Well this is a little awkward.

Here we go: I’m not really a Pearl Jam fan. Yeah, I’ve heard their main hits on the radio and understand their place in 90’s rock. I respect their talents and the fact that they have legions of fans. But their music has just never clicked with me. Maybe it was the constant lame joke growing up: “Hey Jeremy, did you speak in class today? Heh heh!” Har har Beavis and Butthead.

Anyway, here we have Backspacer. And it’s not too bad. Ironically, I actually dig the quieter tracks that make up the majority of the second half of the album. Vedder’s voice goes well with a stripped-down, more contemplative sound and there are quite a few of those songs on that portion of the record.

That’s not to say the rockers here aren’t good, but they just didn’t stand out to my ears like the others. That’s pretty much it. If you’re a Pearl Jam fan, I’d wager that you’ll dig this. If that’s not you, I doubt that you’ll find anything here that will change your mind.