Downhill From Everywhere
Inside, 2021
9/10
Listen to Downhill From Everywhere
Now in his 70’s, Jackson Browne shows no signs of slowing down, and this 15th studio album has the legendary troubadour addressing political and social issues alongside an esteemed band.
Browne starts the listen with the cozy and warm “Still Looking For Something”, where his inimitable singing sounds as great as ever next to the spirited guitar work from Val McCallum and Maurico Lewak’s precise drumming, and “My Cleveland Heart” follows with plenty of breezy melodies populating Browne’s signature soft rock that even gets a bit rootsy.
Deeper into the listen, “A Human Touch” recruits pedal steel from Greg Leisz and Leslie Mendelson’s stirring pipes for the expressive balladry, while “Love Is Love” benefits from Jeff Young’s Hammond organ and soulful backing vocals thanks to Alethea Mills and Chavonne Stewart, as Browne finds a breezy place to reside.
Further yet, “The Dreamer” brings singing in Spanish to the cultured atmosphere where Roberto Glaub’s playful bass and Browne’s vihuela guitar make an impression, and “A Song For Barcelona” exits the listen with no shortage of Latin nods amid the rhythmic, melodic and busy finish that strategically uses several guitars, palmas, keys and drums.
Few people will ever have a 5 decade catalog as luminous as Browne’s, and his poetic, humanitarian focused song craft is more important than ever during these turbulent times. Even though he recognizes he’s nearing the end of his existence, he continues to gift us his extraordinary talents.
Travels well with: Laura Nyro- Tree Of Ages; John Hiatt And The Jerry Douglas Band- Leftover Feelings