Pearl Jam – Vs.

Review

Pearl Jam's second studio album, "Vs.," dropped on October 19, 1993, and it's an unapologetically raw and aggressive masterpiece that captures the band's evolution from their debut "Ten." The magic happened between February and May 1993, with Brendan O'Brien producing and drummer Dave Abbruzzese on board for the first time. The band adopted a more organic, jam session-like approach to recording this one, smashing out songs in a setup reminiscent of their live performances while Eddie Vedder's haunting vocals took center stage. This collaborative energy injected a visceral dynamism into the album, radiating through every track.

Not just a commercial juggernaut, smashing sales records with 950,378 copies sold in its first five days and reigning atop the *Billboard* 200 chart for five weeks, "Vs." also garnered massive critical acclaim. *Rolling Stone* lauded the album for both showcasing the band's immense talent and surpassing their iconic debut. With its eclectic mix ranging from punk-infused ragers to soul-searching ballads, "Vs." is a powerhouse displaying Pearl Jam's restless creativity and relentless pursuit of growth. Certified 7× platinum by the RIAA, this album cements Pearl Jam's grip on the rock scene of the '90s, embodying the gritty, introspective spirit of grunge. - Taylor