Best song on DM?

LukinAtU

listed to the album in full about 6 times. I just happy i can listen to it from track 1 to track 11 and only skipped one song. Pleasantly surprised. Too early for me to do a ranking but I do love the mike solo on Waiting for Stevie, takes me back to early PJ...Wreckage, something about this one I just love, must be that guitar. Scared of Fear, big fan...

lolobugg

Setting Sun

After several listens............. I have to say that there isn't a "bad" song on the record. I can listen to the whole album without wishing I could skip a track. 

DW183354

Wreckage

my top three today would have to be 1) Wreckage 2) Upper Hand 3) Something Special/Setting Sun tie. 

The whole damn thing is a gift. 

Abe Froman

Upper Hand

5 listens in now. Upper Hand is fucking ridiculous. Love it!  The album has gotten better each listen for me. It’s really good. 

This order for now…
Upper Hand
Scared of Fear
React Respond
Dark Matter
Waiting for Stevie
Running
Setting Sun
Got to Give
Wreckage
Wont Tell
Something Special

BettrMan21

Scared of Fear

It's definitely a no-skip record but just for the fun of it:

Scared of Fear
Got to Give
Upper Hand
Setting Sun
Won't Tell
Wreckage
Waiting for Stevie
Dark Matter
Running
React, Respond
Something Special

MikeDigs

React, Respond

I agree that this album is a gift.  So thankful that we got this, and what's better is that I don't think any of us expected Dark Matter to be THIS good.  At the very worst, this slides right next to Yield / No Code.

There's a bulk of songs on this album that is impossible for me to rank over each other.  Even my least favorite tracks end up in my head, and I crave them.  My least favorite tracks are pretty much still bangers.  Incredible

MD190661

I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see. 

MikeDigs

React, Respond

MD190661 said:

I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see. 

I'm around 30 listens, but was really hooked after 10 full spins.  I think I had 3 spins on release day lol.  I'm sure this will grow on you, and hopefully you have a nice sound quality setup.

spankyMP

Waiting For Stevie

MD190661 said:

I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see. 

I connected with the music and melodies quickly. I'm now at enough listens without the liner notes, since I was away last week with a hold mail and CD still is not here, that I'm now connecting with the lyrics. Pieces of the music and lyrics sometimes take time to set in for you or for you to pick up on them. Can't see how a few listens can be all any of us would give a PJ album after all these years. Not looking to debate, just my opinion about your opinion All are welcome!

MD190661

I'll definitely keep listening. Some of my favorite records didn't grab me immediately. I also expect most to be great live. Also glad so many people are loving it. 

BF25394

Got to Give

MD190661 said:

I've listened twice now and still am not completely sold. I like it enough with some songs better than others, but I'm still in the camp that I'll listen a few more times before the Sacramento concert and then probably rarely play it again. Hope this changes over the next listen or 2. This has basically been the MO for the past few records- know it well enough to know the songs live and then (almost) never listen again. However, hearing the new ones live might give me a better appreciation for them, which will keep me listening after the concert. That has happened with other bands. We'll see. 

You've listened twice in ten days? This, combined with your description of your M.O. for the past few records, suggests that you have an aversion to new music more than it suggests anything about the quality of the music. You make it sound like these records are holding you hostage. If it's that much of a chore for you to listen to a band, why not go find a band that's not a chore for you to listen to? I don't meant to sound like I'm being snarky; I'm genuinely wondering why not just move on if something doesn't do if for you anymore. The posture of resignation in your post is so odd to me. No one's forcing you to be a fan of Pearl Jam, let alone to pay to belong to its fan club.

kramerica4

Upper Hand

This record gets better every day.
Listened to it at least 30 times and love it more and more.
There is no song I want to skip, not even close.
The ground level is so damn high here.
'Upper Hand' still my fav - 'React, respond' my least favorite.

PJNB

Something Special

 I am really trying to give it an honest chance but just can't get into it at all. Maybe live it will be better. 

kramerica4

Upper Hand

'Something Special' really grew on me, a great fun song. Love it!
'Last Kiss' style.

MikeDigs

React, Respond

kramerica4 said:

'Something Special' really grew on me, a great fun song. Love it!
'Last Kiss' style.

So true!  A fun track perfectly placed, and sets up for a strong album close with Got To Give and Setting Sun.  So, so good.

For Something Special, it actually sunk it's hooks in to me after just a few listens.
I'm a sucker for bass intros, and the bass intro to Something Special is really cool.
The instrumental is soothing to my soul.  Like a warm blanket and hot cocoa.

Pap

Won't Tell

It's so dimensional... ~ Jeff Ament

Jim Tressel

Setting Sun

Setting Sun

i really didn’t think they still had if in them to produce a song I like this much. 

hobowithagrin

Upper Hand

I'd love to hear the whole album front to back night one but since that's not likely, Upper Hand is the one I hope makes the setlist.

BSully

React, Respond

LC said:

Not comparing the songs....but just the initial flow of Scared of Fear-React/Respond-Wreckage reminds me so much of Go-Animal-Daughter

I would honestly bump that up to the first 4 songs because Dark Matter sitting at number 4 is a great way to go from Wreckage. 
Just like Glorified G is a great 4th song after Daughter IMO.

Ledbetterman10

React, Respond

That part in React/Respond where he sings "The incandescence that is your essence. The unexpected embrace, embrace the unexpected" is one of his best vocal moments.