Dark Matter album reviews
Comments
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This is a concept album. Every single song has one theme. Someone is clearly about to get a divorce.
The name finally makes sense, as does the lead track and even Running, which sounded ridiculous in isolation but works brilliantly in the album flow.
Need more listens and it has to bake over time to have a solid opinion, but the theme is more consistent than any album prior. No politics, no surfing, this is just one message right through.
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I know other people have had this thought, but I don't quite get it. How is the song DM about divorce? Or, Running? Or, Something Special? Or, Stevie? No need for anyone to try to answer these questions. I just don't see them as having to do with divorce specifically unless you are making some leaps.Karts said:This is a concept album. Every single song has one theme. Someone is clearly about to get a divorce.
The name finally makes sense, as does the lead track and even Running, which sounded ridiculous in isolation but works brilliantly in the album flow.
Need more listens and it has to bake over time to have a solid opinion, but the theme is more consistent than any album prior. No politics, no surfing, this is just one message right through.
Idk, I guess time will tell, but I think people may be reading too much into a couple lines.0 -
Wreckage reminds me of Small Town, or Golden by MMJ. I just think that riff is so gorgeous. And I like how the tempo picks up for the end.
Anyone hear the Not For You riff in the beginning of Got to Give???Spectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13; Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22; Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24; Pittsburgh 5/16/25; Pittsburgh 5/18/25
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/160 -
I don't see them as about divorce. I actually see someone looking for reconciliation in friendship, family and community.BloodMeridian80 said:
I know other people have had this thought, but I don't quite get it. How is the song DM about divorce? Or, Running? Or, Something Special? Or, Stevie? No need for anyone to try to answer these questions. I just don't see them as having to do with divorce specifically unless you are making some leaps.Karts said:This is a concept album. Every single song has one theme. Someone is clearly about to get a divorce.
The name finally makes sense, as does the lead track and even Running, which sounded ridiculous in isolation but works brilliantly in the album flow.
Need more listens and it has to bake over time to have a solid opinion, but the theme is more consistent than any album prior. No politics, no surfing, this is just one message right through.
Idk, I guess time will tell, but I think people may be reading too much into a couple lines.My Pearl Jam Road: 10/22/90 Seattle | 12/22/90 Seattle, Moore Theater | 9/29/92 Seattle, Magnusson Park, Drop in the Park | 9/5/93 The Gorge, with Neil Young and Blind Melon | 7/20/06 Portland, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with Sleater-Kinney | 7/22/06 The Gorge, 10/21/06 Mountain View, Shoreline Ampitheatre, Bridge School Benefit | 9/21/09 Seattle | 9/22/09 Seattle | 9/26/09 Portland, OR | 7/14/2011 Eddie Vedder, Portland, OR | 11/29/13 Portland, OR0 -
Wreckage is definitely about the ending of a relationship. Other songs i hear alot about losing close friends and still being "here" but recognizing time is running out.Summerfest 7/8/95
Missoula 6/20/98
Alpine Valley 6/26/98 & 6/27/98
Alpine Valley 10/8/00
Champaign 4/23/03
Alpine Valley 6/21/03
Missoula 8/29/05
Chicago 5/16 & 17/06
Grand Rapids 5/19/06
Summerfest 6/29/06 & 6/30/06
Tampa 6/12/08
Chicago 8/23/09
Indy 5/7/10
Alpine Valley x2 2011
Wrigley 2013
Milwaukee 14
Telluride 160 -
My hot take is that Dark Matter is to Pearl Jam as Wildflowers was to Tom Petty. Later career albums that ranks with their great, earlier work.
Seattle 1992, Seattle 1992, Seattle 1993, Seattle 1995, Seattle 1996, Seattle 1998, Seattle 2001, Seattle 2002, Seattle 2005, Gorge 2006, Seattle 2009, Seattle 2013, Chicago 2016 x2, Seattle 2018 x2, San Diego 2022, Nashville 2022, Seattle 2022 - Eddie Vedder0 -
https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2024/04/19/review-dark-matter-career-defining-release-pearl-jam
Love this review!! Does a great job describing the meaning of the record as a whole!Summerfest 7/8/95
Missoula 6/20/98
Alpine Valley 6/26/98 & 6/27/98
Alpine Valley 10/8/00
Champaign 4/23/03
Alpine Valley 6/21/03
Missoula 8/29/05
Chicago 5/16 & 17/06
Grand Rapids 5/19/06
Summerfest 6/29/06 & 6/30/06
Tampa 6/12/08
Chicago 8/23/09
Indy 5/7/10
Alpine Valley x2 2011
Wrigley 2013
Milwaukee 14
Telluride 160 -
Besides a number of glaring factual errors, its fine🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️primussucks said:https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2024/04/19/review-dark-matter-career-defining-release-pearl-jam
Love this review!! Does a great job describing the meaning of the record as a whole!0 -
I’m sure they’re out there but haven’t heard / seen any Aussie reviews. I’ll have to scope them out.Melbourne #1 '98
Melbourne #2 '03
Melbourne #3 '03
Melbourne #1 '06
Melbourne #3 '06
Melbourne '09
Melbourne '140 -
First full listen… the only word that I can think of is disappointed.
Second full listen… it sounds more like Earthling II than a PJ album, and I’m struggling to get my head around that.
Third listen… I didn’t make it past Upper Hand.
Nothing has really grabbed me yet. There may be good, even great, songs in there but Ed’s voice is… well, I don’t know how to finish that sentence. It’s obviously changed a lot over the years, but his habit of unnecessarily adding extra syllables and trills seems to be the way he sings now, and not just a quirk.
It’s a strange feeling, and one I’ve never experienced with a PJ record. I’m not trying to be ‘that guy’ looking for negative shit to say, but I’m honestly feeling pretty flat right now.I’m really hoping it grows on me, but for now I think I need to step away from it, adjust my expectations, and try again in a few days.“Do not postpone happiness”
(Jeff Tweedy, Sydney 2007)
“Put yer good money on the sunrise”
(Tim Rogers)0 -
I know exactly what you mean and felt the exact same way yesterday after listening a few times. Then I listened to the Dolby atmos version on some good headphones laying in bed to end my day and it was a totally different experience. The instrumentation throughout is fantastic. It's like the whole band is showing off. Now it seems that some of the new vocal stylings aren't really bothering me as much, but I still understand what you're saying.goldrush said:First full listen… the only word that I can think of is disappointed.
Second full listen… it sounds more like Earthling II than a PJ album, and I’m struggling to get my head around that.
Third listen… I didn’t make it past Upper Hand.
Nothing has really grabbed me yet. There may be good, even great, songs in there but Ed’s voice is… well, I don’t know how to finish that sentence. It’s obviously changed a lot over the years, but his habit of unnecessarily adding extra syllables and trills seems to be the way he sings now, and not just a quirk.
It’s a strange feeling, and one I’ve never experienced with a PJ record. I’m not trying to be ‘that guy’ looking for negative shit to say, but I’m honestly feeling pretty flat right now.I’m really hoping it grows on me, but for now I think I need to step away from it, adjust my expectations, and try again in a few days.
All the layering, background vocals and runs Eddie is doing, some of the songs sound like overproduced mainstream pop. But I think there's a lot more going on underneath it all. Hopefully it will grow on you.
Not sure how this will hold up over time, but right now I think im liking it more than anything they've done since riot act at the very least.
Still think something special should've been saved for an EV side project. Even if you like it, you gotta admit, it's a bit out of place on a Pearl Jam album.0 -
I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally. I got a taste of it in 2020 when DOTC dropped and I fell in love, but then.... oh. This time, the stuff they didn't release as singles is even better than the singles.
Post edited by PJ_Soul onWith all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata0 -
Haijay said:
So why did you hang on so long? Surely Imagine Dragons has a forum🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️PJ_Soul said:I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally.
Lol... are you having a nice day today?
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata0 -
FABULOUS!!! I love being alive, dont you?PJ_Soul said:Haijay said:
So why did you hang on so long? Surely Imagine Dragons has a forum🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️PJ_Soul said:I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally.
Lol... are you having a nice day today?I just dont get why people on here say they havent liked anything since Yield or so, yet they live on here, and continually let the rest of us know their stance on the music. Not saying you, specifically. Whatev, really couldn’t care less0 -
It’s funny. It’s been a nice day for me. But not that guy. 😂PJ_Soul said:Haijay said:
So why did you hang on so long? Surely Imagine Dragons has a forum🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️PJ_Soul said:I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally.
Lol... are you having a nice day today?Spectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13; Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22; Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24; Pittsburgh 5/16/25; Pittsburgh 5/18/25
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/160 -
That seems really unnecessary. She made a positive comment as part an honest observation of where her relationship with this band and its music sits. There’s no need to bully her.Haijay said:
So why did you hang on so long? Surely Imagine Dragons has a forum🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️PJ_Soul said:I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally.Post edited by bicyclejoe onMy Pearl Jam Road: 10/22/90 Seattle | 12/22/90 Seattle, Moore Theater | 9/29/92 Seattle, Magnusson Park, Drop in the Park | 9/5/93 The Gorge, with Neil Young and Blind Melon | 7/20/06 Portland, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with Sleater-Kinney | 7/22/06 The Gorge, 10/21/06 Mountain View, Shoreline Ampitheatre, Bridge School Benefit | 9/21/09 Seattle | 9/22/09 Seattle | 9/26/09 Portland, OR | 7/14/2011 Eddie Vedder, Portland, OR | 11/29/13 Portland, OR0 -
I liked the last 3 albums to varying degrees but this is my favorite since Avocado, which reignited my PJ love.Haijay said:
FABULOUS!!! I love being alive, dont you?PJ_Soul said:Haijay said:
So why did you hang on so long? Surely Imagine Dragons has a forum🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️PJ_Soul said:I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally.
Lol... are you having a nice day today?I just dont get why people on here say they havent liked anything since Yield or so, yet they live on here, and continually let the rest of us know their stance on the music. Not saying you, specifically. Whatev, really couldn’t care lessSpectrum 10/27/09; New Orleans JazzFest 5/1/10; Made in America 9/2/12; Phila, PA 10/21/13; Phila, PA 10/22/13; Baltimore Arena 10/27/13; Phila, PA 4/28/16; Phila, PA 4/29/16; Fenway Park 8/7/16; Fenway Park 9/2/18; Asbury Park 9/18/21; Camden 9/14/22; Las Vegas 5/16/24; Las Vegas 5/18/24; Phila, PA 9/7/24; Phila, PA 9/9/24; Baltimore Arena 9/12/24; Pittsburgh 5/16/25; Pittsburgh 5/18/25
Tres Mtns - TLA 3/23/11; EV - Tower Theatre 6/25/11; Temple of the Dog - Tower Theatre 11/5/160 -
In my opinion, BEST ALBUM SINCE YIELD.I know it’s early innings but after repeated listenings these songs have legs and Watt was able to bring out the best qualities in each band member. They definitely took the best moments of each of their past albums and applied what worked to this album. A lot of these songs start off good but shift into another gear and unexpectedly become great.Absolute 🔥Post edited by vedpunk on0
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Awesome. So you didn't care for Binaural or Riot Act?Johnny Abruzzo said:
I liked the last 3 albums to varying degrees but this is my favorite since Avocado, which reignited my PJ love.Haijay said:
FABULOUS!!! I love being alive, dont you?PJ_Soul said:Haijay said:
So why did you hang on so long? Surely Imagine Dragons has a forum🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️PJ_Soul said:I am so so pleased to say that I dig this album!!! I haven't felt this about a new PJ album for 18 years, so it's pretty great to have the feeling back finally.
Lol... are you having a nice day today?I just dont get why people on here say they havent liked anything since Yield or so, yet they live on here, and continually let the rest of us know their stance on the music. Not saying you, specifically. Whatev, really couldn’t care less0 -
I’m liking it a lot because I love pretty much ALL PJ but I have to have some true me time with the album to get deeper into it.I’m going to have to get over the Eddie Vedder Band feeling I have for some reason. Maybe Ed’s just an iota too forward in the mix or maybe there’s too many words again but it’s just a bit too much Ed all around for me after the first three listens.
I’d like more space in the mix, less lyrics, and maybe more riff centric songs, but I’m psyched about the album. I’ve always been able to remember what I was doing on album release days and where I was in my life at the time, and this is no different.Looking forward to listening a bunch more times, and for the tour. This band continues to make me a happy soul. Thanks.I'm like an opening band for your mom.0
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