895 Jackson Browne - For Everyman (1973)

Studio Album - Singer/Songwriter

About the Act:

Jackson Browne is an American Singer/Songwriter. He wrote some songs, and did some singing, and played guitar and piano, and seemingly still does all of those things, but maybe not right now.

He started in the late 60s in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, then writing songs for other people, and finally recording them himself. He has won awards, sold lots of records, been an activist and done charity stuff. In 2015 Rolling Stone ranked him as 37th in the list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. 

About the Album:

This was Jackson's second album, and features a cyuple of songs that he wrote (or co-wrote) that other people had already recorded and released, in particular, the opener, "Take It Easy" which was also recorded by Eagles. It sold well, and was received well by critics.

My History with this Album:

None

Review:

I've said something to this effect before, but the early 70s were a really fertile time in pop and rock. As well as the emergence of Heavy Metal and Progressive Rock, the legacy of bands like The Beatles had shown that songs didn't have to be "She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah", but could be thoughtful, and about people. The 60s generation were slowly abandoning their naivety and growing up, and so music for adults was happening. The album was becoming a format for those who liked more depth than poppy singles, and there was a surge of singer/songwriters, both in the US and the UK, creating and singing crafted songs with depth and thought behind them. This was the era of emergence of Paul Simon, Carly Simon, James Taylor, and many others. And Jackson Browne.

So, Jackson, can be added into this brother- and sister-hood. He had some background already, and some songwriting experience for others, and then he branched out on his own behalf. This was the second album. It starts with the well-known "Take It Easy", and sets out on a journey of story-telling songs, and thoughtful musings.

Stylistically, it is is kind of singer-songwriter rock, but with an edge of Country at times. I guess this came natural to a Californian. Musically it is strong, great melodies, good arrangements, nice production. It reminds me a lot musically (especially in the chord sequences) of early Chris De Burgh. This is home ground for me. 

And that would all be very well, but then we come to the lyrics, which means the songwriting. I keep talking about crafted songs, and the reason is that these are certainly that, well-crafted, economic, evocative and at times clever. It's like poetry or fine storytelling. It's frankly, for me, a really, really good album. Really good. The music is warm and resonant, the words are warm and evocative, even the singing is pretty good.

Guests musicians include David Crosby, Glenn Fry, Don Henley, Elton John, Joni Mitchell and Bonnie Raitt.

Just one sample of the clever lyrics:

"Well I let her do some of my laundry, and she slipped a few meals inbetween. The next thing I remember she was all moved in and I was buying her a washing machine."

8.5/10

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/12X80pgkHSjMDgAAS0HBdr?highlight=spotify:track:2jMicsmWOmQtkLQGtV1R0I

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepxF6b3i7DQhs-8D9NLAv3YA-ZwYDua1

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Everyman