Forget the term "bubblegrunge" and all that crap. This is a really solid alternative-rock album, and these guys really don't sound like Pearl Jam that much. The album kicks off with "Water's Edge", which is a story about a murder. The lyrics to this song are excellent. Jason Ross' vocals are gripping in this song, they hold your attention. It's the most intense song on the album, probably should have been a bigger hit, and it's one of their best songs overall. "Cumbersome" is the most well-known song on this one, and it's pretty good. It's one of the harder edged songs on this one. "Roderigo" and "Devil Boy" are both somewhat softer songs, though they both have their louder moments; both are solid alternative songs. "My My" is one of my favorites on here as well, good fast song, good solo (though this song does sound a bit like Pearl Jam... it's not a bad thing). "Lame" is a good acoustic ballad, I really like the end of it. "Headstrong" is the hardest song on here; it really rocks. Ross can yell pretty good, and does it on this song (Note: the bridge of this song is the only other time they kinda sound like Pearl Jam). "Anything" is a good slower song, it's a love song I suppose, but the lyrics don't make sense all the time. "Margaret" is my least favorite song on here, I think it's kinda weak and doesn't add much. "Punch In, Punch Out" is different and cool because it's just a drum solo with vocals. Closer "Favorite Dog" is a different kind of animal; it's long drawn-out verses give way to a harder rocking chorus. This song has a long drawn-out bridge too, it has it's moments of boredom, but it has good moments too. Not surprisingly, it's the longest song on here (6+ minutes). Overall, this CD is another good alternative-rock CD from the mid 90's. It's got a good mix of harder rock songs and ballads, and for the most part is fairly unique. Only on their harder songs do they sound a little like Pearl Jam; but the harder songs on here are great. Ross' lyrics don't make sense all the time, but that's ok; sometimes they're good too (especially Water's Edge).Overall, I'd recommend this CD to fans of the Seattle bands (you know who they are) and fans of alternative bands like the Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls, and Collective Soul. 8/10 for a good CD.