Eddie Vedder's first proper solo album (the Into the Wild Soundtrack doesn't technically count) is basically a homemade demo type recording of the Pearl Jam frontman singing short songs accompanied only by his Ukulele. It's a worthy addition to any Pearl Jam fans collection but isn't the type of album that is going to blow anyone away. This is an intimate look at another side of a guy known for his bombastic voice and left wing politically charged lyrics and stances. Vedder's voice has always had a vulnerable edge to go along with his passioned screams and wailing tenor and that vulnerability is on full display throughout Ukulele Songs. The songs are largely about love lost and relationships but avoid being sappy or draining due to Vedder's trembling voice and the undeniable energy he puts into singing them. On the downside, the Ukulele is far from a versatile instrument so the songs tend to run together and aren't overly distinguishable from one another (this becomes less of a problem after multiple listens but it's still an issue). Ultimately Ukulele Songs isn't an album for everyone but hardcore Pearl Jam fans will surely want to pick it up and it's worth a listen for anyone who's ever sang along to "Better Man." Oh yeah, any album that includes Vedder and Cat Power singing "Tonight You Belong To Me" (which I'm mostly familiar with from from The Jerk but it's been around forever) is all right in my book.
Rating: 3.5
Track Listing:
1. "Can't Keep" (2:35)
2. "Sleeping By Myself" (1:54)
3. "Without You" (3:18)
4. "More Than You Know" (2:25)
5. "Goodbye" (2:28)
6. "Broken Heart" (2:36)
7. "Satellite" (2:19)
8. "Longing To Belong" (2:48)
9. "Hey Fahkah" (0:08)
10. "You're True" (3:23)
11. "Light Today" (2:41)
12. "Sleepless Nights" (2:39)
13. "Once In A While" (1:45)
14. "Waving Palms" (0:37)
15. "Tonight You Belong To Me" (1:41)
16. "Dream a Little Dream" (1:28)
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