Eddie Vedder/ Earthling

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Eddie Vedder/ Earthling 

Genre: Rock

Label: Republic Records/ Seattle Surf

Rating: *** 1/2

Outside of the marvellous Pearl Jam and a few known film soundtracks like Dead Man Walking, Into The Wild and Flag Day, star vocalist Eddie Vedder has had a limited output. His last solo album Ukulele Songs was released in 2011.

Coming after over a decade, Earthling boasts of guest appearances by Elton John, Ringo Starr and the harmonica-playing Stevie Wonder, who appear on a track each. However, the album is held together by the core band, comprising Red Hot Chili Peppers members Josh Klinghoffer on guitars and drummer Chad Smith. Bassist Andrew Watt has also produced the album.

Earthling is a slow-burner, needing a couple of repeats to get the hang. It isn't out-and-out Seattle grunge, but has the rawness and crisp songwriting. Some parts are reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen (check 'Brother The Cloud'), and the third song 'Long Way' seems straight out of the Tom Petty style sheet.

The 13-song set begins with 'Invincible', which uses aviation-inspired lines like, "Can you hear? Are we clear? Cleared for lift-off? Take-off? For making reverberations, are we affirmative?" The song would also make for a good, interactive concert opener.

Other stand-out cuts include 'The Haves', inspired by a homeless couple. In terms of sheer vocal delivery, this is Eddie at his prime, as he sings, "We want what we need, we need what's above, we're always reaching for something above".

The steady rhythm and melodic guitar solo (played by Watt, interestingly) of 'Falĺout Today' blend perfectly with Eddie's smooth rendition, and Stevie Wonder's harmonica dazzles on the uptempo, freaky 'Try'.

With its trademark piano and composition style, 'Picture' sounds more like an Elton song with Eddie just trying to keep pace. Though it may work commercially, this is one of the predictable songs, with lines like, "Picture of love, we were a picture of love, the measure of our years, so deep and wide". 

However, 'Mrs Mills', featuring Ringo, has a Beatlesian influence in its arrangement, with Eddie's killer pipes lending a different shade. Another guest appearance is made by Eddie's father Edward Louis Severson Jr on vocals on 'On My Way'.

The album has its share of fillers, with 'Power Of Right' and 'The Dark' falling in the heard-it-before category. But overall, it's another example of Eddie's consistency and brilliance. Of course, while all ears will obviously be on him, one must make special mention of Chad Smith's drumming. He adds many red hot chilis to the jam, giving it a unique taste.