Jackson Browne [I'm Alive]What an album!, this is Jackson Browne's masterpiece, i always felt he couldn't better Late For The Sky, but he's bettered it and it's miles better, the way he marries words and music with passion and invention on this album.
As Browne now enters his sixties, he's still got what it takes, some of his recent albums are very introspective, i discovered him from 'Before The Deluge' playing on the radio, i rushed out and bought the album, and i wasn't disappointed.
On this listen i just loved tracks 1-3, 6 & 8-10, i was astounded by tracks 6 & 9, if i had to plump for one song that really represents Jackson Browne it's track 9 'Sky Blue And Black', it just aches with emotion and longing, Browne is equally at home at the keyboard or the guitar, this is one of his piano led songs, a nice piano intro, he paints atmosphere with his lyrics, and what a superb voice!, the following verse speaks volumes,
There's a need to be separate
and a need to be one
and a struggle neither wins
These words really hit home to me, i'm quite a loner, i like being on my own, and yet... there's also a deep longing to throw my uniqueness away, and trade it all in for total partnership, the song doesn't end after the normal 4 minutes, but goes on for just over 6 minutes, but it's sustained really well, a masterpiece within a masterpiece.
Here's Jackson Browne's Website, it has access to each of his albums, and you can hear the first minute of every song!, very nice website.
Here's Jackson Browne explaining and singing 'Sky Blue And Black' on YouTube.
