Although Jackson Browne's first three albums: "Jackson Browne," "For Everyman," and "Late for the Sky," were not his biggest selling records, critically they are head and shoulders above the rest of his substantial body of work. Determining which of these fine collections is the best Jackson Browne album will require some significant thought, reflection, and effort.
Browne's first album, the self titled "Jackson Browne' (also known as "Saturate Before Using,") was released in 1972 by Asylum Records. The album peaked at number 53 on the Billboard charts. Two singles were released from the LP with "Doctor My Eyes" reaching number 8 on singles chart and "Rock Me on the Water" attaining number 48. The album also contain the often covered ballad, "Jamaica Say You Will," and the poignant "Song for Adam."
In 1973, Jackson released his second album, "For Everyman." "Rolling Stone" magazine includes "For Everyman" in their "Greatest 500 Albums of All Time," ranking it at number 457. "For Everyman" reached 43 on Billboard's album chart, while "Redneck Friend" hit 85 on the singles charts. The album contains three classic compositions: " Take it Easy" (written with Glenn Frey of the Eagles), "These Days," and "Redneck Friend;" five strong songs: "For Everyman," "Our Lady of the Well," "Ready or Not," "I Thought I was a Child," and "The Times You've Come;" and two lesser works, "Sing My Songs to Me." and "Colors of the Sun." Jackson was backed on this record by some of the finest LA studio sessions musicians. Additionally, Joni Mitchell, Glenn Frey, David Crosby, Bonnie Raitt and Elton John also contributed to the record. The album also feature great performances by David Lindley on a number of instruments and tracks. "For Everyman" has stood up quite well over the years as acknowledged by making "Rolling Stone's top 500 album list.
Many critics agree that Browne's third album "Late For the Sky" is by far his best work. "Late For the Sky" is Browne's top ranking work at number 372 in "Rolling Stone" magazine's "Greatest 500 Albums of All Time. The title track, "The Late Show," is full of insight, emotion and lyrical imagery that rivals Bob Dylan's best compositions. In addition, the record features Jackson Browne's best composition, "Fountain of Sorrow." The poignant intimate lyrics of this song amaze me. While the music that accompanies is engaging, it clearly is secondary to the story. Both work together to create a lasting work that touches the listener deep. In "Late for the Sky," Jackson Browne focuses on the themes of love, loss, identity, and apocalypse, exploring each theme to new depth and understanding. His lyrics, melody, and songwriting skills have never been better than displayed on this record.
