In a 1995 interview, "Guitar World" writer Jeff Gilbert described "Vitalogy" as "strange" and "very eclectic". McCready agreed, saying, "There is some weird stuff on there." McCready attributed the album's sound to the group recording it on tour. During this period Vedder began to contribute in a large capacity as a guitarist. Gossard said, ""Vitalogy" is the first one where Ed plays guitar and he wrote three to four songs. I remember thinking, 'This is so different. Is anyone going to like this?'...It had a more punk feel to it. Simple songs recorded really quickly." The album has a notable lack of guitar solos compared with the band's first two albums. McCready said, ""Vitalogy" is not really a 'solo' album. I don't think the songs demanded solos; it was more of a rhythmic album."