Riot Act

With the addition of an organ, we see a new style. Songs like 'Love Boat Captain' almost belong on Classic Rock stations rather than Rock. But then there's 'Save You', a classic rock vibe with that original Pearl Jam feel. It's all there, but something is...different. This is a different Pearl Jam.

The difference is age. Simple. These guys are a decade and more older, so therefore, their music is going to change. With venturing aspects of music, with the ecletic 'No Code', and the electric 'Binaural', this one takes a different turn...a more traditional approach.

What 'Riot Act' seems to be is this, a stance. It's political, it's low key, and it's very timid. There's only a few select songs that are in any way wild and crazy. Songs like 'I am Mine', 'Thumbing My Way', etc...are all lower, more central songs. I think Pearl Jam is starting a transition, or maybe an exit? I doubt this.

With the band changing, the music changes. Their grunge sound as they were called, is almost a classic rock jam. With this change in mind, you need to look at the record differently. This is not your standard Pearl Jam record.

'Bushleaguer' a song that caused such poltical whatever, is one of the sparks to the album, but even then...it never goes wild.

This is a mild album, but it's a good album. I enjoy listening to this occasionally. Is it one of their bests? When you have Yield, Vitalogy, Vs, beforehand, then, no. But it stands out and it's something different. That is a reward in music, so treat yourself to it.

Pearl Jam, hopefully, will continue...as their generation of music is fading.