Whether you like them or not, or whether you've heard of them or not, you've most likely encountered a few Pearl Jam songs. Everyone has heard hits like "Even Flow," "Better Man," or "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town," and if you don't think you have then look them up on YouTube. You will have one of those oh yeah moments. Even though these hits are fantastic, Pearl Jam has many more songs to offer than what you would normally hear on mainstream radio. Here are a number of my personal favorites:

1. "Present Tense"

Off of their eclectic album No Code, this track starts off slow and melodic. It's not until three and a half minutes in that the song really picks up. And man, does it really pick up. It's a slow build, but it's worth it. It ends in much the same way it begins, and the lyrics are fantastic.

2. "MFC"

The abbreviated name is much cooler than what it stands for: "Mini Fast Car." Not only is this song fast, but it's one of those songs that you just have to move to. When the drums kick in, the head-banging begins. Pearl Jam has always been a great live band, and this is one of those songs that you need to listen to live. It's off of their album Yield.

3. "Rearviewmirror"

From the album Vs., it's another hard, fast rocker, much like MFC, that can really get the crowd going. It's fast, furious, and it literally sounds like the perfect drive-away-from-a-bad-situation-and-give-it-the-finger type of song. It's an angry song and it's probably one of their most powerful ones, especially performed live.

4. "Getaway"

This one's off of their most recent album, Lightning Bolt. It's relatively short, and it's fast paced, but the lyrics are the best part. The song is basically Eddie Vedder telling the world that it's OK to believe what you want, as long as you don't force it upon him. As usual, the lyrics mean something and even pack more of a punch than the actual music does, which is great, too.

5. "Given to Fly"

OK, so this is more of a hit, but I have not heard it on the radio. It's definitely a fan favorite, and for good reason. It's my personal favorite Pearl Jam song. Not only are the lyrics fantastic, but the music just puts me in the greatest mood. It's such an uplifting song. Just give it a listen. Please. It's off of their album Yield.

6. "Nothing as it Seems"

It's bluesy, moody, and mean. This slower, melodic song has such a fantastic guitar part. It's memorable and surprisingly dark, and it's a crowd pleaser. It's off of Binaural.

7. "Breath and a Scream"

This is one of their earlier songs. You can find it on the Singles movie soundtrack and also on their greatest hits and various live albums. Vedder's vocals are spot on here, and it's one of the grungy-ist songs they've ever performed.

8. "Hail, Hail"

This song, off of No Code, packs a punch. It starts right in with blazing guitars and a heavy rhythm section, and it comes directly after one of the softest songs they've ever recorded, so that might have something to do with it. Once again, it's great performed live.

9. "Off He Goes"

Another song from No Code. This is an acoustic song about constantly having to leave home, and once returning, having to leave again so soon. It's heartfelt and sweet. One of the best "slow songs" they have.

10. "In Hiding"

From Yield, this is one of those other songs that builds. The chorus isn't until later in the song, but when you get there, it's worth the wait. It's a great mid-tempo song about escape, and, of course, is great to hear live.

Honorable Mentions

"Sometimes"

"Can't Keep"

"Faithfull"

"Do the Evolution"

"Insignificance"

"Man of the Hour"

"Go"

Anything Pearl Jam puts out is bound to be introspective and undoubtedly reflect their talent. This is only a handful of songs that represents the wide range of musicianship that this band has. Check them out!