Pearl Jam?s Vs. stands out as a superior album compared to Ten. Yes, I?ve said it!

While this may not align with mainstream opinions, it’s essential to recognize that numerous publications herald Pearl Jam?s Ten as one of the defining albums of the ?90s grunge movement. I’m not here to undermine its iconic status; indeed, it played a pivotal role in introducing grunge to a broader audience. However, it’s important to express that it may not be the band’s finest work, which I firmly believe belongs to their sophomore album, Vs..

Throughout the years, I have passionately advocated for Vs. during discussions and features on Loudwire, often finding myself in the minority. Nevertheless, as a dedicated Pearl Jam enthusiast, this conviction remains unshakeable.

Here, I present five compelling reasons why I prefer Pearl Jam?s Vs. over Ten.

Understanding Why Vs. is the True First Pearl Jam Album

It’s common to assert that Ten is Pearl Jam’s debut album.

But is that entirely accurate?

Many are familiar with the backstory of Pearl Jam’s predecessor, Mother Love Bone. Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard were part of this band, which seemed poised for breakout success within the Seattle music scene until the tragic death of lead singer Andrew Wood due to a drug overdose.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Ament and Gossard formed what would evolve into Pearl Jam. Joined by guitarist Mike McCready and drummers Matt Cameron and Chris Friel, they began crafting instrumental tracks for a demo while searching for a new vocalist.

This demo eventually reached Eddie Vedder in San Diego, who penned lyrics for some of the instrumentals and returned them, securing an audition. Some of these songs found a place on Ten.

Ultimately, Ten was a work in progress, a collection of pieces that came together as the band formed. It wasn?t a cohesive album from the outset; instead, it materialized through collaboration.

McCready himself noted in a Spin interview that “Ten was primarily Stone and Jeff?s work; Eddie and I were just along for the ride at that time.”

Ament echoed this sentiment in a 1994 Bass Player interview, stating, “We were aware that we were far from being a fully realized band back then.”

In contrast, Vs. can be regarded as the first authentic Pearl Jam album. This time, the music was collectively crafted, reflecting a unified band effort, and the songs manifest a shared vision that resonates throughout the album.

How Vs. Clarified Pearl Jam’s Perspective on the World

While Gossard and Ament primarily guided the musical direction of Ten, Eddie Vedder’s influence was undeniably present. For instance, “Jeremy” tackled the serious issue of school shootings, inspired by an article Vedder had encountered, while “Oceans” drew from his love of surfing.

However, Vs. marks a pivotal moment where Pearl Jam’s worldview crystallized, laying the foundation for more profound discussions on various topical issues in their future works.

In this sophomore effort, the band adopted a more direct approach to tackling a range of subjects.

For instance, “Daughter” shed light on the harsh realities of child abuse, while “Glorified G” scrutinized gun culture. “Dissident” showcased their storytelling prowess, narrating the tale of a woman who initially helps someone for political reasons but ultimately abandons them in challenging times.

Other tracks addressed critical topics such as police misconduct, racism, and media scrutiny.

READ MORE: Every ‘Big 4’ Grunge Album Ranked

In Vs., we witness the band taking a more definitive stance through their music. This bold move set a precedent that they would continue to uphold in their subsequent albums.

Pearl Jam has grown increasingly comfortable articulating their views on contemporary issues, both in their recordings and live performances. Vs. can be seen as the turning point where this became a central theme in their creative expression.

Pearl Jam, “Daughter”

Exploring Diverse Musical Styles in Vs.

There is no denying that Ten is a classic, brimming with passion and primal energy that has solidified its status over the years. Nevertheless, I contend that Vs. presents a richer sonic landscape, offering a more engaging listen from start to finish. This evolution in sound is largely attributed to the band genuinely becoming a cohesive unit.

Unlike their debut effort, the members of Pearl Jam had the benefit of an extensive album cycle filled with touring and the experience of navigating newfound fame before crafting their second record.

By this time, they had established their live performance groove, and it is this very groove that permeated the album.

The follow-up album resonates with a raw, aggressive energy, featuring funkier elements than its predecessor. Tracks like “Go,” “Glorified G,” “W.M.A.,” and the punk-infused “Blood” exhibit a groove that elevates the listening experience.

Pearl Jam, “Go”

In a 1994 interview with Guitar Player, McCready shared that the emerging funkiness was not a deliberate choice but a natural outcome of the band “exploring various directions and blending our influences.”

The album also provides a more nuanced exploration of Vedder’s vocal range, showcasing both somber and melodic qualities.

Tracks like the poignant album closer “Indifference” and the reflective “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” introduce a welcome change of pace at just the right moments, making it a no-skip album.

Facing the Challenges of Creating Vs.

It is essential to acknowledge the significant challenges Pearl Jam faced while creating the Vs. album.

While the aim is always to achieve success and connect with listeners, the focus during the creation of Ten likely leaned more towards establishing the band’s identity and seeing what could be achieved. Even groups with immense initial success often lack awareness of the future that lies ahead after their first breakthrough.

However, with Vs., the band was grappling with fame on an unprecedented scale, and it happened rather abruptly.

Following the MTV VMA triumph of “Jeremy,” Pearl Jam made a conscious decision to distance themselves from being labeled a “videos band.” At a time when MTV was at its peak, this was a bold declaration, aiming to redirect focus towards their music instead.

The term “sophomore slump” exists for a reason; many bands struggle during this phase of their careers, particularly after launching a massively successful debut album.

Yet, driven by a shared vision to let their music take center stage, Pearl Jam exceeded expectations.

By choosing to forgo music videos as a promotional tool, they still managed to achieve commercial success and garnered critical acclaim.

Analyzing the Statistics Behind Vs.

When discussing the merits of albums, it?s beneficial to consider relevant statistics.

There are two key statistics that can be used to bolster your argument.

First, one could assert that Vs. marked Pearl Jam?s first No. 1 album. However, it?s worth noting that albums following a major hit often debut strongly on the charts due to heightened anticipation and familiarity. Conversely, debut albums face greater challenges in reaching the top without prior exposure.

On the other hand, you could argue that Pearl Jam’s Ten is their best-selling album, having achieved Diamond certification by the RIAA and recently recognized as 13 times platinum. In comparison, Vs. has reached seven times platinum. However, it?s important to remember that Ten had a two-year head start in the market.

One statistic that is hard to dispute is that Vs. spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart, marking the longest reign of any Pearl Jam album.

Additionally, it set a record for the highest number of albums sold in its first week of release during the SoundScan era?a record that stood for four years until surpassed by Garth Brooks’ Double Live in 1998.

No other moment in Pearl Jam’s career matches the initial success of Vs. in terms of statistical achievements.

Additional Insights on Pearl Jam’s Creative Journey

Despite Eddie Vedder?s acknowledgment of the challenges faced during the creation of their second album, it is clear that this period was one of immense creativity for the band. They seamlessly transitioned into working on Vitalogy while still supporting Vs..

One of the standout tracks from that album, “Better Man,” was actually developed during the Vs. sessions but was ultimately set aside until the release of Vitalogy.

Pearl Jam, “Better Man”

“Whipping” also originated from the same creative sessions but later appeared on Vitalogy.

Additionally, Pearl Jam recorded their rendition of Victoria Williams’ “Crazy Mary,” which was included on the 1993 Sweet Relief tribute album as part of the Vs. sessions.

Overall, this time was marked by significant creative fulfillment.

Reflecting on the Legacy of Vs.

I understand that Pearl Jam’s Ten emerged as a quintessential album during the rise of grunge. Its hits became massive commercial successes, overshadowing some of the standout tracks from Vs..

However, I encourage you to revisit both albums before making a final judgment.

Vs. reveals numerous advancements for the band, showcasing their growth and evolution.

The band members themselves expressed a preference for the second album, with Jeff Ament reflecting on their process during Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary, stating, “When we made Vs., our second record, I remember thinking, ‘I wish our first record sounded like this.’ It felt more direct and powerful.”

There are also numerous statistics and reviews that highlight the significance of Vs. in the band’s discography.

Ultimately, while I attempt to articulate why Vs. surpasses Ten, it’s essential to trust your own listening experience.

Musical preferences are subjective, and some may still favor Ten over Vs.. However, with over 30 years since their peak, it has become easier to evaluate both albums impartially.

While my opinion may not be the most widely accepted, I stand firm in my belief that Pearl Jam?s Vs. is indeed the superior album compared to Ten.