Pearl Jam released Riot Act in 2002, their seventh studio album, following a year-long break after their 2000 tour. Created in the shadow of 9/11 and its societal upheaval, the album diverges significantly from their commercially dominant 1990s grunge formula, adopting a more experimental and exploratory sound. Unlike their earlier platinum-selling releases, Riot Act failed to achieve the same chart success or critical consensus, creating a sharp divide among fans and critics over its artistic value.

The album's apparent commercial weakness—its experimental structure and absence of a recognisable hit single—is paradoxically the source of its artistic strength. With all five band members contributing to the songwriting, the album presents a sonically diverse collection anchored by themes of existential questioning and rebellion. Its raw, unpolished quality and varied musical textures create something distinctly original, suggesting that widespread commercial appeal is not a prerequisite for creating compelling and meaningful art.