"Ten" is the debut studio album by American rock band Pearl Jam, released on August 27, 1991, through Epic Records. The album's creation followed the dissolution of Mother Love Bone, the previous band of Pearl Jam's members Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard. They initially recorded a five-song demo tape featuring instrumental jams and reworked songs from Mother Love Bone, which eventually included contributions from drummer Matt Cameron. Vocalist Eddie Vedder, who joined after the demo was recorded, provided lyrics and shaped the album's sound.
Though Ten is often associated with the grunge movement, it also reflects a significant classic rock influence, with comparisons made to bands like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. AllMusic reviewer Steve Huey praised the album's intricate guitar work, expansive harmonies, and Vedder's distinctive, passionate vocals.
The album wasn't an immediate commercial success, but by late 1992, it had risen to number two on the Billboard 200. It produced three hit singles: "Alive," "Even Flow," and "Jeremy." The latter became a standout track, earning multiple Grammy nominations and significant MTV exposure. The video for "Jeremy" won four MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year.
Ten played a crucial role in the mainstream success of grunge and alternative rock in the early 1990s. It is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time and remains Pearl Jam's most commercially successful album. By February 2013, it had sold 13 million copies in the U.S., earning 13× Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
