By Colt Langley/reporter

Remember the songs “Wishlist” or “Do the Evolution” from Pearl Jam’s 1998’s Yield album? If so, you’ll recognize some of the same sounds on the band’s new effort, Backspacer, released Sept. 20.

Backspacer is Pearl Jam’s ninth studio album. It is reminiscent of some of their older work because the group brought back Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed all of the songs on Yield.

The band hadn’t worked with O’Brien since then.

O’Brien brings a cleaner and more concise sound to the album, especially on “The Fixer,” the pop-like tune from the album getting the most radio play.

The catchy tune that grabs the ear of any listener reached the No. 2 slot on Billboard.com’s Rock Songs shortly after its release in July.

The song currently ranks sixth on the same list.

Backspacer kicks off with a hard punch in the song “Gonna See My Friend,” which brings the album to life in full swing.

It’s a great beginning packed with high energy and heavy guitars.

Next on the album is “Got Some.” Written by bassist Jeff Ament, the song has a strong punk vibe that sounds like it will take center stage at every concert. 

The album also includes more soothing, down-tempo songs such as “Just Breathe,” “Speed of Sound” and “Amongst the Waves.”

“Just Breathe” and “The End” are accompanied with string arrangements for violins and cellos, a first since the band’s 2000 release, Binaural.

The remaining four songs on the record are all rockers, especially “Supersonic,” a song that fits its name and could make listeners feel they are shooting through some sort of tube at supersonic speed.