Backspacer
by Pearl Jam
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 241 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 213 out of 241
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 241
  3. Negative: 6 out of 241

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  1. Filippos1987
    Nov 6, 2022
    9
    Brief, nimble and ultimately a very engrossing, multi-faceted record that nevertheless sees the Seattle sextet embrace a stronger, more unified vision of their sound, Backspacer is the most charming and smooth a Pearl Jam record has felt since the 90's - all gusto, rousing sentiment, effortlessly anthemic songs sitting besides somber, yet inviting meditations of life, love, and mortality.Brief, nimble and ultimately a very engrossing, multi-faceted record that nevertheless sees the Seattle sextet embrace a stronger, more unified vision of their sound, Backspacer is the most charming and smooth a Pearl Jam record has felt since the 90's - all gusto, rousing sentiment, effortlessly anthemic songs sitting besides somber, yet inviting meditations of life, love, and mortality. Proving once again that Eddie Vedder is at his best when he decides to fight against the malaise of existence, Pearl Jam makes us thankful once again for theirs.… Expand
  2. brockcheese
    Feb 24, 2020
    8
    Backspacer is an excellent album that sees Pearl Jam continue to make poppy rock hits about being fed up with work and suicide and the typical frustrations of settling in to life.
  3. Danm95VFF
    May 11, 2016
    8
    This is actually one of my favourite Pearl Jam records. The problem I have with the band's 2000's output is that their albums have a bit too much filler or interesting ideas that are not as fully explored as they could be. This album is more trimmed down and more accessible, but with higher quality songwriting. Its anthemic nature harkens back to the "Ten" album; tracks like "Gonna See MyThis is actually one of my favourite Pearl Jam records. The problem I have with the band's 2000's output is that their albums have a bit too much filler or interesting ideas that are not as fully explored as they could be. This album is more trimmed down and more accessible, but with higher quality songwriting. Its anthemic nature harkens back to the "Ten" album; tracks like "Gonna See My Friend" and "The Fixer" are every bit as catchy as "Even Flow" or "Alive".… Expand
  4. MrEvergreen
    Oct 27, 2013
    10
    Almost 20 years after their debut, Pearl Jam is still managing to write some of the freshest and catchiest songs of their career. This is a must-have album.
  5. EvanOrtiz
    Nov 12, 2012
    8
    Pearl Jam, a rock band built on survival, has pulled through after the death of Grunge music. As one of the only Grunge bands of the early nineties left in existence, Pearl Jam has constantly been pressured to create music that doesn
  6. nicrax96
    Jul 7, 2012
    10
    an amazing work for an amazing band that proves they are still relevant and still a music genius
  7. scfcjh
    Jun 30, 2012
    8
    17 years after the bands debut album 'Ten' and Pearl Jam have evidently changed. But this album shows a different side that is still almost as good as ever. It may be less 'rocky' but it still shows great ability to stay consistently good for so long
  8. CalR
    Feb 19, 2012
    9
    So frantic, and energetic that 'Backspacer' has been one of the bands offerings I have had the most trouble getting into. Nevertheless, this new-wave punk inspired rock works so well, because the band finally sound like they are enjoying themselves for the first time since 1994's Spin The Black Circle. There's life here, and whilst lyrically it is not inspired by the burdens and woe thatSo frantic, and energetic that 'Backspacer' has been one of the bands offerings I have had the most trouble getting into. Nevertheless, this new-wave punk inspired rock works so well, because the band finally sound like they are enjoying themselves for the first time since 1994's Spin The Black Circle. There's life here, and whilst lyrically it is not inspired by the burdens and woe that the band had at their peak, there is a lot to love, with 'Just Breathe' easily being the best 'Slow Jam' the band made since 'Elderly Woman...'… Expand
  9. j30
    Dec 9, 2011
    8
    A strong set of songs from the rock gods of the 90's era. It doesn't quite live up to their old stuff, particularly Vs or Vitalogy, but still a nice collection here.
  10. spacecadet
    Jun 6, 2011
    5
    i just wrote reviews for zeitgeist by the smashing pumpkins and the king of limbs by radiohead here.
    same damn problem with all three. its a well enough album... good tunes
    but it ranks (just a tiny bit below riot act) as the worst effort by the band ever! which is not a bad thing to itself.. some bands pride themselves on being just a bit worse than pearl jams worst effort. but pearl jam    i just wrote reviews for zeitgeist by the smashing pumpkins and the king of limbs by radiohead here.
    same damn problem with all three. its a well enough album... good tunes
    but it ranks (just a tiny bit below riot act) as the worst effort by the band ever!
    which is not a bad thing to itself.. some bands pride themselves on being just a bit worse than pearl jams worst effort. but pearl jam cant be one of those bands :)    … Expand
  11. Boosemo12
    Jun 3, 2011
    5
    Meh, pretty boring album, nothing really special but it isn't awful.
  12. BradJ
    Dec 5, 2009
    10
    Just brilliant.
  13. WesC
    Nov 17, 2009
    10
    One of the best albums of the years.
  14. JT
    Nov 9, 2009
    7
    I'm torn. The first six songs quite splendid, but the latter half kind of sags. All and all, the record is about as good as their 2006 self-titled album, just with the tracks in a less logical order. Pearl Jam fans will probably not be disappointed, but not stunned either.
  15. StephenD
    Nov 3, 2009
    9
    Pearl Jam have embraced their fun side on Backspacer, with excellent results. Pitchfork, of course, hates it..... which is usually a good sign that I'll like it.
  16. ChrisC
    Oct 25, 2009
    9
    Claudio D., your English is magical. That was beautiful. Eddie would be proud. Great album; welcome back, Pearl Jam.
  17. DonalM
    Oct 25, 2009
    2
    I'm a huge PJ fan, but this is hugely disappointing drivel. Its one of those albums, and I don't come across many, where I couldn't find any reasons to have a second listen. Since it was Pearl Jam, it got a second listen, and a third, but it still sounds like a whole album of filler. Its now out of the CD player and I don't know if it will go back in.
  18. Damiang
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    Brought me back to the days of Ten, VS, even the excitement I felt after first listening to No Code. Brilliant!
  19. DavidR
    Oct 20, 2009
    5
    Bland stadium rock.
  20. ClaudioD
    Oct 20, 2009
    10
    Pearl Jam do not lose their essence, that is to do music for the soul. Always maintaining a high musical and interpretative quality, like always the lyrics are intelligent and always something can be learned of them, they show us that can be successful without being sold to the system. The voice of eddie that has all the power of a bomb and at the same time, the sensibility of a flower. Pearl Jam do not lose their essence, that is to do music for the soul. Always maintaining a high musical and interpretative quality, like always the lyrics are intelligent and always something can be learned of them, they show us that can be successful without being sold to the system. The voice of eddie that has all the power of a bomb and at the same time, the sensibility of a flower. In short a great album. (Sorry for my poor English).… Expand
  21. RubinS
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    The best album of 2009 ...Backspacer..Awesome songs!!!
  22. ChrisT
    Oct 15, 2009
    10
    Great album. 20 years and still kicking out awesome rock and mid tempo songs.
  23. GustavoM
    Oct 13, 2009
    10
    Solid album, all songs are very good, this album doesn't have that experimental songs like red point, wasted reprise, wich is very good to me. All songs re radio candidates. Excellent Work.
  24. MattA
    Oct 8, 2009
    9
    I'd like to start off by saying, "I was never a Pearl Jam Fan." I downloaded the CD on a whim and it's slowly grown on me ever since! The album is short, but there are hardly any tracks worth skipping. Pearl Jam has mixed classic grunge rock, and alternative folk, in a way only seasoned musicians could. This is the 1st PJ album I've bought, and they have convinced me that I'd like to start off by saying, "I was never a Pearl Jam Fan." I downloaded the CD on a whim and it's slowly grown on me ever since! The album is short, but there are hardly any tracks worth skipping. Pearl Jam has mixed classic grunge rock, and alternative folk, in a way only seasoned musicians could. This is the 1st PJ album I've bought, and they have convinced me that they deserve all the praise they get. My favorite tracks: Forces of Nature, Unthought Known, The End.… Expand
  25. GregB
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    Great album. One of their best yet. On par with Vitalogy.
  26. KevinW.
    Oct 6, 2009
    9
    Solid album from rocks most relevant crew.
  27. BillyB.
    Oct 6, 2009
    10
    My favorite album since..........well since their last one!! Songs that have you up moving or laying in bed with your headphones on wiping a tear from your eye!If you love pearl jam its simple,,,you love this album.
  28. mikeg
    Oct 2, 2009
    6
    Ok so Pitchforks review sums this album up nicely. i bought this album without hearing it.. if it wasnt PJ i would never buy a cd of a band that sounds so generic. when the first song is filler you know there is trouble. well at least its better than Chris Cornells last solo cd lol.
  29. JmiH
    Oct 2, 2009
    9
    Delivers on the promise of the Avocado album. Eddie and the boys totally recapture the mojo they have not had since Yield... or perhaps even Vitalogy.
  30. Rob
    Oct 2, 2009
    10
    A nice short collection of songs. One of the best albums that Pearl Jam has ever recorded. Rock on guys!!
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2009
57
#57 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Rolling Stone
    80
    Backspacer, Pearl Jam's ninth album, backspaces to that boyish spirit, with the shortest, tightest, punkiest tunes they've ever banged out.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    80
    For the first time in years, Pearl Jam are seizing the moment rather than wallowing in it.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    80
    The commitment that Vedder brings to all this material, from the rowdiest thrashing to the schmaltziest ballad makes this feel like a unified and ultimately convincing project. [Oct 2009, p.90]
See all critic reviews »