The grunge era was nearing its dawn when Pearl Jam formed from the ashes of Seattle band Mother Love Bone, whose singer died of a heroin overdose shortly before their debut album was to be released.

Taking a chance on an untried singer from the San Diego area, the group rebranded with Eddie Vedder writing all of the lyrics on their debut album, Ten . Released in August 1991, the record took some time inching its way toward the upper reaches of the charts, eventually stopping at No. 2.

Over the next five years, Pearl Jam released three more albums, each making it to No. 1. (All of their albums have reached the Top 5; they've also had additional No. 1 LPs in the 2000s.)

READ MORE: Pearl Jam, 'Dark Matter': Album Review

But as grunge faded from mainstream view, the band sharp

See Full Page