Over the band’s 12-year existence, it has become abundantly clear that Pearl Jam is not afraid of change or trying something new.

In 2001, Pearl Jam released 72 live albums from its overseas and North American tour, an unprecedented move in music history.

Not big on granting many interviews or making music videos, the group always manages to remain just beyond the piercing glare of press and public.

The only survivor of the early 90s Seattle “grunge” scene, Pearl Jam remains that bygone era’s most-talented group (yes, even more talented than Nirvana and its self-made martyr of a front man).

This is further evident by Pearl Jam’s latest release, “Riot Act,” a personal album that stands to be the best album of the year not to win any awards.

Pearl Jam abandons its own status quo of opening each album with a heavy rock tune with “Can’t Keep,” a song that can best be described as electric folk rock.

Front man Eddie Vedder pulls away from the bravado of most lead singers and embraces the power of his voice.

Ranging from tenor to baritone, Vedder firmly establishes that he is in a class all by himself, miles above any clones (i.e.: Creed’s Scott Stapp).

In “Bushleaguer,” Vedder puts the slam on President Bush by donning the cap of a beat poet.

He criticizes Bush on everything from the environment to warmongering.

“1/2 Full” is bar band blues at its finest. Pulling from rock god influences like Led Zeppelin and The Who, lead guitarist Mike McCready’s solo work is staggering and sure to knock listeners on their collective asses.

“Arc” is nothing more than a Gregorian chant, sweet and full of emotion but unfortunately too brief.

Still evolving musically, each member of the band makes contributions on “Riot Act.”

Rhythm guitarist Stone Gossard co-wrote “All Or None,” the closing song on the album, with Vedder.

Its message of forging ahead despite being in a hopeless situation is both worthwhile and unrelentingly noble.

Drummer Matt Cameron gets two song credits for “You Are” and “Wanted To Get Right.” Cameron even gets to play guitar on the former.

However, the two best songs off “Riot Act” sprang from the mind of Vedder.

The first single off the album, “I Am Mine,” is a waltzy ballad with introspective lyrics that reads like a poem.

The song strays from the cliché seize- the-day theme, opting instead for the simple statement that we all have the choice for good or bad.

(“I know I was born and I know that I’ll die…The in between is mine”)The other song, “Thumbing My Way,” is perhaps Vedder’s best song since the much ballyhooed “Betterman.”

After years of maturing not only as an artist but also as a person, Vedder makes the profound realization that “No matter how cold the winter, there’s a springtime ahead.”

It’s a deeply moving song, further highlighting Vedder’s talent as a songwriter.

On the track “Love Boat Captain,” Vedder references John Lennon: “I know it’s already been sung…can’t be said enough/ Love is all you need…all you need is love.”

Not a single track is wasted on “Riot Act.” Sure, some of the tracks aren’t as catchy as others, per se, but that doesn’t take away from the courage of the band for always seeking to broaden its musical horizons.

With the overhyped and unholy legions of bubble gum pop music choking the airwaves and talented rock bands in rapid decline, Pearl Jam remains a beacon of hope to all that was once good in music.

Jeff Ament (bassist), Matt Cameron (drummer), Mike McCready (lead guitarist), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitarist), and Eddie Vedder (lead vocals). (Epic Records)