Without a doubt, Pearl Jam fans will want to pick up the expanded edition of the band’s debut album ‘Ten’ – which is now available in four different versions. The album was re-issued as part of a planned two-year catalogue re-release to celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary in 2011.
‘Ten’ was originally released on August 27, 1991, and in my opinion was one of the best albums to come out of the 90s. It helped establish the band’s rocking sound (which has constantly been evolving since its release), and featured several of their best songs - including “Alive,” “Black,” “Even Flow” and “Jeremy.”
I bought ‘Ten’ when it was first released in 1991, and it has remained one of my favorite albums from Pearl Jam and one of my favorites in my music collection. This re-release demonstrates why the album was so great; reminds what it was like to listen to ‘Ten’ for the first time; and is a bit of a gift for any fan of the band.
For this review, I received the “Legacy Edition” of ‘Ten.’ It included the original album digitally remastered and remixed (which gave the songs a fresh sound and feel) plus a second disc of six bonus tracks.
The bonus tracks (which alone make it worth picking up the new version of the album) consist of “Brother,” “Just a Girl,” “State of Love and Trust,” “Breath and a Scream,” “2,000 Mile Blues” and “Evil Little Goat.” The album also features re-designed packaging.
‘Ten’ was a groundbreaking album and helped launch the band to super-stardom. They have gone on to become icons in rock, and continued to improve their sound. ‘Ten’ featured the guitar driven sound of the band matched by lead singer Eddie Vedder’s powerful voice. Unlike some albums with only a few good tracks, every song on ‘Ten’ is great, and helps the album feel like the complete package.
Even if you already own ‘Ten,’ I highly recommend finding this new version of the album. The bonus disc and the digital brush up on the songs make it well worth the purchase. The album is also available in an edition that includes a bonus DVD disc, and in a vinyl edition.
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