Round Flat Records

Pearl Jam – Lightning Bolt – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record

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Pearl Jam – Lightning Bolt – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record

Released on October 15, 2013, Lightning Bolt is Pearl Jam’s tenth studio album, marking another chapter in the legendary band’s evolution. Over two decades after their groundbreaking debut Ten (1991), Pearl Jam had long outgrown their grunge roots, embracing a more refined, dynamic, and emotionally charged sound. Lightning Bolt finds the band navigating themes of love, mortality, resilience, and social consciousness, wrapped in a blend of their signature hard rock energy and introspective balladry. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, who had worked with the band since Vs. (1993), the album balances raw aggression with deep introspection, reflecting the wisdom and maturity of a band that had nothing left to prove but still plenty to say.

By 2013, Pearl Jam had long moved past the grunge explosion of the early ‘90s, and Lightning Bolt continues the trend of their post-2000 era, where their sound became more expansive, diverse, and emotionally nuanced. The album is a mix of hard-hitting rockers, introspective ballads, and atmospheric, experimental moments. Lyrically, Eddie Vedder delves into love, loss, political frustration, existential questions, and personal resilience, themes that resonate deeply with their aging fanbase while still retaining the passion of their early work.

Key Tracks and Highlights

“Getaway” – The album kicks off with a fast-paced, punk-tinged rocker that channels frustration with dogmatic thinking and blind faith. Vedder’s lyrics are defiant and urgent, setting a rebellious tone right from the start.

“Mind Your Manners” – One of the most aggressive Pearl Jam songs in years, this track is a punk-inspired blast of energy reminiscent of Spin the Black Circle from Vitalogy (1994). The lyrics are a furious rejection of oppression and societal control, fueled by Matt Cameron’s frantic drumming and Mike McCready’s blistering guitar.

“My Father’s Son” – A dark, brooding track that deals with complicated family dynamics and self-identity. The song’s off-kilter rhythm and jagged guitar work give it an unsettling, experimental feel.

“Sirens” – One of Lightning Bolt’s most emotionally powerful songs, this haunting, melodic ballad is built around a soaring, almost cinematic sound. Inspired by Eddie Vedder’s reflections on mortality and the fragility of life, the lyrics are deeply personal and universal at the same time. McCready’s soaring lead guitar adds to the song’s emotional weight, making it one of the album’s most memorable moments.

“Lightning Bolt” – The album’s title track is a classic Pearl Jam anthem, blending driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and hopeful lyrics about facing life’s storms head-on. The song is dynamic and unpredictable, with a passionate performance from Vedder that recalls their early arena-filling energy.

“Infallible” – A mid-tempo, groove-driven song that carries a warning about hubris and the illusion of control. The band’s use of layered instrumentation and rich textures gives this track a fresh, almost progressive feel.

“Pendulum” – One of the album’s most atmospheric and moody songs, “Pendulum” leans into a darker, almost ghostly sound. It’s an introspective meditation on time, loss, and the cyclical nature of life, with haunting instrumentation and an eerie, distant vocal from Vedder.

“Swallowed Whole” – A soaring, uplifting song about embracing nature and personal transcendence, with echoes of R.E.M. and Neil Young. The song’s bright, open-chord melodies contrast beautifully with the darker themes explored elsewhere on the album.

“Let the Records Play” – A bluesy, swaggering track with a classic rock vibe, this song shows the band having fun while reflecting on the power of music as an escape.

“Sleeping by Myself” – Originally a solo ukulele track from Vedder’s 2011 album Ukulele Songs, this full-band version adds a warm, folk-rock feel. It’s a reflective song about loneliness and acceptance, with a simple but touching melody.

“Yellow Moon” – A slow, meditative song with poetic, metaphorical lyrics about fate and self-reflection. The dreamlike, hypnotic instrumentation makes it one of the album’s most introspective tracks.

“Future Days” – The album closes on a tender, sentimental note. A piano-driven ballad with a deeply personal message about love and gratitude, it’s one of Pearl Jam’s most heartfelt songs. Vedder’s raw, earnest vocals bring a sense of closure, making it a fitting end to the album.

Lightning Bolt debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it Pearl Jam’s fifth No. 1 album in the U.S. It also topped charts in Canada, Australia, and several other countries, proving that even after two decades, Pearl Jam still had a massive, dedicated fanbase.

Critically, the album received mostly positive reviews, with praise for its emotional depth, diverse sound, and the band’s ability to balance hard rock intensity with introspective ballads. Many critics highlighted “Sirens,” “Pendulum,” and “Lightning Bolt” as standout tracks. However, some felt that the album played it too safe and lacked the raw, unpredictable energy of their early work. Nevertheless, Lightning Bolt was seen as a mature, reflective, and powerful addition to Pearl Jam’s discography.

While Lightning Bolt didn’t reinvent Pearl Jam’s sound, it reinforced their status as one of rock’s most enduring and consistent bands. The album showed that they could still create music that was both deeply personal and universally resonant, tackling themes of aging, love, mortality, and resilience with authenticity.

The Lightning Bolt Tour was another successful outing for the band, featuring epic, career-spanning setlists that blended their early anthems with their more recent, contemplative material. The album also marked one of the last major releases before their long hiatus, as the band wouldn’t return with another full-length record until Gigaton in 2020.

Lightning Bolt may not be Pearl Jam’s most groundbreaking album, but it captures a band at peace with itself, still capable of delivering powerful, heartfelt rock music. It’s an album that rewards multiple listens, revealing layers of meaning in its lyrics and arrangements. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newer listener, it stands as a testament to Pearl Jam’s ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity.

Packaged in a gatefold with die-cut front cover, printed sleeve, 12×12 lyric book, sticker sheet, and coupon for entire album in MP3 format

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed

Track Listing
Getaway
Mind Your Manners
My Father’s Son
Sirens
Lightning Bolt
Infallible
Pendulum
Swallowed Whole
Let The Records Play
Sleeping By Myself
Yellow Moon
Future Days

https://www.roundflat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pearl-Jam-–-Lightning-Bolt-2.jpghttps://www.roundflat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pearl-Jam-–-Lightning-Bolt-2-150x150.jpgroundflatPearl Jam - Lightning Bolt - Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record Released on October 15, 2013, Lightning Bolt is Pearl Jam’s tenth studio album, marking another chapter in the legendary band’s evolution. Over two decades after their groundbreaking debut Ten (1991), Pearl Jam had long outgrown their grunge roots, embracing...Discover the ultimate destination for punk records, indie vinyl, alternative CDs, and metal cassettes since 1992.

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