Binaural - Pearl Jam > Reviews > Second best Pearl Jam album

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	It's a long album (13 tracks) and there is an excellent mixture of hard and soft songs
Disadvantages:	The production is different to any Pearl Jam album  -  the drums sound hollow at points

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Binaural is a far, far throw away from any previous Pearl Jam release. The band no longer produce grunge music. Instead, the new album focuses, for the most part, on delicate vocals and considered, mellow hooks. Tracks such as "Of a Girl" and "Light Years" highlight the dexterity of the band when it comes to writing a ballad. That's not to say there are no rockier tracks. Grammy nomiated hard rock song "Grievance" stands out as being the catchiest Pearl Jam song in a long while, and "Insignificance" is a poignant lament of the use of bombs during a war. This album can be enjoyed by anyone who did not like the early or mid-career Pearl Jam material. It's not, howevever, for grunge rockers looking for a re-incarnation of the early 90s Seattle sound.