AND THEN THERE’S...: Lightning Bolt (2013)

If Backspacer sounded like the kickstart of a new PJ era, why did its followup take four years to surface? When it did, it became clear that lightning didn’t strike twice, ahem. Without the standouts of its predecessor — McCready’s lighter-in-the-air David Gilmour-channelling on “Sirens” excepted — this is the most MOR Pearl Jam has ever sounded. The title track and Vedder’s stealth solo track “Sleeping by Myself” are cases in point, and it’s hard to believe the man who wrote the music for “Alive” and “Black” brought the awkward dad-blues rock shuffle of “Let the Records Play” to the table. If you’re into “Sleeping by Myself,” be sure to check out the version on Vedder’s 2011 solo album, Ukulele Songs — not to mention “Can’t Keep,” “Broken Heart,” “Satelllite” and — um, you may as just get the whole thing.

Download: “Sirens”