Pearl Jam — Binaural

Binaural is Pearl Jam's sixth full-length studio album and it's a somewhat typical and obvious extension of the Yield recordings. The band doesn't really take any chances with this new record, except for the introduction of ukuleles on the second last song "Soon Forget." Thank god the song doesn't last for too long because you start to realize that the unique instrument hasn't been used too often in rock music for a reason — it's annoying. Still, this is a comfortable record, a completely familiar Pearl Jam vibe from start to finish. There isn't any of the fresh beauty of Ten or the in-your-face aggression of Vs., but this is a strong record, nonetheless. Vedder and company may not pen killer singles that are played non-stop on the radio or star in multi-million-dollar videos, but they understand the concept of a great rock record and what it takes to keep pumping out the good stuff. Remember the old rule, If it ain't broke don't fix it? Pearl Jam seems to be sticking close to that essential advice, and thank god for that because it's still working. Keep this disc in the player for a while. Let it grow on you in the best way.

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