Rearviewmirror: Greatest Hits 1991–2003
A three-disc journey through the band's most iconic era and evolution.
Rearviewmirror: Greatest Hits 1991–2003 stands as a monumental retrospective collection within the Pearl Jam catalog. Released during late 2004, this triple-disc set compiles nearly fifteen years of the band's musical evolution into one definitive package. It serves not merely as a commercial summary but as an artistic statement on their journey from underground Seattle icons to global rock legends. The project distinguishes itself by refusing to follow standard industry conventions for greatest hits albums. Instead of focusing solely on radio singles, it integrates deep cuts, B-sides, and live performances that highlight the group's dynamic connection with their audience. For fans, this release acts as a time capsule preserving the raw energy and emotional depth that defined an era.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Pearl Jam
- Released
- November 16, 2004
- Recorded
- 1991–2003
- Genre
- Alternative rock; grunge
- Length
- 143:19
- Label
- Epic
- Producer
- Tchad Blake
- Brett Eliason
- Adam Kasper
- Brendan O'Brien
- Rick Parashar
- Pearl Jam
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The decision to compile this collection was met with significant deliberation within the group. Historically resistant to greatest hits packages, the members eventually agreed on a format that honored their extensive discography without compromising their artistic integrity. The title itself evokes the imagery of driving forward while acknowledging the road traveled behind them. Unlike typical industry releases that prioritize chart-topping singles, this set reserves an entire disc for live recordings captured during various tours. This choice underscores the band's reputation for delivering unique concert experiences rather than simply reproducing studio tracks. The inclusion of rare B-sides further demonstrates a commitment to rewarding dedicated listeners who seek out every nuance of their work. The release marked a significant milestone in their relationship with the record label and fanbase alike. It allowed new audiences to explore their history without needing to purchase multiple individual albums, while simultaneously offering long-time supporters a curated selection of tracks that defined specific moments in their career trajectory.
Reader's Guide
This compilation arrived after years of hesitation from the group regarding retrospective collections. Instead of a standard singles-only package, the project embraced the band's extensive catalog depth. It spans from their explosive debut era through the experimental phases of the early twenty-first century. The release debuted at the summit of major album charts upon arrival in stores during late autumn. Critics and fans alike welcomed the curation for prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial radio play alone. Key tracks include signature anthems that defined generations, alongside intimate acoustic performances recorded during tours. One disc is dedicated entirely to live recordings, capturing the raw energy of their concerts. This approach distinguished it from typical industry compilations. The packaging included unique memorabilia, enhancing its value as a collector's item for devoted supporters. Culturally, it served as an introduction for new listeners while rewarding long-time followers with rare tracks previously unavailable on standard albums. It remains a primary entry point into the band's extensive musical journey.
Track listing
Disc one
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Once (2004 remix) (from Ten, 1991) | Stone Gossard | 3:16 |
| 2 | Alive (2004 remix) (from Ten, 1991) | Gossard | 5:42 |
| 3 | Even Flow (single version) (original version on Ten, single version released 1992) | Gossard | 5:03 |
| 4 | Jeremy (from Ten, 1991) | Jeff Ament | 5:20 |
| 5 | State of Love and Trust (from Singles: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1992) | Mike McCready, Ament | 3:43 |
| 6 | Animal (from Vs., 1993) | Gossard, Ament, Vedder, McCready, Dave Abbruzzese | 2:47 |
| 7 | Go (from Vs., 1993) | Abbruzzese, Gossard, Ament, Vedder, McCready | 3:12 |
| 8 | Dissident (from Vs., 1993) | Gossard, Ament, Vedder, McCready, Abbruzzese | 3:34 |
| 9 | Rearviewmirror (from Vs., 1993) | Vedder | 4:44 |
| 10 | Spin the Black Circle (from Vitalogy, 1994) | Gossard, Vedder, McCready, Ament, Abbruzzese | 2:48 |
| 11 | Corduroy (from Vitalogy, 1994) | Vedder, McCready, Gossard, Ament, Abbruzzese | 4:39 |
| 12 | Not for You (from Vitalogy, 1994) | Gossard, Ament, Vedder, McCready, Abbruzzese | 5:53 |
| 13 | I Got Id (from the Merkin Ball single (with Neil Young) | Vedder | 4:51 |
| 14 | Hail, Hail (from No Code, 1996) | Gossard, Ament, McCready | 3:44 |
| 15 | Do the Evolution (from Yield, 1998) | Gossard | 3:52 |
| 16 | Save You (from Riot Act, 2002) | McCready, Vedder, Ament, Gossard, Matt Cameron | 3:55 |
| Total length | 67:04 | ||
Disc two
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black (2004 remix) (from Ten, 1991) | Gossard | 5:39 |
| 2 | Breath (from Singles: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1992) | Gossard | 5:24 |
| 3 | Daughter (from Vs., 1993) | Gossard, Ament, Vedder, McCready, Abbruzzese | 3:56 |
| 4 | Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town (from Vs., 1993) | Vedder, Godssard, Ament, McCready, Abbruzzese | 3:15 |
| 5 | Immortality (from Vitalogy, 1994) | Gossard, Ament, Vedder, McCready, Abbruzzese | 5:12 |
| 6 | Better Man (from Vitalogy, 1994) | Vedder | 4:28 |
| 7 | Nothingman (from Vitalogy, 1994) | Ament | 4:34 |
| 8 | Who You Are (from No Code, 1996) | Gossard, Jack Irons | 3:53 |
| 9 | Off He Goes (from No Code, 1996) | Vedder | 6:00 |
| 10 | Given to Fly (from Yield, 1998) | McCready | 4:00 |
| 11 | Wishlist (from Yield, 1998) | Vedder | 3:26 |
| 12 | Last Kiss (from the 1998 fan club Christmas single) | Wayne Cochran, Cochran | 3:17 |
| 13 | Nothing as It Seems (from Binaural, 2000) | Ament | 5:21 |
| 14 | Light Years (from Binaural, 2000) | Vedder, Gossard, McCready | 5:10 |
| 15 | I Am Mine (from Riot Act, 2002) | Vedder | 3:36 |
| 16 | Man of the Hour (from the Big Fish soundtrack, 2003) | Vedder | 3:45 |
| 17 | Yellow Ledbetter (from the "Jeremy" single, 1992) | McCready, Ament | 5:03 |
| Total length | 75:59 | ||
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Includes a full disc of live concert recordings alongside studio material.
- Packaging featured exclusive stickers and postcards for fans upon purchase.
- Sales certifications indicate millions of copies distributed worldwide shortly after release.
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