Pearl Jam:
Ten
(1992)

Genre: Grunge/Alternative rock.
Produced By: Pearl Jam & Rick Parashar.
Record Label: Sony.

I've had this album for a long time but never been sure how to place it. I've finally realised, though, that it was probably the best album to come out of the grunge wave back in the early '90's. Nirvana's "Nevermind" is another favourite album of mine, but in comparison "Ten" is probably a more whole and even album. All the songs on it are small pearls and have shown  how to combine the rock energy of the Seattle scene with traditional rock ballads. In my view, this album has been just as important as the whole Nirvana concept since it demonstrates innovation and mature rock music at the same time. And I'm sure that bands like Live and R.E.M. have been inspired by it. It's also the only album I really love by Pearl Jam. After "Ten" they've never really found the same highs. Which just underlines the importance and qualities of this fine debut.

Overall Rating (on a scale from 1 to 10): 8

Alice In Chains, Live, Nirvana, Soundgarden.