Eddie Vedder, born Edward Louis Severson III on December 23, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois, is a pivotal figure in the rock music scene, best known as the lead vocalist and one of the guitarists of the iconic rock band Pearl Jam. Emerging onto the music scene in the early 1990s, Vedder quickly became a defining voice of the grunge movement, a genre that melded rock with a raw, introspective lyrical approach, capturing the angst and disillusionment of a generation.
With Pearl Jam, Vedder released the album “Ten” in 1991, which catapulted the band into rock stardom, thanks in part to Vedder’s deep, emotive vocals and profound lyrics. Songs like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” not only became anthems of the era but also showcased Vedder’s talent for storytelling and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Beyond his work with Pearl Jam, Vedder has pursued a solo career, contributing to soundtracks and releasing albums that highlight his versatile musicianship and commitment to social and political causes. His solo album “Into the Wild” (2007) received critical acclaim, further establishing his standing as a talented songwriter and musician.
Eddie Vedder’s influence extends beyond music; he’s an advocate for environmental causes and a vocal supporter of human rights, embodying the role of artist as activist. His distinctive voice, passionate performances, and dedication to advocacy have made him a beloved and respected figure in rock music and beyond.
1. “Guaranteed”
“Guaranteed” is a song by Eddie Vedder from the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn. The film is an adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s non-fiction book of the same name, which tells the story of Christopher McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness. Vedder’s entire soundtrack for the film captures the spirit of adventure, solitude, and the search for meaning, with “Guaranteed” standing out as a poignant and introspective highlight.
In “Guaranteed,” Vedder delivers a soulful, acoustic performance that perfectly complements the film’s themes of self-discovery and the critique of materialism. The song’s lyrics reflect McCandless’s ideals and Vedder’s own meditations on life, freedom, and the essence of human existence. Its gentle melody and Vedder’s earnest vocal delivery evoke a sense of introspection and peace.
The song earned Vedder a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, underscoring his ability to craft music that resonates on a deep emotional level. “Guaranteed” is celebrated for its lyrical depth, with lines like “On bended knee is no way to be free / Lifting up an empty cup, I ask silently / That all my destinations will accept the one that’s me” reflecting the core message of the film and McCandless’s life philosophy. It remains a powerful testament to Vedder’s talent as a songwriter and his ability to convey profound messages through music.
2. “Society”
“Society” is another memorable song from Eddie Vedder’s soundtrack for the 2007 film “Into the Wild.” Unlike “Guaranteed,” which is an original composition by Vedder, “Society” was written by Jerry Hannan, yet Vedder’s rendition has become closely associated with the themes and emotional landscape of the film. The song captures the essence of Christopher McCandless’s disillusionment with the materialistic society he leaves behind in search of a more authentic and meaningful existence in the wilds of Alaska.
Through Vedder’s emotive voice and acoustic guitar, “Society” poignantly addresses the complexities and contradictions of modern life, questioning the values and priorities that define contemporary society. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning for simplicity and a critical view of consumerism and the relentless pursuit of wealth, echoing McCandless’s own criticisms and the philosophical underpinnings of his journey.
With lines like “Society, you’re a crazy breed / I hope you’re not lonely without me,” the song articulates a sense of alienation and a desire to break free from societal expectations. Vedder’s performance adds a layer of depth and sincerity to the song, making it a powerful commentary on the human condition and our relationship with the natural world.
“Society” resonated with listeners and critics alike, becoming one of the standout tracks of the “Into the Wild” soundtrack. Its success further solidified Eddie Vedder’s reputation as an artist capable of capturing profound truths and emotions in his music, and it remains a poignant reminder of the film’s enduring impact and McCandless’s legacy.
3. “Rise”
“Rise” by Eddie Vedder is a song from the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn. Eddie Vedder, known as the lead vocalist and one of the guitarists of the rock band Pearl Jam, composed and performed several songs for the film’s soundtrack, with “Rise” being one of the standout tracks.
The song features Vedder’s distinctive vocal style and acoustic guitar, embodying the themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the longing for spiritual and physical freedom that are central to “Into the Wild.” The film itself is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned his possessions and savings to explore the Alaskan wilderness, and the soundtrack, including “Rise,” captures the essence of McCandless’s journey and reflections.
“Rise” is characterized by its folk-inspired melody and introspective lyrics, reflecting the contemplative and often solitary nature of McCandless’s experiences. The simplicity of the arrangement—centered around Vedder’s voice and acoustic guitar—lends the song a raw, authentic feel that complements the film’s narrative and visual imagery.
The “Into the Wild” soundtrack received widespread acclaim, with “Rise” highlighted as a particularly poignant and moving piece. Vedder’s work on the soundtrack demonstrated his versatility as a musician and songwriter, earning him recognition beyond his contributions to Pearl Jam, including a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for another track from the album, “Guaranteed.”
“Rise” and the rest of the “Into the Wild” soundtrack stand as a testament to Vedder’s ability to convey deep emotional landscapes through music, making a significant impact on listeners and contributing to the film’s powerful exploration of human connection, nature, and the search for meaning.
4. “Hard Sun”
“Hard Sun” is a song originally written and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Indio (Gordon Peterson) for his 1989 album “Big Harvest.” The song received moderate attention at the time of its release, but it gained significantly more recognition when Eddie Vedder covered it for the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild.” Vedder’s rendition of “Hard Sun” brought the song to a wider audience, thanks in part to the success of the film and Vedder’s established fan base as the lead vocalist of Pearl Jam.
Eddie Vedder’s cover of “Hard Sun” features his distinctive, emotive vocal delivery and a robust arrangement that includes acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and backing vocals that add depth and intensity to the track. The song opens with a powerful, driving acoustic guitar riff, setting the tone for a journey through the vast and unforgiving, yet beautiful wilderness—the central theme of “Into the Wild.”
“Hard Sun” speaks to the overwhelming force of nature and the human experience within it, themes that are closely aligned with the narrative of Christopher McCandless’s adventures and reflections as depicted in “Into the Wild.” Vedder’s version of the song captures the spirit of seeking freedom and the profound, often challenging relationship between humans and the natural world.
The soundtrack to “Into the Wild,” including “Hard Sun,” was critically acclaimed and contributed significantly to the film’s emotional impact. Vedder’s work on the soundtrack was praised for its raw, heartfelt compositions and for capturing the essence of McCandless’s story. “Hard Sun” stands out as a highlight of the soundtrack, embodying the call of the wild and the introspective journey of the film’s protagonist.
5. “Longing to Belong”
“Longing to Belong” is a song by Eddie Vedder from his second solo studio album, “Ukulele Songs,” released in 2011. The album features Vedder performing a series of songs on the ukulele, showcasing a different, more intimate side of his musical talent. “Longing to Belong” stands out as a tender and heartfelt ballad, reflecting themes of love, longing, and the desire for connection.
The song is characterized by its simple yet poignant ukulele melody, over which Vedder’s distinctive, emotive voice delivers deeply personal and introspective lyrics. The minimalist arrangement highlights the raw emotion and sincerity in Vedder’s performance, making “Longing to Belong” a moving and memorable track.
With “Ukulele Songs,” Vedder explores a range of emotions and experiences through the lens of the ukulele, an instrument often associated with joy and simplicity. “Longing to Belong” exemplifies the album’s reflective and intimate tone, offering listeners a glimpse into the artist’s inner world and his musings on love and the human need for connection.
The song, like much of the album, received praise for Vedder’s ability to convey profound feelings with minimal instrumentation, further cementing his status as a versatile and deeply expressive songwriter and musician. “Longing to Belong” is a testament to Vedder’s artistry, demonstrating that powerful music can come from the simplest of setups and the most universal of themes.
6. “Without You”
“Without You” by Eddie Vedder is a song from his first solo album, “Ukulele Songs,” released in 2011. The album is notable for its departure from the rock sound typically associated with Vedder’s work with Pearl Jam, focusing instead on more intimate, stripped-down compositions with the ukulele as the primary instrument. “Ukulele Songs” features original tracks and covers performed by Vedder, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter.
“Without You” is one of the original compositions on the album. The song is a tender, heartfelt ballad that reflects on themes of love, loss, and longing. Vedder’s use of the ukulele, an instrument not commonly associated with his previous work, lends a unique, delicate quality to the song, highlighting the emotional depth of the lyrics and Vedder’s vocal performance.
The simplicity of the arrangement—centered around Vedder’s voice and the ukulele—allows the song’s emotional resonance to come to the forefront, creating a poignant and introspective listening experience. “Without You” stands out as a testament to Vedder’s ability to convey complex emotions through music, demonstrating a different facet of his musical talents beyond the rock genre he is best known for.
“Ukulele Songs” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Vedder’s experimentation with the ukulele and the intimate nature of the recordings. “Without You” in particular was highlighted as one of the album’s standout tracks, appreciated for its lyrical sincerity and the understated beauty of its melody. The album, and “Without You” specifically, offer insight into Vedder’s broad musical range and his capacity to connect with listeners through diverse musical expressions.
7. “Far Behind”
“Far Behind” is another track from Eddie Vedder’s solo album “Ukulele Songs,” released in 2011. This album showcases Vedder’s versatility as a musician, with each song centered around the ukulele, offering a stark contrast to the electric guitar-driven sound of Pearl Jam. “Far Behind” continues the album’s theme of introspection and personal storytelling, with Vedder using the simplicity of the ukulele to convey deep emotional narratives.
The song itself is a reflection on past experiences, relationships, and the passage of time. Vedder’s lyrics in “Far Behind” speak to the idea of moving forward and leaving certain parts of one’s life in the past, yet acknowledging their importance in shaping who we have become. The melody is both melancholic and comforting, highlighting Vedder’s skill in creating powerful musical expressions from minimalistic arrangements.
“Ukulele Songs” was a departure from Vedder’s work with Pearl Jam, offering listeners a more intimate and acoustic listening experience. “Far Behind,” like the rest of the album, was praised for its honesty and simplicity, demonstrating Vedder’s ability to connect with his audience on a personal level through his music. The album, and “Far Behind” in particular, underscore Vedder’s talent not just as a rock vocalist, but as a nuanced and reflective songwriter capable of exploring a wide range of emotions and themes.
8. “Better Man”
“Better Man” is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam, featured on their third studio album, “Vitalogy,” released in 1994. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Eddie Vedder, and it quickly became one of Pearl Jam’s most beloved and enduring hits, despite never being released as a commercial single in the United States.
The lyrics of “Better Man” tell the story of a woman in a troubled relationship, yearning for a better partner but feeling trapped and unable to leave. The song’s emotional depth is conveyed through Vedder’s powerful vocal delivery and the band’s dynamic musical arrangement. Starting with a soft, introspective verse, the song builds to an anthemic chorus, capturing the complex feelings of hope, resignation, and longing.
“Better Man” received widespread critical acclaim and resonated strongly with listeners, becoming a staple of Pearl Jam’s live performances. The song’s universal themes of love, loss, and the desire for something more struck a chord with a wide audience, making it one of the band’s most requested and celebrated tracks.
The song’s success on radio helped it top the Billboard Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock Tracks charts, showcasing Pearl Jam’s significant impact on the rock music scene of the 1990s. “Better Man” also highlighted Vedder’s songwriting prowess, solidifying his status as one of the most influential voices in rock music.
Over the years, “Better Man” has been covered by various artists and remains a highlight in Pearl Jam’s discography, testament to its lasting appeal and the band’s enduring legacy in the world of rock music.
9. “Setting Forth”
“Setting Forth” is a song by Eddie Vedder included in the soundtrack for the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn. This soundtrack marks a significant solo project for Vedder, who is best known as the lead vocalist of Pearl Jam. The film, based on Jon Krakauer’s non-fiction book of the same name, tells the story of Christopher McCandless’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a more authentic and meaningful life.
“Setting Forth” captures the essence of McCandless’s adventurous spirit and his quest for freedom and self-discovery. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo and Vedder’s impassioned vocals, which convey a sense of urgency and excitement about embarking on a journey into the unknown. The lyrics reflect the themes of exploration and the desire to break free from societal constraints, mirroring the central narrative of “Into the Wild.”
Vedder’s soundtrack for the film received widespread acclaim, with “Setting Forth” being praised for its ability to encapsulate the film’s adventurous and introspective spirit. The song, along with the rest of the soundtrack, showcases Vedder’s skill as a solo artist and his ability to create music that deeply resonates with the themes of freedom, nature, and the search for meaning. “Setting Forth” serves as a fitting introduction to the soundtrack, setting the tone for a story about leaving behind the familiar to embrace the wild and the unknown.
10. “Sleeping by Myself”
“Sleeping by Myself” is a song by Eddie Vedder, initially featured on his second solo album, “Ukulele Songs,” released in 2011. The album showcases Vedder’s versatility as a musician, with a collection of songs performed primarily on the ukulele. “Ukulele Songs” presents a more intimate and acoustic side of Vedder, differing significantly from his work with Pearl Jam in terms of sound and instrumentation but still carrying the emotional depth and lyrical complexity associated with his music.
“Sleeping by Myself” stands out as a poignant track on the album, exploring themes of loneliness, separation, and the end of a relationship. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of loss and resignation, with Vedder’s vocal delivery emphasizing the personal and introspective nature of the content. The ukulele’s gentle, melodic strumming complements the song’s lyrical themes, creating a bittersweet atmosphere that resonates with listeners.
The song was later re-recorded by Pearl Jam and included on their tenth studio album, “Lightning Bolt,” released in 2013. This version of “Sleeping by Myself” features a fuller arrangement, incorporating the band’s traditional rock instrumentation while retaining the emotional core of the original. The inclusion of “Sleeping by Myself” on a Pearl Jam album highlights Vedder’s ability to bridge his solo work with the band’s discography, showcasing the song’s adaptability across different musical contexts.
Both versions of “Sleeping by Myself” received positive attention from fans and critics, praised for Vedder’s songwriting and the emotive quality of the music. The track exemplifies Vedder’s skill in crafting songs that explore personal themes with sincerity and depth, whether through the simple accompaniment of a ukulele or the full sound of a rock band.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
