Jackson Browne - Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1 Review

Jackson Browne Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1

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Tracklist:
1. The Barricades of Heaven
2. These Days
3. The Birds of St. Marks
4. Fountain of Sorrow
5. Your Bright Baby Blues
6. For a Dancer
7. Too Many Angels
8. For Everyman
9. Lives in the Balance
10. Looking East
11. The Pretender
12. Take It Easy

Release Date: 2005

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4.5
superb

Chart.

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4.5
superb

Channing Freeman STAFF (73 Reviews)

2006-06-23 | 11 comments | 2,154 views

The seventies were an influential decade in music. Some big names emerged during that time, including Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. There was another influential artist to make his debut then, and he goes by the name of Jackson Browne. Though not as popular as Springsteen or Young, he's still gotten a lot of recognition over the years, and with good reason. He's been hailed as one of the best lyricists of the past three and a half decades, writing such hits as the Eagles-performed "Take It Easy" and the Linda Ronstadt-performed "Rock Me on the Water." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and three of his albums - For Everyman, Late for the Sky, and The Pretender - made it onto Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums list.

A few years ago, one of Jackson's friends suggested that he do some solo shows. Browne had always played with a band, and he figured he would bring a few people along to help him out. "No, all by yourself," was his friend's response. At first, it didn't seem like a good idea. Browne didn't think he could even pull off an hour long show by himself. But over time he realized that if he wanted to, he could play all night alone. He came up with multiple ways to play his songs, including different instruments and different tunings. His latest release, Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 is the result of his friend's idea.

Jackson Browne - Solo Acoustic Vol. 1
Released - 2005

One thing that impresses me about this album is that it sounds like it's all one show. If you didn't know any better, you would just think they showed up at one of his concerts, recorded the whole thing, and put it on a CD. In actuality, they listened to more than 100 shows spanning from 2002 to 2004, picking what they thought were the best takes of each song. A few of the songs are put together from two or three shows, which is an incredible testament to how consistent Jackson's playing is.

Another highlight is Jackson's interaction with the crowd. There are intros to most of the songs, which consist of Browne talking with the audience. They sound like old friends who haven't seen each other for a while. A few songs are audience requests, and Jackson performs them willingly (even if he can't remember them, as he joked with "The Birds of St. Marks"). Whether he's giving some political commentary before "Looking East," giving some history on "Take It Easy," or telling a story before "These Days," Jackson sounds like he's right at home, and he has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Browne's vocals are perfect on this album. His voice sounds slightly tired, which adds a world-weary feeling to songs like "The Barricades of Heaven" and "Too Many Angels." His instrumentation is top notch also. I never knew Browne was such an accomplished guitarist, but he shows numerous skills in things like finger picking, open tunings, and even acoustic slide on "Your Bright Baby Blues." I did, however, know about how good his piano skills are. About half the songs on here are performed on piano, and the other half is acoustic guitar. For piano highlights, check out "Fountain of Sorrow" and "The Birds of St. Marks."

The standout performances on the album are "For a Dancer" and "Take It Easy." Written about his ex-wife's suicide, "For a Dancer" is one of the most touching songs I have ever heard. Jackson plays it beautifully on piano and his emotionally laden voice makes me feel sorry for him every time. The lyrics are strikingly poignant, and for years Jackson would not perform this song live because of how emotional it is.

I don't remember losing track of you
You were always dancing in and out of view
I must have thought you'd always be around
Always keeping things real by playing the clown
Now you're nowhere to be found

After playing "The Pretender," which was one of his biggest hits, he exits the stage. The crowd keeps yelling for him to come back out and sing "Take It Easy." After about fifteen seconds, Jackson comes out and tells the crowd to settle down, and gives some history about the song. He then rips into the best performance after "For a Dancer." The song is basically Jackson strumming his acoustic with some riffs thrown in here and there, as the emphasis is on the lyrics, which advocate a carefree and easy lifestyle.

Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand and take it easy

The crowd claps along with the music, and when Jackson goes into the "Ooh" part, they sing right along with him. The song ends with the lyrics "You know we got it easy, we oughta take it easy." And after Jackson strums the final chords, the crowd bursts into wild applause, concluding this wonderful live album.

I've listened to this numerous times, and I can't find any flaws anywhere. Every song is great, and I strongly recommend this album.

4.5/5

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