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Yield

Artist: Pearl Jam
Genre: Alternative
Year: 1998
Rating: 7.5 / 10

Pearl Jam's fifth and most recent release, "Yield," delivers yet another change of pace for those loyal fans who have followed the band from their driving grunge beginnings with "Ten" all the way to the more mellow, introspective "No Code."

"Yield" opens with a bang, roaring off to the tune of "Brain of J," a rock anthem any Pearl Jam fan can instantly immerse themselves in. Yet the album's true power comes from the tracks which litter the middle of the set. "No Way," where Eddie Vedder sings "I'm not trying to make a difference/I'm not trying to make a difference/No way," welcomes Pearl Jam fans back to the classic power evident on "Vs." and sporadically on "Vitalogy." "Given to Fly," already a staple on alternative radio, is actually one of the weaker tracks on this consistent, yet innovative album.

Pearl Jam continues to defy alternative standards, proving that they belong in a class by themselves. "Push Me, Pull Me" could fit more appropriately next to "Bugs" on "Vitalogy," yet it provides a pleasantly smooth contrast to "In Hiding," the song which precedes it and which is also fast becoming a radio request favorite.

Pearl Jam fans who have stood by the band throughout will be pleased with the band's ongoing quest to deft complacency, while fans who may have been disillusioned with Pearl Jam's divergence over the last two albums will welcome the band back with open arms.

Submitted 6/10/98.