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Pearl Jam's 'Black'

Music performance

About

"Black" by Pearl Jam is a poignant ballad from their 1991 debut album, Ten. The song features Eddie Vedder's powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, which capture the pain of lost love and heartache. Musically, it is driven by a combination of electric and acoustic guitars, subtle piano parts, and a steady rhythm section, creating a lush and emotive sound. The song's moderate tempo allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in its emotional depth. The song's creation was influenced by Eddie Vedder's personal experiences of loss and grief. Despite not being released as a single, "Black" charted well due to radio airplay, reaching No. 3 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of Pearl Jam's live performances, showcasing the band's ability to craft enduring, emotionally resonant music. "Black" has been widely praised for its raw emotional impact and has influenced Pearl Jam's subsequent work, cementing its place as one of the band's most iconic songs.