Although announced as a solo work, Eddie Vedder's Earthling is really a group record. On previous solo works like
Into The Wild (2007) and
Ukulele Songs (2011), Vedder sought intimacy with an acoustic sound; Earthling delivers hard guitar rock, as we've come to expect from
Pearl Jam. With fellow musicians Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer (
Red Hot Chili Peppers) and producer Andrew Watt - who also
… co-wrote the record - he forms a tight-knit band. In a varied series of songs, Vedder's raw, but at the same time sensitive, voice comes into its own. The repertoire sounds familiar; not least because Vedder plays a number of songs that are strongly inspired by his musical heroes such as Tom Petty (Long Way) and The Beatles (Mrs. Mills). Musical contributions from guests Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Ringo Starr actually do the record more harm than good. The collaboration with the other band members is certainly worth repeating. (JV)more
