Earthling
Over the course of 30 years, Eddie Vedder has evolved from wild-eyed spokesperson for a generation to spotlight-allergic grouch to, slowly but surely, one of rock’s elder statesmen—a guy who can comfortably share a stage with Bono, The Boss, and JAY-Z. And though his second solo outing (2011’s aptly titled *Ukulele Songs*) showcased his gentler side, its follow-up is more diverse: a panoramic sprint through blistering punk (“Power of Right”), classic pop (the Elton John-enriched “Picture”), road-ready anthems (“The Dark”), and the sort of tender ballads he’s penned for Pearl Jam this side of the ’90s (“The Haves”). Most of all, Vedder—long seen as self-serious by some—sounds like a kid in a garage here, calling out to ground control from the cockpit on “Invincible” or shooting himself out of a cannon on “Try.” It sounds like he’s having *fun*.
The Pearl Jam leader’s first solo album in over a decade is an amiable, tuneful set with appearances from Stevie Wonder, Ringo Starr, and Elton John.
Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Ringo Starr appear on the iconic rocker's third solo record, which sees him reach a sense of self-acceptance
Pearl Jam talisman Eddie Vedder goes for a musical joyride on star-studded solo album, Earthling…
"Fun" isn't a word normally associated with Eddie Vedder, a singer who has specialized in earnest sincerity ever since Pearl Jam's "Jeremy" blanketed MTV and modern rock radio in 1992.
"Can you hear? Are we clear?" The opening shouted questions on Eddie Vedder's first solo album in over a decade captures the boundless
'Earthling' is a panoramic listen of all things Eddie Vedder, a showcase of defiance and loss, and above all, of acceptance, forgiveness, and perseverance.