Overview
Into the Wild is the critically acclaimed soundtrack album by Eddie Vedder, released on September 18, 2007. The album serves as the original score for Sean Penn’s 2007 film Into the Wild, which is based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his possessions and journeyed into the Alaskan wilderness. Vedder’s intimate acoustic songs and haunting vocals perfectly capture the themes of freedom, adventure, and solitude explored in the film.
Release Date: September 18, 2007
Label: J Records
Genre: Folk Rock, Acoustic, Alternative
Album Type: Soundtrack / Solo Album
Chart Performance: Peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard 200
Tracklist:
1. Setting Forth
2. Long Nights
3. No Ceiling
4. Society
5. Guaranteed
6. Rise
7. End of the Road
8. Walking Down the Line
9. Hard Sun
10. Tuolumne
11. Far Behind
12. Lack of Communication
13. Vancouver
14. Trying to Reach the Gates
Why You Should Listen
Vedder’s Into the Wild soundtrack offers a raw and introspective side of the Pearl Jam frontman, showcasing his storytelling through sparse instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. The album’s folk-driven sound and emotional depth make it a standout in his solo work. Songs like “Guaranteed” and “Society” embody the restless spirit and search for meaning central to both McCandless’s journey and Vedder’s artistic expression.
Fun Facts & Trivia
🎬 Collaboration with Sean Penn: Sean Penn personally invited Eddie Vedder to compose the soundtrack after being moved by Pearl Jam’s music.
🎸 Grammy Winner: “Guaranteed” won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
🎤 Minimalist Approach: Vedder recorded most songs using just acoustic guitar and vocals, emphasizing simplicity to mirror the film’s themes.
🌲 Inspired by Nature: The music reflects the vast wilderness and emotional solitude portrayed in the movie, blending melancholy with hope.
A Beautiful Musical Journey
Into the Wild stands as a powerful companion to one of the most inspiring survival stories, marking Eddie Vedder’s successful venture into solo soundtrack composition with sincerity and soul.
