Grade: C+
Pearl Jam’s latest album, “Lightning Bolt,” is like any Pearl Jam album — it doesn’t bomb, but it doesn’t thrill either. Upon first listen, it seemed a lot like their last album, “Backspacer.” That’s not a bad thing, since “Backspacer” got better with each listen. “Lightning Bolt” feels like it has the potential to be like that, but ultimately it’s too early to tell. Some tracks jump out on a first listen, like “Sirens,” “Lightning Bolt” and “Future Days,” and while not stunning, each of these tracks has the potential to get better with multiple listens. However, the band seems to be in top form, and its performance on the album could not sound better. It’s the album’s writing and construction that’s lacking something. Hopefully, it’s a slow burn that gets better with time.