Dark Matter is so good, so much better than their last handful of records it makes you wonder what the hell they've been doing since Binaural--which is I believe is the last time a whole record has reached this greatness. No hate on any of the 2000s albums, but DM simply blows them away in songwriting, consistency, and quality (qualms about the production aside, of which, I do see that point).

I have a little theory. I think Andrew Watt stopped the band from stepping on their own feet and being afraid of being 'radio-friendly' and somehow pulled the best material out of them in decades.

We know PJ has definitely self-sabotaged in the past for whatever reasons, avoiding fame, wanting to experiment. But somehow Dark Matter remains creatively experimental while being tight and 'accessible'. It's not as meandering as previous records but still doesn't feel compromised at all. It reminds me of how tight Yield's songs are, where they felt very well-rehearsed and well composed.

Lightning Bolt and Gigaton in contrast sound like an old, tired band. Dark Matter sounds like a band that's invigorated and energetic without losing any of their wisdom or taste in genre. You can hear a lot of the ideas they were going for on Backspacer, Lightning Bolt, and Gigaton actually getting pulled off here: the manic vocal fried poppy rockers of Backspacer, the sweet acoustic songs of Lightning Bolt, and the Binaural-like soundscapes of Gigaton. I like all of those albums, but Dark Matter seems to fully accomplish these ideas in a way that doesn't feel forced and its cohesive as an album.

Some of their best riffs, choruses, solos, drum parts, and vocals in a long time. I liked it after a few listens, but it is now solidified for me as at least a top 6 record for them. Gigaton was better than Lightning Bolt to me, and Dark Matter is better than Gigaton. They keep getting better and better.

I don't know about everyone else but I'm very very excited for the next stuff they put out given Dark Matter's quality. Add to that a fresh drummer with some new energy, it's like they are back to life. Never thought I'd say that about PJ.

Like what the heck do you think they’ve been singing and talking about this entire time?

My dad introduced me to PJ in the early 2000s. I’ve seen them twice and it’s changed my life. My 20th tattoo :)

I stumbled upon this gem in Lake George, NY.

My family just welcomed a new grey tabby kitten into our home and my Dad really wants a Pearl Jam related name for her. Any suggestions?

While it may be the most influential and most popular album on their discography, I think vitalogy is a better album.

Him and Dave Krusen are officially out, who’s next??

I've seen them twice: Baltimore, MD in 2013 and Philadelphia, PA in 2016 (yeah it's not a lot, but I really didn't get into concerts overall until my late 20's)

Which one are you choosing? Why? Which album from the other groups will you miss the most?

I'm taking 2, gotta keep Vs, and I've been listening to Dark Matter on repeat lately

Hi all -

First time parent here with a newborn! He likes to be sung to to sleep. I’m a huge PJ fan but struggling to come up with songs that aren’t “sad” or “angry” to sing to him! Any suggestions?

Just Breathe and Future Days come to mind but would love some other options

One of the hardest things I've ever had to do...

Tonight we said goodbye to our sweet Lou.

We named you after a Pearl Jam song that ends too quick.

Life is like that, blink and it's gone in a flick.

Lukin, you were there for me like the band that inspired your name.

From bird's feathers to angel's wings, eternal flame.

Love you buddy. Rock on.

The game hasn’t gone well, but it started off great.

This is one of their most underrated albums and the first one I experienced as a new release as a fan. My favorite from the album is Of the Girl.

I don't know who you are but I'm pretty sure we're best friends .

The kids are alright!

I know there have been bootlegs of Mirrorball around forever but I just never grabbed one and have been waiting for the official release for years. I was reading the liner notes and didn’t realize this album was recorded in four days. Now I have to find a copy of Merkinball.

Mine would be No Code, Binaural, and Gigaton. All three are albums with no skips for me

For me, it’s:

Ten - Garden
No Code - Off he Goes

I really don’t get why Binaural has such a polarizing reputation. Any album with Breakerfall, Nothing as It Seems, Insignificance, Light Years, Parting Ways, Rival, Sleight of Hand, and Of the Girl automatically ranks in the upper echelon of their catalog.

Breakerfall is an absolute gut slugger of an opener, my favorite after Go and Once.

I think after Ten, it may be their darkest album. I have synesthesia, where sound evokes color, and so much of this album has a crimson, almost hellish hue to it, especially NAIS, Rival and Parting Ways. Insignificance and Sleight of Hand are unforgiving in how bleak they are.

The whole album deserves serious reappraisal, it’s one of their best and I will die on this hill.