Jackson Browne
Solo Acoustic Vol. 2
Inside Recordings
Jackson Browne is the embodiment of the early 70's singer-songwriter movement. While that may be a decidedly mixed blessing for a significant number of people, his songs seem to be hard-wired into our DNA.
To follow-up 2005's Solo Acoustic Vol. 1, Browne once again criss-crosses his 30+ year career, presenting "Something Fine" from his self-titled (AKA Saturate Before Using) debut album, and closing with "My Stunning Mystery Companion," from his most recent studio album, Naked Ride Home. These are acoustic versions of his hits like "Somebody's Baby," and FM favorites like "Redneck Friend." He plays moving versions of "Sky Blue and Black" and "All Good Things" from his classic breakup album, I'm Alive. The true standout, though, is the shattering "In the Shape of a Heart" from the Lives in the Balance album.
It is a daunting task to appear before an expecting audience armed only with an acoustic guitar or piano. But Jackson Browne easily pulls it off with all the charm that has made the Southern California native a revered figure to so many people. While I look forward to Vol. 3 of this beautifully recorded series, I'm also anxious to hear some new Jackson Browne songs in a band setting.
In A Word: Graceful
Grade: A-
-by: Ken Shane