Jeff Ament, the bassist for Pearl Jam, has not only contributed greatly to the band’s success, but to his own work as well. With a discography spanning several albums and numerous hits, Ament has co-written many notable Pearl Jam songs such as, “Jeremy,” “Nothingman,” “Nothing as It Seems” and he even composed “Quick Escape.”
Ament has a versatile music background as he was a part of Green River, Mother Love Bone and Temple of the Dog before Pearl Jam was initially formed. Hailing from Montana and later moving to Seattle in the 1980s, Ament contributed heavily to the grunge music scene.
In the past decade, Ament has released a total of three studio albums and one self-release, the style of music radiating more of an experimental indie rock vibe. There is a lot of musical diversity in his solo work compared to the style of music Pearl Jam is known for. It is very different in the sense that the lyricism is heavily authentic which reflects the vision that Ament may have been trying to go for.
Tone (2008)
The debut album was self-released on Sept. 16, 2008. Ament had recorded the album at his home studio in Horseback Court, Blue Mountain, Montana. He had written the songs in the span of eight years with a raw, authentic self, reflecting his vision through experimentation.
The album features ten songs including:
- “Just Like That”
- “Give Me a Reason”
- “Bulldozer”
- “Relapse”
- “Say Goodbye”
- “The Forest”
- “Life of a Salesman”
- “Doubting Thomasina”
- “Hi-Line”
- “The Only Cloud in the Sky”
While I listened to each song, I was pleasantly surprised. Previously, I had listened to the other albums in Ament’s discography, so the first time I went through each song, it felt different. It was a very diverse range of self-made music. One of the songs that really stuck out to me the most was “Life of a Salesman.”
The lyricism resonated with me the most throughout the song. There were several bits and pieces as well throughout this song that made it my favorite in this album.
“He can’t stop running
Can’t stop hiding
Can you ever forgive him?
He’s too sane for trying
A life not looking
No skills to believe
Blessed with luxury”
These lyrics in particular are what felt so impactful for me. Typically seen in the media, people who often get stuck in office jobs feel stuck. While they might have everything, this somber sense floods the mind. The tone in Ament’s voice as he sings brings this feeling of dread out more.
The guitars and bassline combine to produce a melancholic feel throughout the entirety of the song. Another detail about this song is the drum set. Towards the end of the song, there is this slight build up in the drums which then fades into nothing as Ament sings, “can he buy a dream,” over and over again.
While My Heart Beats (2012)
This album is one that has a lot of emotion. Released on June 12, 2012 through Monkeywrench Records, this album features 11 tracks with some emotionally stirring pieces.
- “Ulcers & the Apocalypse”
- “When the Fire Comes”
- “War in Your Eyes”
- “While My Heart Beats”
- “Shout and Repeat”
- “Give It a Name”
- “The Answers”
- “Time to Pay”
- “Take My Hand”
- “Down to Sleep”
- “Never Forget”
Three of the songs on this album to me are very poetically mournful making “While My Heart Beats,” my favorite work of Ament’s. It shares some powerful and melancholic lyricism, especially in “Shout and Repeat,” the fifth song in the track list.
The lyrics have a lot of simplicity to them, but the way Ament presents in this track, it feels almost like hope has become lost. It stings a lot to me as the listener because of how vulnerable this song feels.
“I never felt more free
getting lost… on this high way
I never payed my loan with cost
This is my way
When it′s dark enough
Quiet enough
We will see stars”
Other than “Shout and Repeat,” another personal favorite is the title track, which is the fourth track in “While My Heart Beats.” This song, to me, has a lot of buildup. It is a song I go to often when I am feeling down. The soft tone in Ament’s voice, the slow build up, the climax and falling action of the song. The melancholic hum of the synth combined with the bittersweet twang of the guitar creates a poignant harmony that evokes the feeling of loss, as if bidding farewell to someone dear.
To Conclude
Besides the two albums mentioned, “Heaven/Hell,” released in 2018, and “I Should Be Outside,” released in 2021, are other releases to check out in Ament’s discography. Both albums feature great tunes, one of which features Angel Olsen’s vocals in “Safe in the Car.”
Ament’s solo work is very distinct, very raw and authentic which shares his vision and self through music. There is a lot of musical diversity explored throughout his discography which stands out to me. He is an inspiration in the arts for me as a fellow bass player wanting to grow as a musician and eventually create my own music.
