Eddie Vedder is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist best known as the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the rock band Pearl Jam. Born Edward Louis Severson III on December 23, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois, Vedder rose to prominence in the early 1990s as part of the grunge movement originating from Seattle, Washington.
Vedder’s distinctive baritone voice, introspective lyrics, and passionate stage presence have made him one of the most recognizable and influential figures in rock music. He is known for his powerful vocal delivery and emotional performances, which have earned him widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike.
As the frontman of Pearl Jam, Vedder has released numerous hit albums and singles, including “Ten” (1991), “Vs.” (1993), and “Vitalogy” (1994). The band’s iconic songs, such as “Jeremy,” “Alive,” and “Even Flow,” helped define the sound of the 1990s and solidified their place in rock music history.
In addition to his work with Pearl Jam, Vedder has pursued a successful solo career, releasing several solo albums and contributing music to various film soundtracks. He is also known for his activism and philanthropy, supporting causes such as environmental conservation, social justice, and veterans’ rights.
Throughout his career, Vedder has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pearl Jam in 2017. His influence as a musician and his commitment to using his platform for social change have cemented his legacy as one of the most iconic and enduring figures in rock music.
1. Hard Sun
“Hard Sun” is a folk rock song originally written by Gordon Peterson, better known by his stage name, Indio, and later popularized by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam. Vedder’s rendition of the song was featured on the soundtrack for the 2007 film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn.
The song features Vedder’s distinctive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and atmospheric instrumentation. Lyrically, “Hard Sun” reflects on themes of nature, survival, and the human experience. The “hard sun” mentioned in the song symbolizes the harsh realities of life and the challenges one must face.
Vedder’s rendition of “Hard Sun” received critical acclaim and became one of the standout tracks from the “Into the Wild” soundtrack. His emotive performance and the song’s evocative lyrics resonated with audiences, contributing to the overall success of the film and soundtrack.
“Hard Sun” remains a popular and enduring song, appreciated for its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, and Vedder’s soulful delivery. It has since become a staple in Vedder’s solo performances and a fan favorite among listeners.
2. Rise
“Rise” is a song by Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. It was released as a solo single in 2007 and was featured on the soundtrack for the film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn. The song serves as the opening track of the soundtrack album.
“Rise” is a reflective and introspective song with acoustic guitar accompaniment. Lyrically, it conveys themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the journey of finding one’s purpose in life. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to rise above challenges and setbacks, to embrace their inner strength, and to pursue their dreams with determination.
Eddie Vedder’s emotive vocals and the song’s poignant melody contribute to its evocative atmosphere, capturing the spirit of adventure and self-exploration depicted in the film. “Rise” received critical acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful delivery, earning praise as one of the standout tracks from the “Into the Wild” soundtrack.
The song has since become a fan favorite and is often associated with themes of personal growth and perseverance. “Rise” showcases Vedder’s talent as a songwriter and performer and remains a memorable addition to his solo repertoire.
3. Can’t Keep
“Can’t Keep” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as the opening track on his debut solo album, “Into the Wild,” in 2007. The album served as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, for which Vedder composed and performed the music.
“Can’t Keep” is characterized by its acoustic guitar-driven melody, raw vocals, and introspective lyrics. The song reflects the themes of self-discovery, adventure, and freedom portrayed in the film “Into the Wild,” which tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gives up his material possessions to live a nomadic life in the Alaskan wilderness.
The lyrics of “Can’t Keep” evoke a sense of restlessness and yearning for escape, as well as a desire to break free from societal constraints and embrace the unknown. Vedder’s emotive delivery adds depth and emotion to the song, capturing the spirit of McCandless’s journey of self-discovery and exploration.
“Can’t Keep” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Vedder’s songwriting and performance. The song’s inclusion on the soundtrack of “Into the Wild” helped to elevate its profile and introduce Vedder’s solo work to a wider audience.
Overall, “Can’t Keep” stands as a standout track on Eddie Vedder’s solo debut album, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and musician while perfectly complementing the themes of the film “Into the Wild.”
4. Guaranteed
“Guaranteed” is a song by Eddie Vedder, featured on the soundtrack of the film “Into the Wild,” which Vedder also composed and performed music for. Released in 2007, the song serves as a poignant reflection on the themes of freedom, adventure, and self-discovery depicted in the film.
“Guaranteed” features Vedder’s signature acoustic guitar playing and soulful vocals, creating a stripped-down and intimate atmosphere. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and introspection, as Vedder sings about the desire to break free from societal constraints and embrace a life of simplicity and authenticity.
The title “Guaranteed” suggests a sense of certainty or assurance, but the lyrics also acknowledge the uncertainties and challenges that come with pursuing one’s dreams. Despite this, there is a sense of determination and resolve in Vedder’s delivery, as he expresses a commitment to following his own path and living life on his own terms.
“Guaranteed” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, with many praising Vedder’s emotive performance and the song’s evocative lyrics. It became one of the standout tracks on the “Into the Wild” soundtrack and has since become a fan favorite among Vedder’s solo work.
Overall, “Guaranteed” stands as a powerful and introspective song that captures the spirit of adventure and self-discovery central to the story of “Into the Wild.” Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance continue to make it a standout track in Eddie Vedder’s discography.
5. Longing to Belong
“Longing to Belong” is a song by Eddie Vedder, known for his role as the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. The song was released as a single from his solo album “Ukulele Songs” in 2011.
“Longing to Belong” is characterized by its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, accompanied by Vedder’s ukulele playing. Lyrically, the song explores themes of longing, connection, and the search for belonging. Vedder sings about the universal desire to find a place where one feels understood and accepted, expressing vulnerability and yearning for deeper connections with others.
The song’s intimate and introspective tone resonated with audiences, earning praise for its sincerity and emotional depth. Vedder’s tender vocals and the simplicity of the ukulele arrangement add to the song’s intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners in and evoking a sense of introspection and contemplation.
“Longing to Belong” showcases Vedder’s versatility as a musician and songwriter, demonstrating his ability to craft poignant and evocative songs outside of the rock genre for which he is best known. The song remains a cherished favorite among fans of Vedder’s solo work, capturing the essence of longing and the universal search for connection.
6. No More
7. Society
“Society” is a song by Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. The song was featured on the soundtrack for the film “Into the Wild,” directed by Sean Penn, and was released as a solo single in 2007.
“Society” is a folk-inspired track with acoustic guitar accompaniment. Lyrically, the song reflects on societal norms, materialism, and the desire for simplicity and freedom. Vedder sings about the pressures of conforming to societal expectations and the disillusionment that can come with it. The chorus features the memorable refrain, “Society, you’re a crazy breed, I hope you’re not lonely without me.”
The song’s introspective lyrics and poignant melody resonate with the themes of self-discovery and rebellion depicted in the film. Vedder’s emotive vocals and the stripped-down instrumentation add to the song’s raw and intimate atmosphere, capturing the spirit of adventure and introspection central to the film’s narrative.
“Society” received critical acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful delivery, earning praise as one of the standout tracks from the “Into the Wild” soundtrack. The song has since become a fan favorite and is often associated with the themes of individualism and nonconformity.
8. Sleeping by Myself
“Sleeping by Myself” is a song by Eddie Vedder, originally released as a solo track on his album “Ukulele Songs” in 2011. The album features Vedder performing on the ukulele, showcasing a more intimate and stripped-down musical style compared to his work with Pearl Jam.
“Sleeping by Myself” is characterized by its gentle ukulele accompaniment and Vedder’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics explore themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and solitude, as the narrator reflects on the experience of sleeping alone after the end of a relationship.
Originally written by Vedder, “Sleeping by Myself” was later re-recorded and released by Pearl Jam as part of their album “Lightning Bolt” in 2013. The Pearl Jam version features a fuller arrangement with additional instrumentation, but still retains the emotional resonance of the original solo recording.
“Sleeping by Myself” has been praised for its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of isolation and longing. Both versions of the song showcase Vedder’s talent as a songwriter and performer, demonstrating his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
9. Matter of Time
“Matter of Time” is a song by Eddie Vedder, featured on his solo album “Earthling,” released in 2021. The album “Earthling” is Vedder’s second solo studio album and features a collection of songs that reflect on themes of love, loss, and the human connection to nature.
In “Matter of Time,” Vedder delivers introspective lyrics accompanied by acoustic guitar and gentle melodies. The song explores the passage of time and the inevitability of change, with Vedder reflecting on life’s fleeting moments and the need to cherish each day.
The lyrics of “Matter of Time” convey a sense of hope and resilience, with Vedder singing about the importance of staying present and embracing the journey, even in the face of uncertainty. The song’s uplifting message is underscored by its soothing melody and Vedder’s emotive vocals.
“Earthling” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Vedder’s songwriting and the album’s introspective themes. “Matter of Time” stands out as one of the album’s standout tracks, showcasing Vedder’s talent as a solo artist and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Overall, “Matter of Time” is a reflective and poignant song that captures the essence of Eddie Vedder’s solo work, offering listeners a message of hope and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable changes.
10. Say Hi
“Say Hi” is a song by Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of the rock band Pearl Jam. It was released as part of Vedder’s solo album, “Ukulele Songs,” in 2011.
“Say Hi” is characterized by its simple yet emotive ukulele accompaniment and Vedder’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, the song is a tender and heartfelt expression of longing and love. Vedder sings about the desire to connect with someone and share moments of intimacy and affection. The chorus features the poignant refrain, “Say hi, hi, say hi, hi, to the life that passes by.”
The song’s stripped-down instrumentation and intimate atmosphere create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing listeners in and evoking a feeling of warmth and nostalgia. “Say Hi” showcases Vedder’s talent as a songwriter and performer, highlighting his ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity and sincerity.
“Say Hi” has become a favorite among fans of Vedder’s solo work, appreciated for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. The song’s message of love and connection resonates with listeners, making it a cherished addition to Vedder’s repertoire.
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.
