Here’s a look back at a handful of modern-era Jackson Browne deep cuts, spanning his career from the late ’80s through the early ’00s:
“WORLD IN MOTION” from WORLD IN MOTION (1989): The title track from one of Jackson Browne’s least successful albums finds the singer pissed off with something to say. Browne wrote “World in Motion” with keyboardist Craig Doerge, handling slide guitar while also delivering a sneering lead vocal which is supported by Bonnie Raitt’s harmony. Though the production by Browne and future Heartbreaker Scott Thurston sounds a little dated, the subject matter could not be more timely.
“THE DRUMS OF WAR” from TIME THE CONQUERER (2008): After taking a six-year break from new music, Jackson Browne delivered a masterpiece. Time the Conquerer is more a look outward, instead of inward, as Browne and his touring band provide aggressive yet soulful music set to vivid narratives. “The Drums of War” pulls no punches and is aimed squarely at the George W. Bush administration. The song, composed by Browne with his band, also features some of guitarist Mark Goldenberg’s most unique work.
“LAWLESS AVENUES” from LIVES IN THE BALANCE (1986): This album marked a shift from introspective lyrics to a global view. “Lawless Avenues,” co-written with bassist Jorge Calderon, is full of social commentary regarding the streets of Los Angeles – yet is in no way preachy. Calderon even provides the song’s Spanish language lyrics to support the narrative. Musically, the song is among the most aggressive of Browne’s career. David Lindley, Waddy Wachtel and Danny Kortchmar intertwine electric guitars in the sonic symphony, while Jim Keltner programmed a drum pattern live in the same room with the guitarist. The song and the album are timeless magic.
“WHICH SIDE?” from STANDING IN THE BREACH (2014): The more things change, the more they stay the same. “Which Side?,” from Jackson Browne’s last album of the decade, is another stunning social commentary. The song provides the feel of Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody,” with touches of gospel. Greg Leisz contributes a very David Lindley-like lap guitar and vocalist Chavonne Stewart, and Alethea Mills help Browne preach.
“ALIVE IN THE WORLD” from LOOKING EAST (1996): A gem among gems, “Alive in the World” is often overlooked. Just one of two of songs solely composed by Jackson Browne on Looking East, it’s earnest and hopeful. He examines what it means to be a father, an artist, and a man. But the song doesn’t simply ask, “Is this all there is?” It also acts a pledge to be more. Harmony vocals from David Crosby and Vonda Shepard only add to the sheer beauty.
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