No Code

Been gradually working my way through the Pearl Jam discography in order of release and this is my least favorite (though still worthwhile) album thus far. "Hail, Hail" and "Red Mosquito" are two of the band's best songs, and there are some other memorable lesser-known tracks, like the harmonica-heavy "Smile" and the weird / experimental / partially spoken word "I'm Open".

...but then there are all of these super-serious, slower, more contemplative tracks, which are well-written and performed by Vedder, yet not especially interesting from a song composition or instrumental standpoint. The pulling back and softening of sound explains why this received a lukewarm reception from critics and fans alike, and why sales were disappointing. But this not meeting (unfair) expectations doesn't mean it's bad either. It's not. Just a slight change-up for a group trying to navigate those turbulent post grunge alt rock waters of the late 90s / early 2000s.