Riot Act
by Pearl Jam
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 12, 2002
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Q Magazine
    60
    An adult rock record in which nuance succeeds over bombast. [Dec 2002, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Uncut
    60
    A couple of songs could do with more melody and less of Mike McCready's spidery guitar breaks. [Dec 2002, p.132]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    The familiarity of this straightforward tumble sounds tired -- the musicians struggle to put their backs and hearts into the Mudhoney-ish rocker "Save You." But like Neil Young at his most deliberately despondent, Pearl Jam sound purposefully tired.
  5. Ink 19
    60
    Hints at greatness, but never quite sustains it.
  6. Blender
    60
    The production seems to capture a band that's playing live, with the guitarists constantly pushing each other and tunes evolving on the spot. [#11, p.122]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Stylus Magazine
    55
    This is a definite upswing from the steaming pile of crap that was Binaural, but not the return to form that older fans of the band may have been hoping for.
  8. Pitchfork
    49
    Riot Act meanders from one song to the next with an overwhelming insipidness.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 93 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 93
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 93
  3. Negative: 6 out of 93
  1. Filippos1987
    Nov 6, 2022
    6
    This has the opposite issue that Binaural has - it has a great production style and sound, but the material is more than occasionally lacking.This has the opposite issue that Binaural has - it has a great production style and sound, but the material is more than occasionally lacking. Frankly, Eddie doesn't do "bummed out" very confidently - he's a more dogged idealistic optimist than a defeated misanthrope, and here the mix of his lyrics and the more downbeat material is an odd fit. There are high points ("I Am Mine" remains an anthemic blast and deserved its radio space), but with the exception of Lightning Bolt, this remains among their weakest records.… Full Review »
  2. elijahcbk01
    Apr 7, 2014
    7
    As a new Pearl Jam fan, I love this album. If you're new to Pearl Jam, I recommend this album, because it's one of my favorite Pearl JamAs a new Pearl Jam fan, I love this album. If you're new to Pearl Jam, I recommend this album, because it's one of my favorite Pearl Jam albums as of now, and I feel like it's high quality. Plus, 'I Am Mine' is a fantastic song :)… Full Review »
  3. scfcjh
    Jun 30, 2012
    6
    The band clearly showing a mid-age slump with a very normal album. Nothing to get too excited about but a decent album. Love Boat Captain andThe band clearly showing a mid-age slump with a very normal album. Nothing to get too excited about but a decent album. Love Boat Captain and Thumbing My Way showing good melodically structured songs… Full Review »
See all user reviews »