Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam
Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. All Music Guide
    90
    Pearl Jam hasn't sounded as alive or engaging as they do here since at least Vitalogy, if not longer.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    90
    Strikes with a magnificent urgency.
  3. Billboard
    90
    Pearl Jam is fully, comprehensively re-energized.
  4. PopMatters
    90
    Pearl Jam is another straight-up collection of raw, blistered rock and moody mid-tempo balladry. The difference here, and the reason for excitement, is that the self-titled record more consistently achieves the grandeur, rage, and beauty they’ve always pursued, throughout its entirety.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The seriously hopped-up effort fans have been pining for since Vitalogy.
  6. The A.V. Club
    83
    The band gladly sacrifices fluidity for drama, and even catchy Pearl Jam tracks like "World Wide Suicide" (with its winding hook and acid lyrics) and "Parachutes" (with its charmingly odd acoustic bounce) periodically wander into the murk.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 292 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 167 out of 192
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 192
  3. Negative: 16 out of 192
  1. Ravenous
    9
    Finally regaining some of their original inspiration, Pearl Jam surprises everyone with this innovative album, one that actually keeps getting better as it goes along. Nothing they've done since Vitalogy has been anywhere near this good.… Full Review »
  2. CalR
    8
    It returns to their routes in a way which, though not the same is commendable nonetheless. Vedder demonstrates his capability in writing some great hooks with 'World Wide Suicide', 'Comatose' and the very underrated 'Gone'.… Full Review »
  3. j30
    7
    Pearl Jam's self-titled, return to form, 8th LP isn't one ot their best records or even close to a classic. It's a fine addition to their already strong catalog.… Full Review »
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