Alright
Summary
Alright is Jeff Ament’s sole complete writing credit on Gigaton—a reassuring statement featuring his kalimba playing alongside the usual instruments. The track emerged from Ament’s home demo recorded at his Horseback Court Studios in Big Sandy, Montana—the first time that studio was credited on a Pearl Jam album.
Producer Josh Evans noted the experimental environment:
“Each band member is such a talented multi-instrumentalist… none of the guys have any ego about who’s playing what. They’re only concerned about the end result.”
— Josh Evans Grammy.com
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album | Gigaton (2020) |
| Track Number | 5 |
| Duration | 3:44 |
| Writer | Jeff Ament |
| Producers | Pearl Jam, Josh Evans |
| Recording | Horseback Court Studios (MT), Litho (Seattle) |
| Live Debut | September 26, 2021, Ohana Festival |
| Live Performances | ~8 (per setlist.fm) |
Background & Inspiration
The Montana Demo
Ament’s demo “had that kalimba loop that goes throughout the song, plus some of the piano chords and acoustic guitars” Grammy.com . Some of the bass and piano from that original demo remain in the final track.
Matt Cameron plays guitar on this track in addition to drums, while producer Josh Evans contributed drum programming.
Lyrics & Meaning
The title is a simple affirmation: things will be alright. In an album dealing with environmental crisis, political despair, and existential questioning, this direct reassurance stands out.
The song is described as “a slightly introspective song about being okay with unplugging and being alone with your thoughts and feelings” Pearl Jam Online . Released March 2020—weeks before COVID-19 lockdowns—its reassurance took on unexpected significance.
Composition & Production
The kalimba (also called mbira) adds distinctive color—its bright metallic tones cutting through the rock arrangement.
Musical specifications:
- Key: G major
- Tempo: ~100 BPM
- Duration: 3:44
Evans highlighted Cameron’s contribution: “Matt Cameron added nice 12-string acoustic touches that sounded so great” Grammy.com .
Studios: Horseback Court Studios (Big Sandy, MT), Litho (Seattle) Recording Period: 2017-2019
Live Performances
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Live Debut | September 26, 2021, Ohana Festival |
| Tour Debut | May 9, 2022, Glendale, AZ |
| Total Performances | ~8 |
One of Gigaton’s rarer live tracks. The kalimba’s distinctive sound makes the song immediately recognizable when it appears.
Personnel
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Eddie Vedder | Vocals |
| Stone Gossard | Guitar |
| Mike McCready | Guitar |
| Jeff Ament | Bass, kalimba, keyboards (songwriter) |
| Matt Cameron | Drums, 12-string guitar |
Production: Pearl Jam, Josh Evans
Context
At track 5, “Alright” provides breathing room after the political intensity of “Quick Escape.” The album’s sequencing allows this simpler statement to land.
Related Songs
- “Pilate” (Yield): Earlier Ament composition
- “Nothing as It Seems” (Binaural): Ament’s distinctive arrangements
- “River Cross” (same album): Also uses kalimba