Pearl Jam’s new album was inspired by “The Last of Us”

Pearl Jam’s New EP Release

Pearl Jam released a four-track EP titled The Last of Us: Songs of Connection and Survival on May 12, 2025. Inspired by HBO’s The Last of Us, it includes studio versions of “Future Days” from Lightning Bolt (2013) and “All or None” from Riot Act (2002).

The EP also features a 2024 Ohana Festival live version of “Future Days” and a reworked “Present Tense (Redux)” from No Code (1996). It’s available digitally, with a limited vinyl edition for Ten Club members only.

Why “Future Days” Matters

“Future Days” became important after appearing in The Last of Us Part II game in 2020. The song represented the bond between Joel and Ellie. Its slow style matched the game’s theme of memory and survival.

After the game’s release, downloads and streams of the song increased. Neil Druckmann praised its meaning. Eddie Vedder performed it at The Game Awards 2020. That helped more people hear it.

Ohana Festival 2024 Performance

Pearl Jam performed “Future Days” live at the 2024 Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California. Eddie Vedder, who curates the festival, chose to include this version on the EP.

Ohana started in 2016 and draws thousands each year. Vedder selects artists who support unity and ocean causes. This performance was recorded at sunset and created a powerful moment. It connected the band, game fans, and concertgoers in one shared experience.

“Future Days” and Lightning Bolt Album

“Future Days” was first released on Pearl Jam’s 2013 album Lightning Bolt, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was produced by Brendan O’Brien. Although “Future Days” was not released as a single, it was praised for its lyrics about love and time.

The album was recorded using analog methods to create a vintage sound. The song gained renewed attention when it was featured in The Last of Us Part II.

“All or None” and Riot Act Album

“All or None” appears as the final track on Pearl Jam’s 2002 album Riot Act, released shortly after 9/11. Produced by Adam Kasper and the band, the album explores political and personal themes.

“All or None” features soft, minimal music and lyrics. It was never a radio single, but became popular among fans. Pearl Jam chose to include it in the 2025 EP because its message fit The Last of Us.

Pearl Jam’s Fan Club

Pearl Jam’s fan club, Ten Club, started in 1990 and gives fans early access to music and tickets. In May 2025, members were offered a special vinyl version of the new EP. This “clear with black smoke” record was limited to 2,000 copies.

It was only available through pre-order and wasn’t sold in stores. The vinyl release was a thank-you to longtime fans. Many fans now view it as a collectible.

“Present Tense” Gets a Redux

“Present Tense” first appeared on Pearl Jam’s 1996 album No Code, which topped the Billboard 200 chart. The song shifts from calm verses to loud choruses and focuses on facing fear and living in the present.

In 2025, Pearl Jam released “Present Tense (Redux),” a new version produced by Josh Evans. It features re-recorded vocals and added cello. The redux shows how Pearl Jam updates their music for today’s listeners.

Eddie Vedder’s Role

Eddie Vedder helped connect Pearl Jam’s music to The Last of Us world. He performed “Future Days” at The Game Awards in 2020. He also worked on the Ohana Festival version and helped with musical scenes in the HBO series.

He collaborated with Naughty Dog, the game developer. His efforts introduced Pearl Jam to new fans, especially gamers.

Game Awards 2020 Performance

On December 10, 2020, Eddie Vedder sang “Future Days” at The Game Awards. The show streamed to more than 83 million viewers worldwide. He performed it with just a guitar, making the moment feel personal.

Music blogs and gaming forums praised it. The video clip reached over 3 million YouTube views in its first week. This performance brought Pearl Jam to a younger audience.

Game Story in Part II

The Last of Us Part II was released by Naughty Dog on June 19, 2020. The game follows Ellie’s journey after Joel’s death. In one scene, Joel plays “Future Days” on guitar, and Ellie tries to play it later, showing their emotional bond.

Critics praised the game’s story, visuals, and music. It sold over 10 million copies and won Game of the Year. “Future Days” added to the game’s emotional depth, making it more realistic and heartfelt for players.

HBO’s Series Adaptation

HBO’s The Last of Us premiered on January 15, 2023. Pedro Pascal played Joel, and Bella Ramsey played Ellie. The show followed the game’s main story but added new characters and backstories. It was praised for strong acting and writing.

The show received 24 Emmy nominations and won eight, including wins in technical and guest acting categories, but did not win Best Drama Series. “Future Days” by Pearl Jam was featured in a flashback episode, and its placement in the show led to a significant increase in Pearl Jam’s streaming numbers, including a 5,000% spike for “All or None.”

Pearl Jam’s Start in Seattle

Pearl Jam formed in Seattle in 1990. The founding members were Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, and Mike McCready, with Matt Cameron joining later. The band became part of the grunge movement in the early 1990s.

Their debut album, Ten, came out in 1991 and sold over 13 million copies in the U.S. It featured major hits like “Alive” and “Jeremy.” Pearl Jam was known for fighting against high ticket prices.

Albums and Big Sales

Pearl Jam has released 12 studio albums and sold more than 85 million records worldwide. Their 1991 debut, Ten, went 13× Platinum in the U.S.

Their second album, Vs. (1993), broke records by selling 950,000 copies in one week. Vitalogy (1994) was certified 7× Platinum. Gigaton (2020) debuted at number five on the Billboard 200. The band has won Grammys, MTV, and American Music Awards.

Ashley Johnson as Ellie

Ashley Johnson provided the voice and motion capture for Ellie in The Last of Us and its sequel. She earned a BAFTA Games Award for her performance.

She also acted in scenes with “Future Days,” showing Ellie’s connection to Joel. Her work influenced how fans viewed the character in the HBO show. Johnson’s acting was praised by both players and critics.

Composer Gustavo Santaolalla

Gustavo Santaolalla composed the music for both The Last of Us games and the HBO series. He won two Oscars for Brokeback Mountain and Babel. Known for soft, emotional guitar music, Santaolalla created tracks like “The Choice” and “All Gone.”

His music helped set the tone for each scene. He also made a brief cameo in the show. His style matched the game’s quiet, emotional world.

Fans eagerly await The Last of Us season 2: release date, cast & plot details, as the show promises to continue its storytelling with the same memorable music

Music in Video Games

Many modern video games now use real songs to add emotion. Games like The Last of Us, Life is Strange, and Red Dead Redemption 2 feature licensed music.

“Future Days” stood out in gaming for its emotional timing. Over 70% of big-budget games today include well-known songs. This helps players connect more with stories and characters.

Everything you must know about The Last of Us 2 reveals how this sequel takes storytelling and atmosphere to the next level.

What do you think about Pearl Jam’s connection to The Last of Us? Drop your thoughts below!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.