Eddie Vedder Returns With ‘Long Way,’ Sets Solo Album ‘Earthling’

Eddie Vedder returns with a new solo single, the appropriately-named “Long Way.”

The track dropped at midnight, and is the first taste of Vedder’s forthcoming solo album Earthling, via Seattle Surf/Republic Records.

On “Long Way,” Vedder teamed with producer Andrew Watt for the first time. It’s a polished number which leans into country, and distills the spirit of a well-traveled songwriter. Think Springsteen or Tom Petty.

The single will also enjoy a special limited-edition release on 7” vinyl, featuring the soon-to-be-released B-side “The Haves.”

Vedder really has come a long way. Last month, Vedder and Pearl Jam celebrated the 30th anniversary of their seminal debut Ten, an album that turned the band into household names the world over.

The Hall of Famers’ most recent, 11th studio album, 2020’s Gigaton, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Vedder hasn’t slowed any. The rock legend collaborated with Glen Hansard on eight new works for the original soundtrack to Sean Penn’s new movie Flag Day, which dropped in August (also via Seattle Surf/Republic Records).

Vedder will get a chance to test “Long Way” on live audiences when he makes several festival appearances with Pearl Jam, including Sea.Hear.Now. Festival on Sept. 18; and Ohana Festival on Oct. 26 and again the following weekend. The rocker will also perform a solo set Sept. 25 at Ohana Festival.

Stream “Long Way” below.