Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam return ‘fired up’ on the brief but amped-up protest anthem, “Can’t Deny Me.” The spirit is appreciated, but song is imperfect.

When the name Pearl Jam is uttered, the first thing that comes to mind is iconic grunge rock band, sigh. In the 1990s, Eddie Vedder and company ruled rock and roll.  Seattle, Washington was the place to be for grunge rock.  But, like so many musical movements and trends, they fade as time passes by.  While the iconic status of the band will never fade, clearly, both frontman as well as the collective itself are past their prime.  Nonetheless, a new single, “Can’t Deny Me,” has arrived.

First and perhaps foremost, the energy of “Can’t Deny Me” truly can’t be denied. This is a protest song, and the music conveys that spirit. The drums pummel, Vedder sounds incredibly assertive (“mad as hell” if you will), and the guitars are raw.  Further fueling the fire, the harmonic progression is successful. All in all, the formula is working like a well-oiled machine for Vedder and company.  Truly, the emotion and the spirit of resistance is in the right place.  Also, throw in a catchy, variable chorus for good measure.  Perhaps it’s not the next great pop chorus mind you, but definitely sufficient.

“The higher, the farther, the faster you fly
You know you’re sick and you can’t deny me
Got nothin’, nothin’ you got somethin’ to hide
We see right through you and you can’t deny me.”

Final Thoughts

Other observations, beyond the place where this protest anthem hails. Rock vocalists are less concerned with pitch compared to other genres, as screams, howls, and whelps can contribute to the spirit of the music.  Vocally, Vedder’s pitch is a bit questionable at times.  That said, it seems to be a product of selling the emotion and spirit of this record, particularly since a performance was dedicated to the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.  Perhaps a bit ‘uneven’, it’s ‘not the end of the world.’ The brief song’s sentiment is more important in this context.  Not my personal favorite from the band, but love the energy, message, and overall vibe.

Pearl Jam • Can’t Deny Me – Single • Monkeywrench / Republic • Release: 3.13.18 

Photo Credits: Monkeywrench / Republic