Pearl Jam • Pearl Jam

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Ever since the release of the under-appreciated Yield, critics have labeled subsequent Pearl Jam albums as being their "best since Vitalogy." The trend continues with the release of Pearl Jam's 2006 self-titled effort and the question begs to be asked: Is this really the best album Pearl Jam has released in ten years?

The answer depends, I suppose, on one's level of Pearl Jam appreciation. Some found No Code too schizophrenic, Yield too conscientious and polished, Binaural void of memorable songs, and Riot Act good, but just not good enough. So for them, Pearl Jam will be a welcomed return to form. There are no artistic detours here, just straight forward rock and roll — an album more akin to VS than Vitalogy.

The end result is probably one of Pearl Jam's more fun and consistent works. One would by surprised at how upbeat Pearl Jam can be with song titles like "Life Wasted" and "World Wide Suicide." And when before has Eddie Vedder opened up about his love for surfing like he does on "Big Wave"? Though keeping much of the fare light, Pearl Jam still gets reflective on "Gone" and the Springsteen-like epic "Inside Job"— a poignant ballad on the occupation of simply living and searching for hope.

Each of Pearl Jam's albums has had its own voice, and one album's shortcoming can be one listener's diamond. With that in mind, Pearl Jam doesn't necessarily trump previous efforts, it simply adds color and strength to an already solid catalogue.