Artist: Eddie Vedder

Title: Ukulele Songs

Label: Monkeywrench Records

It's not surprising that Eddie Vedder's latest solo outing, Ukulele Songs, was never really intended for the public.

After all, Vedder's last musical diversion that didn't involve the rest of Pearl Jam was the superb soundtrack to Into the Wild, a logical choice for his angst-y, emotive songwriting and expressive sandpaper vocals.

But an album of songs accompanied by little more than a ukulele and Vedder's voice? Well, that's the proverbial horse of a different color and a nightmare for practically any marketing team. As crazy as it sounds, however, this journey into the wildly experimental does yield some pretty fantastic results, even if they're not necessarily tailor-made for the masses.

Unlike his work with Pearl Jam, listeners won't find many discernable hooks on Ukulele Songs. That's not to say the songs aren't catchy, but they're far from conventional. What remains, though, is a thoroughly engaging, emotional listening experience that ultimately illustrates why less sometimes offers the audience so much more.

As for the ukulele itself? What normally lends a cheesier feel to the song it's a part of, it's really the perfect accent to this mix of covers, duets and songs that Vedder penned and performed a decade ago. Tackling themes of alienation ("Can't Keep"), loss ("Sleeping By Myself") and romantic yearning ("Longing to Belong"), this is hardly feel-good music.

But for anyone who's shared the trials and tribulations that Vedder is singing about (and really, we've all been there a time or two, right?), you'll find a sympathetic ear in life's more challenging moments.

And for those who've closely followed Pearl Jam's previous work, Ukulele Songs showcases the diversity of the frontman you've known and loved for so long. While many of the lyrics' melancholy themes remain the same, the sparse, unorthodox instrumentation is that of a folk singer, something you would've never expected from a veteran rock 'n' roller like Vedder.  

*This article first published 6/15/2011