Though jokes about grass skirts and leis are a bit rich, one would think a ukulele album to be the perfect opportunity for Grunge Master General to mellow, maybe bust a little tropical chillwave. Not a chance. Ukulele Songs is passionate, moody and unflinchingly intimate. A full-blown rock band could tackle most of these songs with ease. One of the record's highlights is a rousing cover of the country standard "Sleepless Nights." The only track that feels a tad too precious is Vedder's rendition of "Dream a Little Dream." He sounds like a washed-up show-tune singer too in love with rum.