboldened Vedder’s daredevil stage antics.

 

In 1993, they released their second album, Vs. The album set the record for most copies of an album sold in its first week of release. Paul Evans of Rolling Stone said, "Few American bands have arrived more clearly talented than this one did with Ten, and then Vs. topped that debut." He added, "Like Jim Morrison and Pete Townshend, Vedder makes a forte of his psychological-mythic explorations....”

Pearl Jam has been described as "modern rock radio's most influential stylists: the workmanlike mid tempo chug of songs like "Alive" and "Even Flow" was just melodic enough to get moshers singing along." The band inspired and influenced a number of bands, ranging from Silverchair to Puddle of Mudd, The White Stripes and The Strokes.

Signifying their popularity and impact –they were inducted into The Rock & Roll hall of Fame during their first year of eligibility.

 

Pearl Jam’s sound and impact on music has always been impossible to ignore. They have made instinctual choices and collaborations throughout their entire musical careers that tap into social consciousness. Whether thoughtful or rage-inspired, Pearl Jam’s sound has always sought to make a personal connection with every listener. The band leapt from underground obscurity to stardom and became an institution by broadening their heavy sound while maintaining the emotional depth that made them resonate in the first place. They are still selling out arenas to this day.

 

This Is Pearl Jam