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 Edward Louis Severson III on December 23, 1964, in Evanston, Illinois, Vedder emerged as one of the most influential figures in alternative rock during the 1990s.
Vedder’s distinctive baritone voice and emotive singing style have helped define Pearl Jam’s sound, contributing to the band’s commercial success and critical acclaim. His introspective and politically charged lyrics often explore themes such as identity, alienation, and social justice, resonating with audiences worldwide.
In addition to his work with Pearl Jam, Vedder has pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums and contributing music to various soundtracks. He is also known for his activism and philanthropy, using his platform to advocate for environmental conservation, social causes, and veterans’ rights.
Throughout his career, Vedder has received numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pearl Jam. His impact on the music industry and his contributions to rock music have solidified his status as one of the most iconic and influential musicians of his generation.
1. Hard Sun
“Hard Sun” is a song originally written by Gordon Peterson, also known as Indio, and released in 1989. However, it gained significant attention when Eddie Vedder, the lead vocalist of Pearl Jam, covered the song for the soundtrack of the 2007 film “Into the Wild.” The soundtrack was predominantly composed of Vedder’s solo work, with “Hard Sun” being one of the standout tracks.
Vedder’s rendition of “Hard Sun” is characterized by his distinctive voice and acoustic guitar accompaniment, giving the song a raw and intimate feel. The lyrics of “Hard Sun” reflect themes of existentialism, mortality, and the power of nature, fitting well with the themes of self-discovery and adventure depicted in “Into the Wild.”
Vedder’s cover of “Hard Sun” received widespread acclaim, with many praising his emotive performance and the song’s atmospheric production. It has since become one of Vedder’s most well-known solo tracks and remains a fan favorite among both Pearl Jam and Vedder’s solo discography.
2. Rise
“Rise” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as a solo single in 2007. It was featured on the soundtrack of the film “Into the Wild,” for which Vedder provided the majority of the music.
“Rise” is a reflective and introspective song, featuring Vedder’s signature acoustic guitar playing and emotive vocals. The lyrics convey themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the journey towards personal growth and enlightenment. The song’s message aligns with the overarching themes of the film, which follows the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure in the Alaskan wilderness.
Musically, “Rise” has a stripped-down arrangement, with Vedder’s vocals and acoustic guitar at the forefront. The song’s intimate and contemplative atmosphere resonates with listeners, capturing the essence of the film’s themes of solitude, freedom, and connection to nature.
“Rise” received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Vedder’s poignant songwriting and heartfelt performance. It has since become one of the standout tracks on the “Into the Wild” soundtrack and remains a fan favorite among Vedder’s solo work.
3. Can’t Keep
“Can’t Keep” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released in 2002 on his debut solo album, *Into the Wild*. The album is the soundtrack for the film of the same name, for which Vedder composed and performed the music.
“Can’t Keep” is a reflective and introspective song, featuring Vedder’s distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar. The song’s lyrics explore themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the natural world, which are central themes in the film *Into the Wild*. The chorus features the repeated refrain “Can’t keep what’s going on,” expressing a sense of inevitability and acceptance of change.
“Can’t Keep” is one of the standout tracks from *Into the Wild* and has been praised for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The song’s stripped-down arrangement allows Vedder’s vocals to take center stage, creating a powerful and emotional listening experience.
“Can’t Keep” is a reflection of the film’s protagonist, Christopher McCandless, who leaves behind his material possessions to seek a deeper connection with nature and a more authentic way of living. The song’s themes of freedom and self-discovery resonate with the film’s message and have made it a fan favorite among Vedder’s solo work.
4. Guaranteed
“Guaranteed” is a song by Eddie Vedder, featured on the soundtrack for the film *Into the Wild* and also included as a bonus track on Vedder’s solo album *Into the Wild* (2007). The song serves as a reflection of the film’s protagonist, Christopher McCandless, and his journey of self-discovery and exploration.
“Guaranteed” is a heartfelt and introspective song, featuring Vedder’s emotive vocals and acoustic guitar. The lyrics reflect themes of freedom, solitude, and the search for meaning in life. The chorus contains the lines “I knew all the rules, but the rules did not know me / Guaranteed,” expressing a sense of defiance and independence.
The song’s sparse arrangement and intimate production highlight Vedder’s evocative storytelling and the emotional depth of the lyrics. “Guaranteed” has been praised for its poignant lyrics and powerful delivery, and it has become one of Vedder’s most beloved solo tracks.
“Guaranteed” received critical acclaim and earned Vedder a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. The song’s connection to the film *Into the Wild* and its themes of adventure and self-discovery have made it a favorite among fans of the movie and Vedder’s solo work.
5. Longing to Belong
“Longing to Belong” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as a solo single in 2011. It was included in his solo album “Ukulele Songs,” which featured Vedder performing original songs and covers on the ukulele.
“Longing to Belong” is a tender and introspective ballad, featuring Vedder’s emotive vocals accompanied by the gentle strumming of the ukulele. The lyrics convey themes of yearning, vulnerability, and the search for connection and belonging.
Musically, “Longing to Belong” has a sparse and intimate arrangement, with the focus on Vedder’s expressive singing and the delicate melody of the ukulele. The song’s understated instrumentation enhances its emotional impact, evoking a sense of intimacy and sincerity.
“Longing to Belong” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Vedder’s songwriting and the unique sound of the ukulele. It has since become a fan favorite among Vedder’s solo work, admired for its heartfelt lyrics and evocative performance.
6. No More
“No More” is a song by Eddie Vedder, featured on the soundtrack for the film *Into the Wild*. The song is a poignant and introspective track, featuring Vedder’s emotive vocals and acoustic guitar. The lyrics reflect themes of longing, regret, and the passage of time.
In “No More,” Vedder sings about letting go of the past and moving forward with life. The chorus contains the lines “No more, no more / I’ll be myself / No more, no more / Dying to live,” expressing a desire for personal growth and change.
The song’s gentle melody and reflective lyrics create a sense of introspection and contemplation. Vedder’s raw and honest delivery adds to the emotional weight of the song, making it a powerful and moving listening experience.
“No More” is a standout track from the *Into the Wild* soundtrack and has been praised for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s message of resilience and self-discovery resonates with listeners and has made it a favorite among fans of Vedder’s solo work.
7. Society
“Society” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as a solo single in 2007. It was featured on the soundtrack of the film “Into the Wild,” for which Vedder provided the majority of the music.
“Society” is a folk-rock song that features Vedder’s signature vocals and acoustic guitar playing. The lyrics of the song reflect themes of disillusionment with mainstream society and a longing for a simpler, more authentic way of life. The protagonist of the song expresses a desire to escape the constraints and expectations of society and live a life of freedom and self-discovery.
Musically, “Society” has a stripped-down arrangement, with Vedder’s vocals and acoustic guitar taking center stage. The song’s raw and emotive performance captures the spirit of the film’s protagonist, Christopher McCandless, as he seeks meaning and purpose in the wilderness.
“Society” received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Vedder’s poignant songwriting and heartfelt performance. It has since become one of the standout tracks on the “Into the Wild” soundtrack and remains a fan favorite among Vedder’s solo work.
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 song was later re-recorded by Vedder with his band Pearl Jam for their album *Lightning Bolt* in 2013.
“Sleeping by Myself” is a melancholic and introspective song, featuring Vedder’s distinctive vocals and ukulele playing. The lyrics explore themes of loneliness, heartache, and the passage of time. The chorus contains the lines “I should have known there was someone to love me / As long as I can recall / I’ve been sleeping by myself,” expressing a sense of longing and regret.
The song’s simple yet poignant melody and intimate production create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Vedder’s emotive delivery adds to the emotional depth of the song, making it a powerful and affecting listening experience.
“Sleeping by Myself” has been praised for its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s themes of love and loss resonate with listeners and have made it a standout track in Vedder’s solo catalog.
9. Matter of Time
“Matter of Time” is a song by Eddie Vedder, released as a solo single in 2020. It is included in his solo album “Earthling,” which features Vedder exploring themes of connection, humanity, and the environment.
In “Matter of Time,” Vedder reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and resilience, urging listeners to embrace the present moment and face challenges with courage and determination. The song’s message is both introspective and hopeful, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Musically, “Matter of Time” features Vedder’s signature vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle instrumentation. The song’s understated arrangement allows Vedder’s emotive singing and introspective lyrics to shine, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere.
“Matter of Time” received positive reviews from critics, who praised Vedder’s songwriting and the emotional depth of the song. It has since become a fan favorite among Vedder’s solo work, admired for its poignant lyrics and powerful message of resilience.
10. Say Hi
“Say Hi” is a song by American singer-songwriter and musician Cody Simpson. It was released in 2018 as a single from his album *B-Sides: We Had*. The song is a catchy pop track with a laid-back vibe, featuring Simpson’s smooth vocals and upbeat instrumentation.
In “Say Hi,” Simpson sings about meeting someone special and feeling a strong connection. The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and optimism about the potential for a new relationship. The chorus contains the lines “Say hi, say hi to me / I’ve been waiting for a minute or two,” expressing a desire to connect with someone and take a chance on love.
“Say Hi” showcases Simpson’s talent for creating catchy pop songs with relatable lyrics. The song’s upbeat melody and positive message make it a feel-good anthem that is sure to resonate with listeners.
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.
