Eddie Vedder is a singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the rock band Pearl Jam. Born Edward Louis Severson III in 1964, Vedder rose to fame in the early 1990s as part of the grunge movement originating from Seattle.
Vedder’s distinctive voice and introspective lyrics helped define Pearl Jam’s sound, which was characterized by its raw, emotional intensity. Some of Pearl Jam’s most famous songs include “Jeremy,” “Alive,” “Black,” and “Even Flow.”
Outside of Pearl Jam, Vedder has pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums and contributing to soundtracks for films such as “Into the Wild,” for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for the track “Guaranteed.”
Known for his passionate performances and socially conscious lyrics, Vedder remains a prominent figure in rock music, influencing generations of musicians with his music and activism.
1. Hard Sun
“Hard Sun” is a song written by Gordon Peterson, a Canadian musician who performs under the name Indio. The song was originally released in 1989 on Indio’s debut album, “Big Harvest.” However, it gained widespread recognition when it was covered by Eddie Vedder for the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild.”
Vedder’s version of “Hard Sun” features his distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar, giving the song a raw, earthy quality that fits well with the film’s themes of adventure and self-discovery. The song’s lyrics reflect on the harshness of life and the struggle to find meaning in a difficult world, echoing the journey of the film’s protagonist, Christopher McCandless.
“Hard Sun” has since become one of Vedder’s most popular solo tracks, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and musician outside of Pearl Jam. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics have resonated with audiences, making it a standout track in Vedder’s solo repertoire.
2. Rise
“Rise” is a poignant song by Eddie Vedder, released in 2007 as part of the soundtrack for the film “Into the Wild,” which Vedder also contributed to. The song serves as a powerful anthem of resilience and self-discovery, echoing the themes of the film. With its gentle acoustic melody and Vedder’s emotive vocals, “Rise” encapsulates the protagonist’s journey of leaving behind societal expectations to pursue a life of adventure and authenticity. The lyrics evoke a sense of liberation and hope, inspiring listeners to embrace change and forge their own path in the face of adversity. “Rise” stands as a testament to Vedder’s songwriting prowess and his ability to capture the human spirit with raw honesty and emotion.
3. Can’t Keep
“Can’t Keep” is a stirring song by Eddie Vedder, featured on his solo album “Into the Wild” soundtrack, released in 2007. The track embodies a sense of introspection and defiance, echoing the themes of self-discovery and liberation found throughout the album. With its haunting melody and Vedder’s emotive vocals, “Can’t Keep” delves into the complexities of human nature and the desire to break free from societal constraints. The lyrics speak to the inevitability of change and the resilience of the human spirit, urging listeners to embrace uncertainty and forge their own path. “Can’t Keep” stands as a testament to Vedder’s ability to convey profound emotions through his music, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level.
4. Guaranteed
“Guaranteed” is a captivating song by Eddie Vedder, featured prominently on the soundtrack of the film “Into the Wild” in 2007. Vedder’s emotive vocals and introspective lyrics weave a narrative that reflects the journey of self-discovery and solitude depicted in the film. The song’s gentle acoustic melody and poignant imagery evoke a sense of longing and introspection, capturing the essence of the film’s protagonist as he ventures into the wilderness in search of truth and meaning. “Guaranteed” serves as a powerful reminder of the human quest for authenticity and connection, resonating with listeners through its raw emotion and sincerity.
5. Longing to Belong
“Longing to Belong” is a song by Eddie Vedder from his 2011 solo album “Ukulele Songs.” The song features Vedder’s signature vocals accompanied by the ukulele, giving it an intimate and heartfelt sound.
The lyrics of “Longing to Belong” speak to themes of longing, love, and connection. The song conveys a sense of yearning for a deep and meaningful relationship, with lyrics that express a desire to find someone to share life’s ups and downs with.
“Longing to Belong” showcases Vedder’s talent as a songwriter and his ability to create emotive and powerful music. The stripped-down arrangement of the song allows Vedder’s vocals and the ukulele to take center stage, creating a beautiful and intimate listening experience.
6. No More
7. Society
“Society” is a song written by Jerry Hannan and featured on the soundtrack for the 2007 film “Into the Wild.” Eddie Vedder, known for his work as the lead vocalist of Pearl Jam, covered the song for the soundtrack.
The lyrics of “Society” reflect on themes of freedom, individuality, and the pressures of conforming to societal norms. The song’s protagonist questions the values and expectations of society, expressing a desire to break free from its constraints and live a more authentic life.
Vedder’s rendition of “Society” is characterized by its simple acoustic arrangement and heartfelt vocals, which convey a sense of longing and disillusionment. The song’s message resonated with audiences and became one of the standout tracks from the “Into the Wild” soundtrack, showcasing Vedder’s talent as a solo artist and his ability to capture the spirit of the film’s protagonist, Christopher McCandless.
8. Sleeping by Myself
“Sleeping by Myself” is a poignant song by Eddie Vedder, originally released as part of his solo album “Ukulele Songs” in 2011. The song features Vedder’s distinctive vocals accompanied by the gentle strumming of a ukulele, creating an intimate and introspective atmosphere. Lyrically, “Sleeping by Myself” explores themes of loneliness and longing, capturing the emotions of solitude and heartache. Vedder’s emotive delivery and the simplicity of the instrumentation lend the song a raw and vulnerable quality, making it a standout track on the album. “Sleeping by Myself” showcases Vedder’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt sincerity.
9. Matter of Time
“Matter of Time” is a song by Eddie Vedder from his 2020 album “Earthling.” The song features Vedder’s distinctive vocals and introspective lyrics, set against a backdrop of acoustic guitar and gentle percussion.
The lyrics of “Matter of Time” reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The song’s protagonist contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the need to embrace the present moment.
“Matter of Time” showcases Vedder’s songwriting prowess and his ability to craft poignant and introspective lyrics. The song’s understated arrangement allows Vedder’s vocals to shine, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Overall, “Matter of Time” is a reflective and contemplative song that resonates with themes of acceptance, resilience, and the human experience.
10. Say Hi
“Say Hi” is a tender and heartfelt song by Eddie Vedder, featured on his solo album “Into the Wild” soundtrack released in 2007. The track captures a moment of reflection and longing, with Vedder’s emotive vocals accompanied by gentle acoustic guitar melodies. Lyrically, “Say Hi” delves into themes of connection, love, and the passage of time, conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The song’s intimate atmosphere and poignant lyrics evoke a range of emotions, resonating with listeners through its sincerity and emotional depth. “Say Hi” stands as a testament to Vedder’s songwriting prowess and his ability to convey profound emotions through his music.
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.
