"No Code" is the fourth studio album by American rock band Pearl Jam, released on August 27, 1996 through Epic Records. The album showed a musical departure from the band's previous records, with a more experimental and diverse sound that incorporated elements of garage rock, worldbeat, and art rock.
The production of "No Code" was marked by internal conflicts within the band, stemming from misunderstandings about the band's musical direction and the pressure from their sudden rise to fame. Nonetheless, recording sessions were productive, yielding enough songs for an album plus several singles.
The album was preceded by the lead single "Who You Are" in July 1996. Upon its release, "No Code" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, sold more than 366,000 copies in its first week, and was highly praised from various music critics for its intense and versatile sound. Notwithstanding its initial positive reception, the album was not commercially successful, in part due to a lack of promotion, the band's refusal to make a music video for the album's singles, and a decrease in album sales across the music industry.
The band embarked on a short tour in support of "No Code" but tension persisted within the band. Despite the turmoil, "No Code" has become heralded as one of Pearl Jam's greatest albums by fans, and it has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. The album contains tracks like "Hail, Hail", and "Off He Goes", which have since become staples in Pearl Jam's concert setlists. Songs from the album reflect a more introspective and mellower sound, displaying the band's growth and versatility.
