Even Flow, the second single from Pearl Jam’s debut album Ten, remains one of the band’s most iconic and beloved songs. Released in 1992, the song’s driving guitar riff, propulsive rhythm section, and emotionally charged lyrics helped to establish Pearl Jam as one of the most important and influential rock bands of the 1990s.
The recording of Even Flow was a collaborative effort between the band and producer Rick Parashar, who worked with Pearl Jam on Ten and several subsequent albums. The song was recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle, Washington, which was known for its spacious live room and vintage analogue equipment.
The band’s guitarist, Mike McCready, wrote the song’s iconic riff, which he played on a 1959 Fender Stratocaster through a 1965 Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. The song’s powerful rhythm section, anchored by drummer Dave Krusen and bassist Jeff Ament, provided the perfect foundation for McCready’s guitar work and Eddie Vedder’s passionate vocals.
The recording process for Even Flow was relatively straightforward, with the band playing live in the studio to capture the energy and intensity of their performance. Parashar used a variety of vintage analogue equipment to capture the band’s sound, including an SSL E-Series console, a Neve 1073 preamp, and a Fairchild 660 compressor.
Vedder sang into a U 87, through a Neve 1081 pre, UREI 1178 Silver Face compressor, and an ADR Vocal Stressor. They used two Lexicon PCMs in stereo – paired two mono units – alongside an Eventide H3000, bringing them up on the bus faders and gradually blending them in and out for reverb effects.
When Even Flow was released as a single in 1992, it quickly became a fan favourite and a staple of rock radio. The song’s intense energy, catchy hook, and relatable lyrics about the struggles of life on the streets resonated with listeners, particularly young people who were struggling to find their place in the world.
Even Flow helped to establish Pearl Jam as one of the most important and influential bands of the 1990s. Their unique blend of punk, hard rock, and classic rock influences, combined with Vedder’s emotive vocals and socially conscious lyrics, helped to define the sound of a generation and inspire countless musicians in the years to come.
