The Most Popular Pearl Jam Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:45
Are you a die-hard Pearl Jam fan, or simply someone who appreciates their timeless tunes? Get ready to dive into the ultimate Pearl Jam showdown at StrawPoll! We're hosting an epic ranking of the most popular Pearl Jam songs, and we want to hear from you! With thousands of polls and rankings on a variety of topics, StrawPoll is your go-to destination for settling debates and discovering new favorites. Cast your vote for the greatest Pearl Jam tracks, share your unique musical insights, and suggest a hidden gem that deserves a spot on the list. Don't miss your chance to contribute to the definitive ranking of Pearl Jam's iconic songs. Join the conversation and let's rock on!

What Is the Most Popular Pearl Jam Song?

  1. 1
    62
    votes
    This is often considered the band's breakthrough hit, with its powerful chorus and Eddie Vedder's emotive vocals. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.
    Alive is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It was released as the first single from their debut album, Ten, in 1991. The song features a powerful combination of grunge and alternative rock, with introspective lyrics and an energetic musical arrangement. Alive gained significant popularity upon its release and remains one of Pearl Jam's most well-known and beloved songs to this day.
    • Album: Ten
    • Release Year: 1991
    • Genre: Grunge, Alternative Rock
    • Length: 5:41
    • Songwriter(s): Eddie Vedder
  2. 2
    40
    votes
    This haunting track addresses the issue of school shootings and features a memorable music video that won several MTV Video Music Awards.
    Jeremy is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It was released in 1992 as the third single from their debut studio album, Ten. The song deals with the subject of teenage violence and its tragic consequences. It explores the story of a young boy named Jeremy who faces bullying and neglect, ultimately leading to a shocking act of violence in his classroom. The song's powerful and introspective lyrics, combined with its haunting melody, have resonated with audiences for decades, making it one of Pearl Jam's most iconic and widely recognized songs.
    • Album: Ten
    • Release Year: 1992
    • Genre: Grunge
    • Song Length: 5:18
    • Lyricist: Eddie Vedder
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    A moody ballad that showcases Vedder's emotional range, "Black" is one of the band's most beloved songs and has been covered by numerous artists.
    Black is a timeless and sophisticated epoxy floor color that adds a touch of elegance to any space. It is known for its sleek and modern appearance, making it a popular choice for various applications.
    • Color: Black
    • Finish: Glossy
    • Durability: High
    • Chemical Resistance: Excellent
    • UV Resistance: Good
  4. 4
    18
    votes

    Even Flow

    Pearl Jam
    Another early hit, "Even Flow" features a hard-driving guitar riff and Vedder's distinctive vocal style. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.
    Even Flow is a popular song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It was released as a single from their debut album, Ten, in 1992. The track features a distinctive guitar riff and powerful vocals, showcasing the band's grunge sound. Lyrically, it reflects themes of social alienation and feeling trapped. Even Flow has become one of Pearl Jam's signature songs and remains a fan favorite at live performances.
    • Album: Ten
    • Release Year: 1992
    • Genre: Grunge
    • Length: 4:53
    • Lead Vocals: Eddie Vedder
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    This heartfelt ballad about a woman trapped in an abusive relationship struck a chord with many listeners and became one of the band's most successful singles.
  6. 6
    5
    votes

    Yellow Ledbetter

    Pearl Jam
    Although it was never released as a single, this melodic, bluesy track has become one of the band's most beloved songs, with its enigmatic lyrics and memorable guitar solo.
    Yellow Ledbetter is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It was written by the band members but largely credited to lead guitarist Mike McCready. The song was recorded during the sessions for their debut album Ten in 1991 but didn't make the final tracklist. It was later released as a B-side to their 1992 single 'Jeremy' and became one of their most popular songs despite not being officially released as a single. The lyrics are cryptic and are known for their abstract imagery, making it open to interpretation. Musically, Yellow Ledbetter features a bluesy guitar riff and a melodic solo that has become iconic. The song is characterized by its emotional intensity, raw energy, and Eddie Vedder's distinctive vocals.
    • Album: Ten
    • Year: 1991
    • Length: 5:00
    • Genre: Grunge
    • Songwriter(s): Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    This upbeat track features catchy guitar riffs and a sing-along chorus, but its lyrics address the serious issue of child abuse. It remains a popular radio hit.
    Daughter is a popular song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It was released in 1993 as a single from their second studio album, Vs. The song combines elements of grunge and alternative rock, featuring powerful guitar riffs, intense drumming, and emotional lyrics. Daughter has a distinct sound and captures the raw energy and passion that Pearl Jam is known for. The lyrics touch on themes of parental neglect and the challenges faced by children growing up in dysfunctional families.
    • Album: Vs.
    • Released: 1993
    • Genre: Grunge, Alternative rock
    • Length: 3:55
    • Label: Epic
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This gentle acoustic ballad showcases Vedder's storytelling skills and has become a fan favorite for its nostalgic lyrics and simple, melodic structure.
    Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It was released as a single in 1993 and featured on their second studio album, Vs. The song showcases Pearl Jam's signature blend of alternative rock and grunge, with poignant lyrics that touch on themes of regret and longing. Its haunting melodies and soulful vocals have made it one of the band's most beloved and enduring tracks.
    • Album: Vs.
    • Release Year: 1993
    • Genre: Alternative rock, grunge
    • Length: 3:15
    • Lyricist: Eddie Vedder
  9. 9
    0
    votes
    A standout track from the band's third album, "Corduroy" features a driving rhythm section and Vedder's powerful vocals. Its lyrics address the issue of fame and the toll it can take on artists.
    Corduroy is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. Released in 1994 as a single from their third studio album, 'Vitalogy,' it quickly became one of their most popular songs. Considered a staple of their live performances, Corduroy possesses a powerful, energetic sound that captures the essence of Pearl Jam's signature grunge style.
    • Album: Vitalogy
    • Release Year: 1994
    • Genre: Grunge
    • Length: 4:37
    • Writers: Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament
  10. 10
    9
    votes

    The Fixer

    Pearl Jam
    One of the band's more recent hits, "The Fixer" features a catchy, upbeat melody and optimistic lyrics about overcoming adversity. It became a radio hit and helped to introduce Pearl Jam to a new generation of fans.
    The Fixer is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam, featured on their album Backspacer, released in 2009. It was written by Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament.
    • Album: Backspacer
    • Release Year: 2009
    • Written By: Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Duration: 2 minutes 57 seconds

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Chart success
    Consider how the song performed in music charts like the Billboard Hot 100, Mainstream Rock Tracks, and Modern Rock Tracks, as chart positions can provide important information about a song's popularity during its time.
  2. Sales & streaming numbers
    Evaluate the sales and streaming figures of the song, including physical, digital, or certified sales and the number of plays on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music. Higher figures usually indicate the song's popularity among fans.
  3. Radio airplay
    Assess how frequently the song was played on radio stations at its peak and whether it is still being played on the radio today. This can be a significant factor that demonstrates a song's widespread appeal and impact.
  4. Awards & nominations
    Check if the song received any awards or nominations, as these can often reflect a song's influence or significance in the music industry.
  5. Live performances
    Research the frequency with which the song is played at the band's live performances. Popular songs are usually part of the band's setlist for concerts and tours, and fan reactions at live shows can be a good indicator of a song's popularity.
  6. Critical reception
    Read reviews and articles from critics and music journalists about the song. Positive reviews and genuine appreciation from critics may suggest the song's popularity and significance in the band's discography.
  7. Influence & legacy
    Determine the song's impact on future artists, its influence on the genre, or its contribution to pop culture. A popular song can often have a long-lasting legacy and be remembered as a classic or an anthem for generations.
  8. Music video
    Analyze the popularity of the song's music video, if available, to see if it has contributed to the song's success and legacy. View counts on YouTube or other platforms may be helpful in determining this factor as well.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Pearl Jam song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2137 views
  • 193 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular pearl jam song

Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. The band's sound is heavily influenced by classic rock and punk rock, and their music is known for its raw, emotional energy. Pearl Jam has released eleven studio albums, and their music has been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. With hits like "Jeremy," "Alive," and "Even Flow," Pearl Jam has become one of the most popular and influential bands of the last three decades. In this poll, we're asking fans to vote for their favorite Pearl Jam song, in order to determine which track stands out as the most beloved by fans.

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