Pearl JamAlive (6:01)

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About This Track

“Alive” is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. “Alive” was Pearl Jam’s first single, and appeared on the band’s debut album, Ten (1991). Written by guitarist Stone Gossard, “Alive” originated as an instrumental titled “Dollar Short” and was included on a demo tape circulated in hopes of finding a singer for the group. Vocalist Eddie Vedder obtained a copy of the tape and wrote lyrics that describe a true account of the time when he was told that the man he thought was his father was not actually his biological parent. It’s guitar solo is ranked 44 on Guitar World’s “100 Greatest Guitar Solos”.

“Alive” charted at number 16 in the UK (the single was available only through import in the US). A remixed version of the song was included on Pearl Jam’s 2004 greatest hits album, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991–2003). Although the song was not a huge hit upon its release (peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart), it has endured as a fan favorite and a staple of rock radio since then, as well as one of the most requested songs at the band’s concerts.

“Alive” features an extended guitar solo after its third chorus (3:38), which is likely one reason it’s a favorite of so many fans. The solo for “Alive”, performed by McCready, was ranked number 44 on Guitar World’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos”, and number 26 on Total Guitar’s list of the “100 Hottest Guitar Solos”. Interestingly, when interviewed about his famous solo, McCready was quick to disclaim creative credit for it, saying he basically “copied Ace Frehley’s solo from ‘She’, which was copied from Robby Krieger’s solo in The Doors’ ‘Five to One’.
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Albums featuring this track

  • Ten
    Pearl Jam Play
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  • Seattle, Washington, November 6, 2000
    Pearl Jam Play
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  • MTV Unplugged
    Pearl Jam Play
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  • Unplugged
    Pearl Jam Play
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See all 158 albums

Shouts

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  • KHsonicdude23

    oooooooOOOOooooooOHOHOHOHOEEEEYYYMMMM SSSSSS-TTT-tIILL AaaaAALLLLLLOIIIIIIIIVVV-V-V-VEEu HOHO

    Sunday morning
  • Amurpo

    am i in heaven?

    Sunday morning
  • Mocanga

    Oh fuck, i love this solo.

    Wednesday afternoon
  • labbrat6

    I'M STILL ALIVE AFTER ALL THE SHIT I'VE BEEN THOUGH.

    last week
  • DeathNoteAddict

    Why they change the lyrics in live version? :P Like, replace "daddy" with "father"? I liked it the other way... /: Idk, still pretty good for a live version I guess though ^_^

    15 days ago
  • XXXnicoletteXXX

    Haha, Bastille Day.

    15 days ago
  • Bolarus2

    Went to PinkPop in the 80'ies, if I remember right they weren't even leading act. They were amazing, concered Holland because of it and afterwards the rest of the West. Legends now.

    15 days ago
  • placebobsh

    oh the look

    last month
  • Jean-kun

    Amazing song!!!!

    last month
  • radio-tractore

    nobody seems to mention the great drumming! Then I'll do it :)

    last month
  • love-MATE

    Yeah, never gets old. Such an amazing song!

    last month
  • WarriorJones

    I'm fine with people considering this the band's best.

    last month
  • TschanFarang

    I feel alive-while listen ....! Great Track !

    last month
  • V4run

    THAT SOLO!!!

    last month
  • SuckyMcCrapband

    Oh, I, I love Bastille day. #SNL

    last month
  • Metal-Kathy86

    SOOOOOOOO GREAT

    March 2012
  • spacecat2003

    i Am still ALIVE least Today...........

    March 2012
  • abunono

    Best!!!

    March 2012
  • adnewton18

    Still alive...YEAH!!!!

    March 2012
  • Silverwidow84

    Manchester, June, CANNOT WAIT!!! Long trek from Glasgow but WORTH it!!!

    March 2012
See all 879 shouts

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