"Pearl Jam" by Pearl Jam

What a refreshing change from the vapid noise-rock of 2002's "Riot Act". The new Pearl Jam album, simply titled "Pearl Jam", might be a conscious throwback to the more strident days of the early 90s (cf. seminal albums like "Ten" and "Vs."), but infused with a distinct sense of maturity that can only be acquired after nearly two decades in the business. While there are no obvious anthems like "Alive" and "Jeremy" to send now-thirtysomething Generation X'ers into fits of aural ecstasy, there are more measured tracks here that more than provide resounding examples of the new-millennium Pearl Jam. Well done Vedder and company!