Ranking Every Jackson Browne Album 

I first began listening to Jackson in 1976. I have seen him in concert so many times. I had tickets to see him and James Taylor, but covid put a damper on that. Jackson is a beautiful soul, a wonderful humanitarian, and I just love him and his stunning poetry. I hope to be able to continue to listen to his magical music for years to come.

I am a huge Jackson browne fan. I have been since I got the pretender as a 14 year old, and have seen him in concert 24 times. I really hope I will be able to add to that and he will tour the UK again. In my opinion he is the most underrated singer/songwriter ever. So many great songs have gone unnoticed and under the radar. I could make a huge list here, but would just like to mention among the less known ones "which side" "where were you" "it is one" "drums of War". I also think some of the political stuff is among his best work. I'm starting to write a book here!!! So I'll stop there, and certainly can't disagree with the number 1 choice!

I used to work in the railways , locked up the station early to go to his concert in my uniform 1986, Melbourne.

I became a huge fan in 94. Bought this compilation of hits from the 70s and 80s with 20 songs from 20 bands or artists. I was aware of most of the other stuff, but not J.B. His song running on empty blew me away. A few months later I saw Forrest Gump in theatre and recognized the song I had been listening too the past summer. After that I began buying his albums. I had Five or six of them before I finally came across Late for the sky in the fall of 95. The record blew me away like maybe no other before or since. It was so melodic, so powerful in its larger than life production yet raw and real sounding at the same time. 5 of the 8 songs are as good as anything else around. I also love Lawyers in love and I’m Alive. He has several other strong albums. I know them all by heart.

Going Home is one of my favorite concert DVDs, and I have a lot of them.

I bought my first Jackson Brown album, 'For Everyman', in 1973 after reading who played on the record on the album cover. I miss that about LPs. I had only heard 'Doctor My Eyes' before that. It's my favorite album of his followed by 'Late for the Sky'. His first album is pretty good too, but I like 'For Everyman' and 'Late for the Sky' much better than any of his others. I think 'The Road' and 'Shaky Town' are the best songs on 'Running on Empty', which is pretty amazing to top Jackson Browne songs. Besides the great music he has made I really appreciate him helping Warren Zevon get noticed. I love Jackson's music, but I love Warren's even more.

Jackson Browne was recommended to me by a friend who played guitar in local bands, When I mentioned to him how great the lyrics were he surprised me by saying he had no idea about that. He just listened to the piano and the guitar, and that's why he wanted me to listen. It gave me a whole new perspective for which I am eternally grateful.

For me, his first three albums are his very best. Can debate the order, but there is no wrong answer… Jackson Browne (his debut), For Everyman, and Late for the Sky… can’t think of an artist who had 3 great albums such as these to begin their career of albums!

Didn’t expect to see a video like this especially from a fellow fan of Jackson’s around my age. The first 6 albums of his career to me are eternally special as well as I’m Alive. I feel the same about Tom Waits, though Waits later work exploring sound kept my interest longer. I feel both of them as writers captured different sides of California especially in the 70’s as well as any artist ever did and worked as surrogate history lessons for me growing up a decade and a half after the fact.

Love listening to Clyde Jackson Browne. Love the voice, the lyrics and the music!

The Pretender is symbolic for my feelings about the USA now. I am giving up. It started out so young and strong, only to surrender.

Thank you for your comments. Jackson Browne is a big part of who I am. There are some songs I love on the Naked Ride Home, which isn't his best. I guess that means to say, his average stuff is still killer. Casino Nation is an important listen now as the USA dances with a dictator. He saw the danger of entertainment and celebrity, and look where we are. Also, Don't you want to be there is a great song.

I'm alive is one of his best. It is devastating.

Ive been a HUGE FAN since the the mid 70’s and saw him in concert in Dallas,Tx and I had been to a lot concerts but his was my fav! I would LOVE to see him again, he was in Telluride, Co. a yr maybe 2 yrs ago and i wanted to go so bad but I had just lost my youngest daughter and it just happened to be the anniversary of her passing I didn’t want to go alone, I don’t know anyone around here I’m from Tx but live in Co. now

I'm going through a lawyers in love phase. At first I thought it was cheesy and vapid, but now I especially love the deep cuts On the Day and Cut it Away. I wonder if it's possible for me to ultimately dislike a Jackson Browne song. Oh and the last track on Hold out makes me so high!

Love Jackson Browne's music. I wish I could met him someday! Him and I are the same age. I can relate to his beautiful songs. He's so talented. God blessed him to make such beautiful music!

Thank you for this critique. A very, very worthy effort sir. Cheers!!

I assume you have heard the Podcast "After The Deluge" ...if not, you would love it.

15: Last Voice You Hear (because of title track and Rebel Jesus) 14: Lawyers In Love (title track became prophetic) 13: Hold Out 12: Time the Conqueror 11: Jackson Browne Solo 1 & 2 (what good is one without the other?) 10: The Naked Ride Home 9: Running On Empty 8: Looking East 7: World In Motion (How Long is a work of genius) 6: Jackson Browne or Saturate Before Using 5: I'm Alive 4: Standing In The Breach 3: For Everyman 2: The Pretender 1: Late For The Sky

For Everyman is my #1 JB album. Epic. Poetic. Iconic. Surreal. With Lindley at his finest. Saturate Before Using, a great #2. (oh why does he disown that great accidental abum name?) #3 is The Pretender, the title song is one of his very best.

The first five albums up to and including Running on Empty were brilliant. Late for the Sky and For Everyman were exceptional. IMHO, beyond the 1970's to present day there are perhaps a dozen solid classic individual songs from various patchy albums that could collectively make up another combined awe-inspiring album.

For me: 1. Late For The Sky 2. For Everyman 3. The Pretender 4. Debut The rest only have a select few gems 💎 though some , especially “Sky Blue And Black” & “Looking Back” are his best.

If one doesn't weep a bit when they first hear Late For The Sky, they are either very young, or I feel sorry for them.

My top 5 5. The Pretender 4. I'm Alive ( and yes, it feels like side 2 of Late For The Sky) 3. Running On Empty 2. Debut ( Saturate Before Using ) 1. Late For The Sky

#1 Late for the Sky, #2 For Everyman, #3 Running on Empty, #4 Jackson Browne (self-titled), #5 I'm Alive, #6 Time the Conquerer.

Amazing! I totally agree! Been listening to JN and buying his albums since the he 80s, and my favorite song is The Late Show. The way his chorus of backup singers sings, not just repeats of what he just sang, but rather totally different lines that complete his lines is something I’ve never heard before or since. And, of course, the sound of the doors of the « early Chevrolet » are so clever.

i love all jb albums in different ways, always

Good video and I agree with your list! Thanks.

Fountain of Sorrow is untouchable

His first album is by far the best, Jackson Browne. I’ve been a fan since 1974 and still play it today.

I think your list is just fine (though I don't know all the later albums). I was amazed that you mentioned my personal favorite song in every album I know. Some great songs, like "Farther On" often get ignored because they're surrounded by more popular ones.

🖤🥀I've always loved all of his song's and I respect him for who he is he's so creative and amazing singer song writer talents beyond his own time🥀🖤☝️

thank you Ash!

My favorite is Lives in the Balance. Because of context. When released I was just becoming globally politically. Growing up in rural Deep South, I had felt alone with these issues, but now felt connected.

Late For The Sky is #1 for me as well, followed by The Pretender at #2 but from here my list differs from yours. Running On Empty got so much airplay that it was sort of “worn out by the radio” for me so I would move it down on the list. I would move I’m Alive up to #3 (or at least #4 or #5) Even though I had always followed his career and bought all his albums on CD, this album was like Jackson saying, “Bam! I’m back!”, even though he had never left. So many great songs on this album! The title song I’m Alive was about him dealing with his divorce from actress Daryl Hanna (remember SPLASH?), who is interestingly enough, now married to Neil Young. I would also move the follow up album to this one, Looking East, up on the list. Overall, the list is pretty close to how my list would play out except for a change here and there. Hold Out was his biggest commercial success and also reached higher on the charts than any other. I would rate this album higher not necessarily for this reason but because I saw him perform live at Oakland Arena during the Hold Out tour and it stands as one of the top 3 or 4 concerts I’ve ever seen! Chalk one up for sentimental value. Also saw him live on two other occasions; one, a No Nukes concert at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium and also “An Evening With Jackson Browne, a small venue solo performance at The Center For Performing Arts in Anchorage Alaska. He’s been compared to Bob Dylan as a songwriter but nobody sings (or writes) from the heart like Jackson Browne.

His first 4 lps are his best and nothing else can touch them

Bless you

I forgot to say thank you for doing your vid....Thank you.

I bought "Jackson Browne" (the debut lp) upon release and have been a life long fan ever since. Oddly enough it's the only JB lp. I own. It is excellent start to finish. Outstanding. Along with Dylan's "Blood on the tracks" it is my favorite singer/songwriter disc.

I use lyrics to The Late Show to teach imagery in my 11th grade English classes.

Your list and commentary are pretty much my own, particularly with Running on Empty. I can’t recall another live album that took a similar approach. You mentioned Rosie, “a song about groupies.” Well, yes, sort of. Just in case it doesn’t translate well, it’s about the sound tech having to go back to his hotel room and jerk off because band members get all the groupies. Rosie Palms? Think about the chorus: But Rosie, you're all right (You wear my ring) When you hold me tight (Rosie, that's my thing) When you turn out the light (I got to hand it to me) Looks like it's me and you again tonight, Rosie

I'v been following Jackson since 1974 the year that 'Late for the sky' came out. I agree with your list, except I would put World in Motion last after 'the naked ride home'.

Video TOP Thanks from ITALY 🇮🇹

I love Mr Browne and his music... but not because he is a popular singer and songwriter... it's the message nuff said

nice rankings of good old Clyde. 🍻👍

Yeah a pretty fair review which I would end to agree with. JB is one of the few that can write really good 'political' songs, sorely needed in today's environment. The earlier stuff predominates and thats my feeling too. Well down

Great summary late for the sky definitely 1 but pretty well agree with top 6 Best cover of a JB song For Everyman Jimmy La Fave

Maybe later

late for the sky is the best , I agree!

I think the order here is pretty in sync with my list though World In Motion would be at the bottom by a mile. His 80's stuff just didn't vibe with me.

I hear David Lindley is ill, and it makes me very sad.

Personally, I think I’m Alive is his best album!

Hold Out. Last JB album I bought

❗🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹❗

Best album is for Everyman. I believe late for the sky is very overrated a little too Maudlin for me