10 Live Songs Better Than The Studio Recordings
6. Better Man - Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam always seemed to have a pure rock and roll approach to their professional lifestyle. After the band had a few videos in their early years, they quickly abandoned the practice so they could play live and bring their music to their fans in a more direct manner. While the band is still making great music in the studio to this day, there's always been something about the song "Better Man" that has given it an added spark on stage.
Eddie Vedder's woeful tale of a woman marred in an unsatisfying relationship is so open that is seems to strike a nerve with almost anyone who hears it. Though the song was hugely successful in its day, the tune's live track record has only intensified over time. When Vedder starts the song on his guitar, the audience takes over for him before he can even get the first word out. Oftentimes, Vedder will go along with the crowd, still playing the chords while he lets the audience sings their hearts out before he takes over for the second verse.
Pearl Jam's live performances were always of the highest quality, but "Better Man" has gone from being another great live cut to one of the most cathartic fan participation moments in hard rock.