Gigaton

A defiant roar of resilience and hope rising from a global pause.

https://pearljam.com/ · via Wikipedia: Gigaton (album) · Fair use

Released in March 2020, Gigaton is Pearl Jam's eleventh studio album. Fans view this record as a direct response to a global crisis, mixing the band's grunge roots with songs about modern anxiety and hope.

Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist

Pearl Jam

Released

27 March 2020

Recorded

March 2017 – September 2019

Genre

Experimental rock
grunge
post-punk

Length

57:03

Label

Monkeywrench, Republic

Producer

Josh Evans

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

Unlike previous eras defined by specific tour cycles or political protests, Gigaton represents a moment of internal reflection turned outward. The songs explore themes of mortality, connection, and the fragility of human existence without losing the band's characteristic sonic aggression.

Reader's Guide

Recorded largely during the early months of the global pandemic, Gigaton was crafted with a sense of urgency and isolation. The band utilized remote collaboration tools for some elements while gathering when safe to do so, resulting in a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Upon its release, the album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, marking another commercial triumph for the group. Critics praised the record for its raw emotional depth and sonic maturity, noting how it balanced heavy riffs with moments of tender vulnerability. Key tracks like 'Who You Are' and 'Dance Of The Dead' became anthems for a generation navigating uncertainty. The album's cultural impact lies in its timing; it provided a soundtrack for resilience when the world needed it most, reinforcing Pearl Jam's status as enduring voices for their community.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Who Ever Said	Vedder	5:11
2	Superblood Wolfmoon	Vedder	3:49
3	Dance of the Clairvoyants	Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Vedder	4:26
4	Quick Escape	Ament	4:47
5	Alright	Ament	3:44
6	Seven O'Clock	Ament, Gossard, McCready, Vedder	6:14
7	Never Destination	Vedder	4:17
8	Take the Long Way	Cameron	3:42
9	Buckle Up	Gossard	3:37
10	Comes Then Goes	Vedder	6:02
11	Retrograde	McCready	5:22
12	River Cross	Vedder	5:53
Total length			57:03

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The album was recorded primarily in 2019 and early 2020, before the global pandemic halted touring and daily life.
Gigaton is the first Pearl Jam studio album since 2013's 'Lightning Bolt', following a seven-year gap between releases.
The record features guest appearances and collaborations that highlight the band's willingness to evolve while staying true to their roots.