The Top Song From Every Pearl Jam Album

Published Sep 20, 2026, 5:23 PM EDT

Audrey Connelly is a writer living and working in Boston, MA. Music is and has always been one of the most important parts of her life. While rock & roll is her true love, Audrey's taste runs the gamut. Deep cuts, overplayed Billboard Hot 100 hits, trip hop, reggae, musical theater. It's all fair game. However, if she's being totally honest, she is not a huge fan of (most) country music, but she is (mostly) willing to give anything a listen or two.
She has previously contributed to Atwood Magazine and has brought her passion for writing and music – specifically classic and alternative rock – to Collider. 

Pearl Jam is one of the biggest rock bands to ever take the stage. They were and continue to be a mainstay in the grunge/alternative scene – their music had a huge hand in defining the genre. They have so many incredible songs that it is nearly impossible to pick a favorite from each of their twelve studio albums. If all of their best songs were included on this list, you'd be reading a novel. While a few of their records have a clear standout, most of the time it feels like picking a favorite child. This selection of songs runs the gamut in more ways than one – they range from seethingly angry to gently soothing, from melancholic to uplifting. These tracks draw inspiration from a plethora of awesome bands and genres, providing variety and texture throughout their catalog. Some of them are firmly rooted in the time of their creation, reacting directly to the changing world around the band. Others are timeless. So –– without further ado –– let's head back to 1991.

"Jeremy" – 'Ten'

Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten, is a no-skip record. Pretty much every song on the tracklist is vying for the top spot – there is no clear front-runner. While “Black,” Even Flow,” and “Once” are all strong contenders for best song on the album, the award has to go to the dark and twisted “Jeremy.” This song is disturbing to say the least, telling the story of a young boy who is horrifically neglected by his parents and bullied by his peers. He acts out, getting into fights and assaulting his teachers, until eventually his volatile behavior reaches a crescendo: Jeremy brings a gun to school and takes his life in front of his classmates. Eddie Vedder’s uniquely powerful vocals punctuate the cinematic intensity of the song – listening to this track is comparable to watching a thriller film. The song (and its accompanying music video) is a powerful example of visceral storytelling – a bold but successful choice for a debut album. After the release of the “Jeremy” video, Pearl Jam stopped making music videos for quite some time. They thought that their message was being misconstrued as the glamorization of violence rather than a condemnation of how the mental health of children is often handled. Furthermore, they no longer wanted to limit the music industry’s incessant commercialization of their work. All this being said, “Jeremy” is a stand-out not only on Ten, but also amongst Pearl Jam’s discography as a whole.

"Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" – 'Vs.'

The top pick on Pearl Jam’s second studio album, Vs., is also an intricate work of storytelling – but that’s where the similarities to “Jeremy” end. “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town” is one of the most beautiful songs of all time (and one of the longest song titles!) It is written from the perspective of an old woman looking back upon her life and regretting the chances she never took and the places she never got the chance to see. The lyrics are beautiful in their simplicity and their relatability, delivering a heartbreaking message that avoids being sappy or overwrought. It is a hauntingly beautiful track, carried forward by a gentle repeated acoustic guitar riff. The music builds to a climax as the woman reaches a moment of emotional catharsis, facing her regrets head-on. The mantra “Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away…” is repeated throughout the song, reminding listeners to live their lives and take risks while they still have the chance to do so.

P.S: If there was a second place ranking for this album, it would have to go to either “WMA” or “Glorified G,” both of which deliver strong political criticism with a razor-sharp sarcastic tone. So good.

"Not for You" – 'Vitalogy'

Let’s move on to 1994’s release: Vitalogy. Many would argue that “Better Man” is the best track on this album. While it is an excellent song and definitely the most popular song on Vitalogy, it does not contain the sheer anger and power that is conjured in “Not for You.” This song was written in reaction to the commodification of music and the evils of the marketing industry. Vedder shared in multiple interviews that the lyrics reflect his (and the band’s) feelings towards skyrocketing concert tickets and the industry taking ownership over music that does not belong to them. Vedder has been vocal about this subject throughout the years, speaking out against (and suing) large companies such as Ticketmaster, which he feels monopolizes ticket pricing and prevents the average fan from accessing live music. The angst and sheer rage in this song is quintessential ‘90s grunge – its proof of how hard Pearl Jam can rock when they choose to let it rip. The contrast between songs like Vs.’s “Elderly Woman” and this track shows their impressive versatility.

"Smile" – 'No Code'

Unlike the tracks up until this point, the top song on Pearl Jam’s fourth studio album No Code is ambiguous in its meaning. The lyrics, however, have a concrete point of origin. “Smile” is as lovely as it is simple. Simple, but not boring – this is an important distinction. The structure is classic, with repeating verses and choruses sewn together by a steady bassline. Featuring harmonica throughout and a sweet riff at the bridge, this song leans into the Neil Young of it all (a huge inspiration for Vedder and the band.) The lyrics are lifted directly from a note written to Eddie by Dennis Flemion of The Frogs. Flemion slipped a note and a doodle into his notebook while he was performing, and Eddie used it as the basis of “Smile.” The words in the note (and the song) are lyrics from various songs by The Frogs – Flemion is credited on the No Code vinyl for songwriting. There is no clear meaning or storyline behind “Smile,” but many speculate the song is about longing for a love lost and/or trying to find the good in the dark parts of life. Most likely, Vedder's lyrics are intentionally ambiguous, allowing fans to bring their own lived experience to the track. Regardless of what it means, the song is awesome.

"Given to Fly" – 'Yield'

“Given to Fly” is the most commercially successful song off Pearl Jam’s fifth studio album, and rightfully so. It is by far the best track on the record – although “Do the Evolution” is pretty rad to see live. The music was written by guitarist Mike McCready, who describes the cadence and crescendo as mirroring that of a wave. The song feels a bit like flying: light and airy and free, but with a strong undercurrent, like wind beneath wings. The build to the chorus is a transcendent experience. Vedder wrote the accompanying lyrics one day while snowed in inside his Seattle condo. He wanted the song to be about rising above and shaking off the criticisms of others. One of Pearl Jam’s most brilliant qualities as a grunge rock band is their ability to write about the positive emotions as well as the darker, angstier ones that are conducive to the genre. This versatility is apparent in the incredible joy and hope imbued within this song.

"Breakerfall" — 'Binaural'

“Breakerfall” off Binaural is definitely not one of the band’s most popular songs, but it is a deep cut worth tapping into. It’s a high energy track with a classic rock feel. Driven by heavy-hitting guitar and powerful drums, the track is reminiscent of The Who, a group whose work Pearl Jam respects greatly: they released a beautiful cover of The Who’s “Love, Reign O’er Me” in 2006, and often include “Baba O’Riley” in their live performances.

Binaural is an experimental, psychedelic-leaning album. The atmospheric sound of the tracks (and the album’s title) comes from the Binaural recording technique, which uses two microphones to create a 3D soundscape. This album is a huge departure from their previous work and another example of their immense versatility.

"I Am Mine" – 'Riot Act'

2002’s Riot Act brings us an incomparable anthem of individuality and freedom. “I Am Mine” explores what it means to be human and alive – capitalizing on what is in our power and accepting what is out of our control. Vedder’s message is simple: your life is your own. You can do whatever you want with it. He reminds the listener that it is possible to feel safe and secure within yourself, that each life is as worthy as the next. Every human being is deserving of autonomy. Vedder wrote this song on the heels of two traumatic events: the attack of 9/11 and a fatal crowd surge incident at Pearl Jam’s set at the Roskilde Festival in 2000. It is a life-affirming and grounding track, emphasized by Vedder’s soothing baritone. “I Am Mine” is an elegant reminder of both the beauty and fragility of life. Listen to this one when your life feels out of control, and you want to feel at home with yourself – take a deep breath and let Eddie ease your mind. (Honorable Riot Act mentions: the dreamy, psychedelic "Help Help" and folky Johnny Cash-esque "Bu$hleaguer".)

"Severed Hand" – 'Pearl Jam'

2006 brought the release of Pearl Jam’s eponymous album, commonly referred to as “The Avocado Album” because of the avocado on the cover (obviously.) This decision was made by the band while eating guacamole and watching the Superbowl – they had poured everything they had onto the making of this album, and they couldn’t be bothered to come up with a concept for the cover. Anyway, the coolest and darkest track on the record is “Severed Hand,” which follows the narrator on a drug trip as he tries to escape from his problems. The lyrics describe the interaction between the speaker and the drug dealer, discussing the effects of the drugs and why he wants to take them. The narrator is attempting to disconnect from his life with conscious-altering substances, becoming disassociated from his physical being – mirrored by the motif of a severed hand. This exploration into escapism and perception is wholly unique and definitely one of the trippiest songs in Pearl Jam’s catalog.

"Just Breathe" – 'Backspacer'

“Just Breathe” is hands down the most beautiful song Pearl Jam has ever made. It was released as the second single on the 2009 album, Backspacer, and achieved considerable commercial success. It has been covered by such legends as Willie Nelson and Dave Matthews, often in moments of tribute or reflection. The song is a tear-jerker for sure, describing someone looking back on their life and counting their blessings – as well as their regrets. There is a feeling of acceptance and peace, a togetherness that feels almost cosmic. The songwriting is as heartbreaking as it is tranquil, featuring lyrics such as “Oh, I'm a lucky man/ To count on both hands/ The ones I love” and “Yeah, I don't want to hurt/ There's so much in this world/ To make me bleed/ Stay with me/ You're all I see.” It's not only the lyrics that are so incredibly lovely – the music is equally gorgeous. The gentle acoustic guitar backed by a soaring string section (and the bassline held down by Jeff Ament, of course) transports the listener to a sun-soaked mystical meadow – or whatever your safe space happens to be. “Just Breathe” is a work of art.

"Sirens" – 'Lightening Bolt'

In keeping with the theme of life’s beauty and fragility, “Sirens” is a hauntingly beautiful anthem from 2013. Like “Just Breathe,” the lyrics deal with the ephemerality of existence and fear of being separated from a loved one. It is a reminder of death, but for the purpose of living life to the fullest. Meditations on mortality are not rare in the Pearl Jam catalog, but this song stands out for its emotional impact. It also has a sick Pink Floyd-esque guitar solo at the bridge, so bonus points there. Some of the best lyrics on the track include, but are not limited to: “If I think too much I can get over-/ Whelmed by the grace by which we live/ Our lives with death over our shoulder” and “I study your face/ And the fear goes away.” This song is the perfect example of how music helps us cope with the unknowns in life. A single song can take existential dread and turn it into hope.

"Dance Of The Clairvoyants" – 'Gigaton'

“Dance Of The Clairvoyants” comes in hot with the David Byrne vibes – for a moment, you might even think you’re listening to the Talking Heads. But no, it’s just Eddie getting weird with it. The music was written by all five members of the band and the lyrics, per usual, were written by Vedder. There is a heavy electronic music influence in this track – a dance-forward vibe that is new for the band. With this track, Pearl Jam is dipping their toe into yet another new pool of sound. The sound is experimental and fresh but also feels deeply rooted in the ‘80s (mostly thanks to bassist/keyboardist Jeff Ament’s arpeggiated synth), despite its 2020 release. There are three accompanying music videos, one of which is their first official music video in seven years. “Dance Of The Clairvoyants” is a really fun, experimental song on an album that otherwise falls somewhat flat relative to the magic of their past work.

"Setting Sun" – 'Dark Matter'

How fitting to complete our list with “Setting Sun,” a song about endings and letting go. This melancholic (yet, as is their way, simultaneously hopeful) track comes from Pearl Jam’s most recent album, 2024’s Dark Matter. The lyrics discuss coping with the inevitability of aging and passing time. The song is sweeping and cinematic, offering a lovely, slow build throughout. Like other more recent songs on this list, the lyrics feel as though their author (Vedder, of course) is self-soothing – and thus, soothing listeners worldwide. Case in point: “They say in the end, everything will be okay/ If it’s not okay, well, then it ain’t the end.” “Setting Sun” would be a perfect track for the end of an emotional yet optimistic film. Clearly, Pearl Jam is getting soft with age. But for rock stars, that really is the best case scenario. That being said, they still haven’t lost their spark. With luck, there will be many more Pearl Jam albums to come.