Lightning Bolt - Pearl Jam
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Oct 15, 2013
    83
    The album still feels fresher and more relevant than the world at large might expect at this point--this classic-rock band still has at least a few classics left in it.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 8, 2013
    83
    [A] muscular and tender 10th album.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. unknown2000
    Oct 15, 2013
    10
    RS is kidding right!!!!!!!! hell on earth, does Pearl Jam is equal to Miley Cyrus now with score 3.5???????????? how that pearl jam is one of the greatest bands ever and all their albums are great I've never disappointed with any of their records and Lightning Bolt confirms PJ legacy.… Full Review »
  2. bicyclejoe
    Oct 15, 2013
    1
    Once a great rock band, Pearl Jam has settled into a pattern of retreaded guitar riffs, middling songwriting and FM soft rock theatrics. There's really no reason to revisit this album; it's simply an expression of a band merely existing to pay the bills and to relive the glory days. But we'll always have the live shows and "Vitalogy."… Full Review »
  3. MFSIP
    Oct 15, 2013
    10
    This is everything a PJ fan could hope for. It is the perfect combination of harder rocking songs (Getaway, MYM, My Father's Son), mid tempo rockers (LB, Swallowed Whole), some extremely successful experiments for the band (Infallible, Pendulum, SBM) and beautiful ballads (Sirens, YM). They also make a foray into blues territory with LTRP which is entirely sucsessful at being the 'fun' song on the album. FD is probably the only below par song and even then, it's not a clunker. All in all, excellent album with at least 5 entries which stand up to their best output (Getaway, MFS, Infallible, Pendulum, Yellow Moon).… Full Review »
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