Jackson Browne on Apple Music (2024)

I'm Alive

After spending much of the ‘80s writing songs of political consequence, Jackson Browne worked his way back to songs of love and the human soul with 1993’s I’m Alive. The material’s tone is gentler, and so are the performances. “I’m Alive” is a powerful opening number that signals his return to form. Guest performers sprinkled throughout the album add a special musicality, with David Crosby and Don Henley adding their touches to “All Good Things” and Jennifer Warnes, Ryan Browne, and longtime bandmates Valerie Carter and Doug Haywood throwing themselves behind the striking epic “Too Many Angels.” “Everywhere I Go” adds an uplifting reggae groove to a melody that bursts into the sky, while “Sky Blue and Black” sits Browne back behind the piano for the kind of song that wouldn’t be out of place on his classic Late for the Sky. Keyboardist and coproducer Scott Thurston makes his presence felt, while longtime friend and bandmate David Lindley breaks out the bouzouki and oud along with his guitars.

Hold Out

Browne started the ‘80s hoping to capitalize on Running on Empty’s success. He succeeded with Hold Out, his only album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart. This was due partly to the FM radio presence of “Boulevard” and partly to the album being his most polished and electrified to date. Keyboardist Craig Doerge adds synthesizers to his arsenal of Fender Rhodes, pianos, and organs, while David Lindley fires up the lap steel guitar and violin for perfect accompaniment. “Disco Apocalypse” lets Browne step out into a near-dance groove, while “Hold Out,” “That Girl Could Sing,” and especially the eight-minute “Hold On Hold Out” combine the love and ambivalence and eventual surrender of the human heart with the most joyous sounds of Browne’s career. “Of Missing Persons” remembers his friend Lowell George of Little Feat. Browne sings heartbreakingly to the daughter George left behind, Inara George, who’s now a performer herself.

Running on Empty (Remastered)

1977

The Pretender

The Pretender was another step in Jackson Browne’s transition from singer/songwriter to rocker. From the opening lines of “The Fuse”—his observation on the movement of time and the limits of life itself—on out, it’s clear that his wife’s suicide haunts this record. Browne worries for his son (“The Only Child") and wonders how he himself will soldier forth (“The Pretender”). In the end, his poetic lines beautify the truth, while the full band gives him a hopeful edge. The Pretender is a world of consequence—a heavy but deeply rewarding listen.

Late For the Sky

1974

Downhill From Everywhere

2021

Standing In the Breach

2014

Time the Conqueror

2008

The Naked Ride Home

2002

Looking East

1996

I'm Alive

1993

World In Motion

1989

Jackson Browne Essentials

Rock and folk favorites from an articulate, emotive, and effective troubadour.

Jackson Browne: Deep Cuts

His catalog includes moments of profound enchantment.

Inspired by Jackson Browne

Modern strummers echo his mix of rugged and plaintive.

Jackson Browne: The Songwriters

Minutes To Downtown (Radio Edit) - Single

2022

Until Justice Is Real (Radio Edit) - Single

2021

My Cleveland Heart (Radio Edit) - Single

2021

Downhill From Everywhere - Single

2020

Downhill From Everywhere (Radio Edit) - Single

2020

A Little Soon To Say (Radio Edit) - Single

2020

A Little Soon To Say - Single

2020

Love Is Strange (Con Tino Di Geraldo) [En Vivo]

2010

Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2 (Live)

2008

Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1

2005

The Very Best of Jackson Browne

2004

The Next Voice You Hear: The Best of Jackson Browne

1997

Ace of Cups

Grace Potter

Jackson Browne: The Downhill From Everywhere Interview

Conversation on creation and inspiration behind the music.

Jackson Browne

The singer-songwriter talks music and tricks of the trade.