Eddie Vedder Explores Melodies on ‘Ukulele Songs’

Is it really possible to “rock” on a ukulele? Eddie Vedder sure thinks so.

When you think of Vedder, of course, the first thought probably is his band Pearl Jam, the Seattle-based rock group with hits in the 90s like “Jeremy,” “Alive” and “Better Man.” While his softer side also showed through in their cover of the 60s song “Last Kiss,” it’s definitely hard to imagine Vedder’s voice over anything but a guitar.

Still, Ukulele Songs works well for Vedder in its simplicity. The uke’s soft strings drive the tunes while pushing Vedder’s vocals to the forefront, creating a more melodic atmosphere. The combination is strange, for sure, but surprisingly beautiful.

“I learned so much about music by playing this little, miniature songwriting machine,” Vedder told the Chicago Tribune, “especially about melody. The motto is: Less strings, more melody… I was able to apply it to whatever I’m trying to write. It’s become part of songwriting for me, the knowledge I gained from hearing the melodies come out, and then applying that to guitar or vocals.”

It quickly becomes apparent that Vedder probably has a “rocked out” version of a few songs in his head while recording. The opener, “Can’t Keep,” could easily translate into a track with a full band, but somehow, the upbeat rock vibe is still completely apparent. The same goes for “You’re True,” which features a riff perfectly tailored for a top 40 rock hit.

Most of the songs on Uke clock in at just around two minutes long, making the album a healthy mix of 16 tracks, interspersed with what seem to be in-studio mishaps, like a telephone ringing or Vedder flubbing a track’s opening. The result feels interestingly personal, even when he covers old standards like “Tonight You Belong to Me,” with Cat Power, or “Dream a Little Dream”—Vedder has a great ability to own songs even he didn’t pen.

It’s easy to get lost in the melodies of Ukulele Songs, of course, as many of the tracks seem to flow directly into the next. The ukulele is such a simple instrument that, without the help of some outside source, can begin to sound monotonous. Luckily, Vedder uses harmonies in many of the songs to add character, be it with himself (“Satellite”) or others (Glen Hansard on “Sleepless Nights”). A cello also helps add some bass to the single “Longing to Belong” to fill the tune out.

The simplicity of the ukulele definitely works to Vedder’s favor in the end, especially for the more depressing lyrics—even the sweet-sounding strings can’t cover up his ability to illustrate emotional despair through his strong, gruff voice. For fans of Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss,” the album follows the same route with fewer instruments, but even rock fans can appreciate the stripped-down feel and the raw emotion of the songs.

Vedder is set to headline a solo tour this summer, hitting the Beacon Theatre here in New York City on June 21 and 22. Pearl Jam is also set to release the documentary PJ20 in honor of their 20-year anniversary. The band is currently working on their tenth studio album, while Vedder’s Ukulele Songs is available in stores now.

This article was originally published on AllMediaNY.com