5 of 9 
5. Backspacer (2009): Backspacer almost completely captures the best aspects of the self-titled album that preceded it and mostly does away with that album's flaws (although Eddie again sounds kind of constipated when he pushes his voice at times). Backspacer may not be a classic Pearl Jam album -- that would be just about impossible to achieve in the 21st century -- but the record sounds great; it's more ear-pleasing than any other Pearl Jam album, period. Single "The Fixer" is a total joy, and it's not the only one here. I strongly considered ranking Backspacer higher than I did, and you know, I probably should have. Today, I like it much more than at least two of the albums that I have ranked higher on this list, but (A) I recognize the historical importance of those albums to be more valuable than my listening pleasure, and (B) Pearl Jam really aren't about listening pleasure; they're supposed to be cranky and difficult. Right? So why is Backspacer so … nice? What's wrong?!
