Pearl Jam is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Since their formation in 1990, they have released countless hits and albums that have solidified their place in rock history. One of their most popular and beloved songs is “Just Breathe”. But did Pearl Jam actually write this song, or is it a cover? Let’s take a closer look at the origins of this enduring track.
The Origin of “Just Breathe”
“Just Breathe” was released on Pearl Jam’s ninth studio album, “Backspacer”, in 2009. It quickly became a fan favorite and is still one of the band’s most recognizable songs. But the story of “Just Breathe” actually goes back a few years earlier.
In 2007, Eddie Vedder, the lead singer of Pearl Jam, contributed several songs to the soundtrack of the film “Into the Wild”. One of those songs was an instrumental track called “Tuolumne”. The opening chord progression of “Just Breathe” is actually based on the same melody as “Tuolumne”.
With the help of his ukulele and the melody of “Tuolumne”, Vedder wrote the song that we know and love today as “Just Breathe”. While the song may have started as an instrumental from a movie soundtrack, it quickly became one of the most cherished tracks in Pearl Jam’s discography.
The Impact of “Just Breathe”
Despite not being a traditional Pearl Jam rock song, “Just Breathe” has resonated deeply with fans over the years. The song’s stripped-down arrangement and emotional lyrics have struck a chord with listeners all over the world.
Many fans have even credited “Just Breathe” with helping them through difficult times in their lives. The song’s message of finding peace in the present moment and cherishing the ones you love has helped countless listeners find solace in dark times.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s clear that “Just Breathe” is indeed an original song by Pearl Jam. While the melody may have been inspired by an instrumental track from a movie soundtrack, Vedder’s lyrics and heartfelt performance have transformed the song into something much greater.
“Just Breathe” is a testament to Pearl Jam’s incredible talent and ability to connect with their fans on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a die-hard Pearl Jam fan or simply a lover of great music, “Just Breathe” is a song that will continue to inspire and move listeners for years to come.
FAQ
What song did Pearl Jam remake?
Pearl Jam, an American rock band, is known for producing some of the most iconic rock anthems. In addition to creating their own songs, they have also been known to cover classic hits. One such cover that they are famous for is their rendition of the song “Last Kiss”.
The original version of “Last Kiss” was recorded by Wayne Cochran in 1961 and was popularized by J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers in 1964. Pearl Jam’s version was released in 1998 and was an instant hit. The band’s unique take on the song imbued it with a grunge twist, which made it even more popular with their fans.
As the legend goes, Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder convinced the rock band to record “Last Kiss” after he found a 7″ record of the original single at a Seattle antique store. Vedder was moved by the song’s emotional lyrics about a car crash and the tragic loss of someone’s loved one. The band then recorded the song in just one take during a soundcheck before a concert in Seattle.
Pearl Jam’s version of “Last Kiss” became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in several countries. It is considered one of their most popular covers and one of the band’s most beloved songs. Their heartfelt rendition of the ballad has cemented its place as one of the greatest remakes of a classic song.
What was the first Pearl Jam songs?
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in 1990 in Seattle, Washington. The band consists of Eddie Vedder (lead vocals), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), Jeff Ament (bass), and Matt Cameron (drums). Pearl Jam first burst onto the music scene in the early 1990s and quickly became one of the most popular and influential bands of the grunge era.
The band’s debut album, Ten, was released on August 27, 1991. However, the first Pearl Jam song was actually released about six weeks before the album dropped. On July 7, 1991, a song called “Alive” was released as the band’s first single.
“Alive” would go on to become one of Pearl Jam’s signature songs. It was written by guitarist Stone Gossard and features a memorable guitar riff and powerful vocal performance from frontman Eddie Vedder. The song tells the story of a young man who discovers that the man he thought was his father is actually his stepfather, and that his real father is dead. Despite the dark subject matter, the song is ultimately a celebration of life and survival.
“Alive” was a hit on rock radio stations across the US and helped to build anticipation for the release of Ten. The album would go on to be a massive success, selling over 13 million copies in the US alone. Pearl Jam would become one of the biggest bands in the world, known for their powerful live performances and socially conscious lyrics.
“Alive” was the first Pearl Jam song, released on July 7, 1991, and it would go on to become one of the band’s most popular and influential songs. It paved the way for the success of Ten, the band’s debut album, and helped to establish Pearl Jam as one of the most important bands of the grunge era.
Is the song Last Kiss by Pearl Jam a remake?
Yes, the song “Last Kiss” by Pearl Jam is a remake. The original version of the song was written and recorded by Wayne Cochran in 1961. Cochran’s version of the song was a relatively unknown B-side, but it gained popularity through live performances and eventually became a regional hit in the southern United States.
In 1964, J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers recorded a cover of “Last Kiss” which became a massive hit, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The cover version has become the most well-known version of the song and has been covered by several other artists over the years.
Pearl Jam’s cover of “Last Kiss” was released as a Christmas single in 1998 and was a smash hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While Pearl Jam’s version is not the original, it is a popular and widely recognized cover that has introduced the song to a new generation of listeners.
Although “Last Kiss” was originally written and recorded by Wayne Cochran, it is primarily known as a cover song due to the success of J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers’ rendition, and later, Pearl Jam’s cover.
