It’s no secret Matt Cameron is a force on the drums. But other than being a damn good drummer, Cameron’s contributions to Pearl Jam as a songwriter led to some of the group’s most creative and inventive songs.
His songs are often the most easily identifiable on an album because they don’t follow typical Pearl Jam conventions. Some the songs he wrote are fan favorites, some lead singles and others deep cuts and his musicianship and songwriting skills are a few of the reasons why he will be greatly missed as Pearl Jam’s drummer.
While he’s contributed to dozens of Pearl Jam tracks, here’s a look at 10 of the best Pearl Jam songs attributed primarily to the great MFC.
You Are
Any list of songs written by Matt Cameron has to begin with “You Are.” This “Riot Act” gem is one of the best songs he contributed to Pearl Jam.
Evacuation
This “Binaural” cut is what the band should’ve played while fans were fleeing Wrigley Field during one of the most historic Pearl Jam concerts ever.
Dance of the Clairvoyants
You know how I said you can always tell a Matt Cameron song on a Pearl Jam album because they tend to deviate from the group’s norm? Here’s Exhibit A. Technically, all members of the band are credited with this song. But it’s the band’s most experimental track to date and I wouldn’t put it past Matt Cameron to have taken the lead on getting this one created.
Get it Back
This is the lone b-side that has surfaced from the “Gigaton” sessions and it’s as solid as anything that’s featured on that album.
Dark Matter
I present to you Exhibit B in This Is Obviously A Matt Cameron Song. Just listen to those pummeling drums and it’s obvious Matt Cameron had a strong hand in this one.
Save You
One of Pearl Jam’s rowdier songs is another Matt Cameron special.
The Fixer
Matt Cameron is known for odd time signatures (“Jesus Christ Pose” anyone?) and this song, which was the lead single off Pearl Jam’s ninth studio album “Backspacer,” showcases his timing tendencies.
In the Moonlight
Another b-side, this “Binaural” castaway is a highlight on the band’s b-sides collection “Lost Dogs.”
Cropduster
While Matt Cameron has contributed to every Pearl Jam album since he joined the band in 1998, he arguably had the biggest impact on “Riot Act” as evidenced by this song and the aforementioned “You Are.”
Get Right
Speaking of “Riot Act,” rounding out the list is another cut where Cameron contributed heavily.
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