19. ‘Rearviewmirror’ by Pearl JamRearviewmirror

Though it may not be there signature tune (‘Alive’ surely holds that distinction) ‘Rearviewmirror’ could well be Pearl Jam’s best. A driving, percussive backbeat propels the song along, as Eddie Vedder croons with trademark earnestness about the emancipatory feeling of hitting the road. Vedder’s impassioned growl eventually gives way to a full-on throaty-roar by the song’s end- as Stone Gossard’s guitar wails uncontrollably over the top. ‘Rearviewmirror’ captures well the earnest energy of the band’s salad days when Vedder and co. became one the most popular bands in the world. Available on: Pearl Jam Vs. (Epic, 1993).