Eddie Vedder was hailed as the voice of his generation. It is clear that it is not the current generation of MTV fans. After watching the recent MTV awards, the Pearl Jam frontman has choice words.

The enigmatic singer of Pearl Jam, which produced some of the biggest hits of the 90s like "Jeremy," "Black" and "Alive" was a staple of the MTV awards almost two decades ago.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the 48 year-old Vedder notes that times have definitely changed:  "These pop songs almost feel like tabloid journalism, in a way. It's crap that people seem to like. And I don't know if it has meaning. I don't know if one of the pop songs of the summer has any fiber in it. People are consuming it, and is it healthy? I don't know. Maybe it's some kind of way of taking themselves away from their problems. Maybe there's some healthy property or some restorative property that I'm not receiving. It seems like it has a really high fructose content."

While he questions the state of pop music today, he still continues to make records. In fact, he still tries to make the best record! Rolling Stone talked with Eddie to promote the band's latest album, "Lightning Bolt." Vedder calls it their best:

"I say this in the least-competitive way possible, but we're trying to make not just the best Pearl Jam record, but just the best record. It's about getting to the next level of communication, or just trying to crack a code into some higher plane of playing music. Because when we're making a record, I'm more of a listener than a player. That whole time, you're staying in this weird, objective place, like you're writing from a hot-air balloon, looking at the landscape and trying to zero in. You're trying to create a giant crop circle, and that's the mystery behind it. Like, how would you make that if you were on the ground?"

It was noted that most of the songs on the new album explored the theme of mortality. When he was  teased that it was a sign of growing old, Vedder gave an explanation that hit the nail on what exactly YOLO (You Only Live Once) means:

"They say to write what you know. I think that's maybe one thing that we all know [laughs]. It's living while you're alive, and living to the day you die, and being cognizant of the end, and you might lead a more appreciative life, if that's part of your approach."

While most of today's young musicians espouse the same YOLO motto to promote debauchery and irresponsible behavior, Vedder's message is the exact opposite. Yes, you only live once, that is why you have to make it worthwhile. He has set an example, as he has already quit most of the vices associated with Rock star behavior and focused on his family and the music.