‘Porch’ - To me, ‘Porch’ is a microcosm of the absolute fury that Pearl Jam unleashed onto the world when they began playing. The shift change in the song when the band kicks in feels like a rebirth from the opening portion of the song. Oh, somehow.” This one has always been important to me, as it has always felt like a declaration that even though time passes and things will change (for better or for worse), the best we can do is to try and to hope. ‘Hard to Imagine’ - Another song that I am drawn to because of the lyrical content. My favorite part of this song is when it comes on unannounced, and out of nowhere, Mike’s opening lick pierces the air. To top it off, Ed’s vocals were at an all-time high here. Mike McCready’s licks are infectious, Stone Gossard’s groove is perfect, and Jeff Ament and Dave Abbruzzese lay down the foundation of this song with authority. This song is a melting pot of everything that the band does so well. ‘Dissident’ - The construction of this song might be my all-time favorite from Pearl Jam. How I've opened up, release me.” They opened with this song at the first Pearl Jam show I ever saw. I'll wait up in the dark for you to speak to me. “Oh, dear Dad, can you see me now? I am myself like you somehow. My brain is wired so that the first thing I am drawn to in a song is it’s lyrics, and this one hit me like a truck when I first heard it. I’m a firm believer that music has this weird way of finding you when you need it the most, and that is what happened to me with ‘Release’. ‘Release’ - This is the song that started my deep love affair with the band. I’ve spent more time listening to Pearl Jam than I have any other band, and while this list remains relatively fluid over time, here are my five favorite Pearl Jam songs!

The musicianship of Pearl Jam’s members is off the charts, and when combined with Eddie Vedder’s vocal and lyrical ability, along with the overall creativity of the group, you are left with a combination that is unlike anything else that has ever happened.

Each element of their band scratches a different itch of mine. If you’ve followed along on our social media, it should not be a big surprise to learn that Pearl Jam is my favorite band out of the big bands from the early 90s.

Best songs by pearl jam