Ten Is Released

Setting the scene

Seattle's grunge scene was exploding with Soundgarden and Nirvana, while Pearl Jam formed from Mother Love Bone's ashes after singer Andrew Wood overdosed. Eddie Vedder sent a demo tape from San Diego with lyrics about abuse and alienation that matched the band's dark sound. Epic Records signed them amid label bidding wars.

What happened

Ten was released on August 27, 1991, with Alive, Jeremy, and Even Flow building arena-sized emotion from punk roots. Vedder's baritone and Mike McCready's solos contrasted with the punk minimalism Nirvana preferred. The album cover showed hands reaching up, variously interpreted as communion or despair.

Why it still matters

Ten sold over 13 million copies in the U.S. and helped cement grunge alongside Nevermind, though Pearl Jam later fought Ticketmaster and MTV. The band became rock's conscience on fame ethics. Memorable detail: Jeremy was inspired by a newspaper article about a school shooting, and the original video was so disturbing MTV restricted airplay.

Background

The album helped cement grunge alongside Nirvana.