Eddie Vedder is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the rock band Pearl Jam. Born on December 23, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois, his birth name is Edward Louis Severson III.
Vedder gained widespread recognition and acclaim in the early 1990s with the success of Pearl Jam, a key band in the grunge movement originating from Seattle. Pearl Jam’s debut album, “Ten” (1991), featured hits like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy,” and quickly catapulted the band to international fame.
Eddie Vedder is known for his distinctive baritone voice, emotionally charged performances, and introspective lyrics. In addition to his work with Pearl Jam, he has also pursued solo projects and collaborations with other musicians. Vedder’s solo work often showcases a more acoustic and folky side of his musical repertoire.
Apart from his musical career, Eddie Vedder has been involved in various philanthropic activities and has contributed to soundtracks for movies. His impact on the music industry and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians have solidified his place as a significant figure in rock music.
1. “Guaranteed”
“Guaranteed” is a song by Eddie Vedder, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. The song was written and performed by Vedder for the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn. The soundtrack, titled “Into the Wild,” features Vedder’s solo work and was released as a companion piece to the film.
“Guaranteed” is a reflective and acoustic ballad that captures the spirit of the movie, which is based on the real-life story of Christopher McCandless, an adventurer who ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. The song’s lyrics convey themes of self-discovery, solitude, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Vedder’s emotive vocals and the stripped-down instrumentation contribute to the introspective and contemplative atmosphere of the song.
The soundtrack, including “Guaranteed,” received critical acclaim for its evocative and fitting contributions to the film’s narrative. Eddie Vedder’s solo work for “Into the Wild” showcases a different musical side compared to his contributions with Pearl Jam. “Guaranteed” stands out as a poignant and memorable piece that complements the themes of the movie and reflects Vedder’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
2. “Society”
“Society” is a song by Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. The song was written and performed by Vedder for the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn. Similar to the soundtrack’s other contributions, “Society” explores themes of self-discovery and nonconformity, aligning with the movie’s narrative about the journey of Christopher McCandless.
In “Society,” Eddie Vedder’s vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitar, creating a raw and intimate sound. The lyrics reflect on societal norms and expectations, questioning the established way of life and suggesting an alternative path. The song encourages listeners to reflect on their own values and choices in the face of societal pressures.
The soundtrack of “Into the Wild” received acclaim for its emotional resonance and how well it complemented the film’s themes. “Society” is often regarded as one of the standout tracks, capturing the essence of the movie’s exploration of individualism and the desire for a more authentic existence. Vedder’s solo work for the soundtrack showcases a different side of his musical expression, demonstrating his ability to convey deep and thought-provoking messages through his solo compositions.
3. “Rise”
“Rise” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as a solo effort. It is featured on the soundtrack of the film “Into the Wild,” which Vedder composed for the 2007 Sean Penn-directed movie of the same name. The soundtrack consists entirely of original songs written and performed by Vedder.
“Rise” is one of the standout tracks from the soundtrack and is known for its reflective and inspirational lyrics. The song captures the essence of the film’s protagonist, Christopher McCandless, and his journey of self-discovery and exploration of the Alaskan wilderness.
The lyrics of “Rise” convey themes of perseverance, resilience, and embracing life’s challenges. Eddie Vedder’s distinctive vocals, coupled with acoustic instrumentation, contribute to the emotional and introspective atmosphere of the song. The soundtrack as a whole received critical acclaim, and “Rise” remains a notable and well-regarded part of Eddie Vedder’s solo discography.
4. “Hard Sun”
“Hard Sun” is a song written by Gordon Peterson, a Canadian singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name Indio. The song gained widespread recognition when it was covered by Eddie Vedder for the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn.
Originally released by Indio in 1989 on his self-titled album, “Hard Sun” features introspective lyrics and a melodic, folk-rock sound. The song’s title refers to the concept of a sun that never sets, reflecting themes of eternal struggles and the passage of time.
Eddie Vedder’s cover of “Hard Sun” was recorded for the “Into the Wild” soundtrack, and it features his distinctive vocals and a slightly different arrangement compared to the original. Vedder’s version of the song captures the spirit of the film and complements the narrative of the protagonist’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness.
The soundtrack, including Vedder’s rendition of “Hard Sun,” received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and fitting contributions to the movie’s themes. Eddie Vedder’s solo work on the “Into the Wild” soundtrack further solidified his reputation as a powerful and evocative singer-songwriter beyond his role with Pearl Jam.
5. “Longing to Belong”
“Longing to Belong” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as a single in 2011. It is also featured on his solo album “Ukulele Songs,” which was released in the same year. The album showcases Vedder’s exploration of the ukulele as the primary instrument and features a collection of original songs and covers.
“Longing to Belong” is a reflective and melodic song that highlights Vedder’s skill in crafting intimate and emotionally resonant music. The ukulele lends a unique and gentle quality to the track, complementing Vedder’s vocals and the overall acoustic feel of the album.
The song delves into themes of connection, yearning, and the human desire for belonging. With its stripped-down instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, “Longing to Belong” stands out as a poignant and evocative piece in Eddie Vedder’s solo discography.
6. “Without You”
The song “Without You” has been recorded by various artists over the years, and it has become associated with different musicians. One of the most well-known versions is by Harry Nilsson, released in 1971 on his album “Nilsson Schmilsson.”
Harry Nilsson’s “Without You” is a powerful ballad that expresses the intense emotions of heartbreak and loss. The lyrics convey the emptiness and despair felt when a romantic relationship comes to an end. Nilsson’s soulful and emotive vocals, combined with the orchestral arrangement, create a poignant and memorable rendition of the song.
Originally, “Without You” was written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of the rock band Badfinger. The song was first released on their 1970 album “No Dice.” Harry Nilsson’s cover of the song achieved significant success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Since then, “Without You” has been covered by various artists, including Mariah Carey, who released her version in 1994, also achieving chart success. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its universal theme of heartache and the emotional impact conveyed by the performers who have interpreted it over the years.
7. “Far Behind”
“Far Behind” is a song by the American rock band Candlebox. It was released as the second single from their self-titled debut album, “Candlebox,” which came out in 1993. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Kevin Martin.
“Far Behind” became one of Candlebox’s most successful and well-known songs. It received significant radio airplay and achieved mainstream success, contributing to the overall popularity of the album. The song is characterized by its melodic rock sound, Martin’s distinctive vocals, and its emotional and introspective lyrics.
The lyrics of “Far Behind” touch on themes of love, loss, and reflection, making it a poignant and relatable track for many listeners. The success of this single helped establish Candlebox in the early 1990s alternative rock scene.
8. “Better Man”
“Better Man” is a song by Pearl Jam, released as a single from their third studio album, “Vitalogy,” in 1994. The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist, Eddie Vedder. “Better Man” is one of Pearl Jam’s most well-known and enduring tracks.
The lyrics of “Better Man” tell the story of a woman in an unhealthy relationship, reflecting on the disappointment and resignation that comes with unmet expectations. The protagonist expresses a desire for a “better man” but acknowledges the difficulty of leaving the current situation. Vedder’s poignant and introspective lyrics, combined with his emotive delivery, contribute to the emotional impact of the song.
Musically, “Better Man” features a distinctive acoustic guitar riff and a dynamic arrangement that builds in intensity as the song progresses. Eddie Vedder’s powerful vocals, along with the band’s restrained but effective performance, add to the emotional depth of the track.
“Better Man” became one of Pearl Jam’s most successful singles, reaching high positions on the charts. Its popularity has endured over the years, and the song remains a fan favorite. The emotional resonance and universal themes explored in “Better Man” contribute to its status as one of Pearl Jam’s iconic and enduring tracks.
9. “Setting Forth”
“Setting Forth” is a song by Eddie Vedder from his solo album “Into the Wild (Music for the Motion Picture).” The album serves as the soundtrack for the film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn and based on the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer. The film and its soundtrack were released in 2007.
“Setting Forth” is one of the tracks featured on the album, and it captures the acoustic and introspective style that Vedder employed for the soundtrack. The song, like much of the soundtrack, reflects the spirit and themes of the film, which tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gave up his worldly possessions to venture into the Alaskan wilderness.
Eddie Vedder’s contributions to the “Into the Wild” soundtrack showcase his ability to create evocative and emotionally resonant music, particularly suited to the themes of self-discovery, solitude, and adventure portrayed in the film.
10. “Sleeping by Myself”
“Sleeping by Myself” is a song by Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. The song originally appeared on Vedder’s solo album “Ukulele Songs,” released in 2011. “Sleeping by Myself” is notable for its intimate and acoustic sound, featuring Vedder’s vocals and ukulele playing.
The song explores themes of loneliness and the experience of sleeping alone. With a simple yet heartfelt melody, Vedder’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The use of the ukulele adds a unique and mellow quality to the composition, creating an atmosphere that aligns with the personal nature of the song.
“Sleeping by Myself” was later re-recorded and released as a single with a fuller arrangement, including additional instrumentation, for the soundtrack of the 2013 film “The Lone Ranger.” This version still maintains the emotional core of the song while expanding on the musical landscape.
The song showcases Eddie Vedder’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music, whether as a solo artist or with Pearl Jam. “Sleeping by Myself” is a contemplative and introspective piece that stands out for its simplicity and sincerity.
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.
