The new single from Riot Act proves once again that Pearl Jam is here to stay. The most creative band in rock today, releases two great songs with I am Mine, and Down. I am Mine is destined to be a hit, and showcases the talents of all the band members. It's a mid tempo song, and as usual is a creative step forward for the band. Down is an upbeat, almost Tom Petty sounding song that can only be found here on this single. I highly reccomend this single to Pearl Jam fans past, present, and future. If you were not a fan of the last couple albums, these songs are probably more to your taste. Very mainstream, but also creative. Riot Act is gonna ROCK!

'I Am Mine' is the first track to be released from Pearl Jam's upcoming album: 'The Riot Act.' 'I Am Mine' is a moderately placed single with a message of loneliness and longing. Eddie Vedder croons "the ocean is full because everyone is crying / the full moon is looking for friends at hightide" and punctuates each verse with "I only know my mind / I am mine." However, he sings those verses with confidence. While bemoaning a loss of innocence, he offers encouragement that "we don't need to hide," which he retracks later in the song ("We may need to hide"). As a result, the message comes off as one with an underlying sadness, but with tremendous hope. Despite this, the song doesn't lumber, and it doesn't even depress the listener. I've found myself happily humming the tune on a couple of occassions.

The B side, 'Down', will not appear on the album. However, it makes for a nice answer to 'I Am Mine'. Vedder's vocals suggest that he has "fell by the wayside", and "stuck in line", but "symptoms fade" and he "won't let the light escape from [him]." Overall, the message seems to be that even though things may be bleak, and he may be held down, they can't beat the hope out of him.

Both songs are reminiscent of something from 'Ten' or 'Vs.' Old school Pearl Jam fans should be happy with that. Those that complain about Vedder's experimentation should be happy to find something a little more traditional. Overall, two great songs from a great band. I can't wait for the album.

"I Am Mine" is a great song. Nobody doubts that. It's been all over radio for the last 5 or 6 months. What peaks my interest on this single is the song "Down". This song is a complete 180 degree turn from the normal stuff Pearl Jam has been putting out the last few years. This is the kind of song that could tear up the charts. If they can make this kind of a song, why not make a whole albums worth? The mellow, drawn out, experimental Pearl Jam we've seen the last 5 years could use a facelift. If that's not what they're after collectively as a band, fine. But it would be very nice to see them change.

I Am Mine is a great song which is well written by Vedder from a very personal aspect,his vocal is excellent with his trademark baritone being very clear.The music is also excellent with the use of a keyboard adding to that excellence,Mcready's guitar solo at the end of the song is one of his best.Down is a slighty more punchy song with very simple lyrics that are good to sing along to,a very good b-side,and a very good song.

With the new Pearl Jam album "Riot Act" being released soon, I told myself I wouldn't buy this single. Then I found out about the b-side "Down" which would be included on it so I changed my mind. I'm glad I did. I really like the song "I Am Mine". The music and lyrics are excellent. But after giving the single a few listens I think I like the song "Down" even more. It's got a catchy beat, a great message in it's lyrics, and Mike McCready on lead guitar doing his thing at the end. (That guy is great). So I highly recommend buying this single, if not just for the song "Down", which is not on the new album.

P.S. Thank you Pearl Jam for the quality in your music. Please, keep on rockin'.