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The original mix of Black features significant reverb, creating a cavernous and epic soundscape. Remixes by Brendan O'Brien, who would go on to produce subsequent Pearl Jam records such as Vs., Vitalogy, and Yield, aimed to strip down this reverb, resulting in a much drier and arguably less atmospheric sound. O'Brien’s remix, which removed most of the reverb, is not universally favored among fans and critics who prefer the original’s lush production.
The opening of Black is layered with a subtle "low fog" radio effect—an intentional lo-fi ambiance that transitions into the full band — a technique that enhances the song's emotional tension and prepares the listener for the emotional journey ahead.