Customer Rating: 
Summary: I like half of this
Comment: Jackson Browne continues to produce good music. This CD has a really good last 5 songs, as well as the title track. I am a fan of Jackson Browne, owning most of his CDs (and vinyl albums--yes, I'm old) and I'm really impressed with his continuous output of fine work. I liked Looking East. and The Naked Ride Home very much. I like half of this one.
Customer Rating:
Summary: enough of the politics already
Comment: I bought the new Jackson Browns album hoping and praying he would just shut up with the "I hate Bush and America has real problems" nonsense. We know..we know Jackson you don't like the president and dont like the politics of America. If we wanted to spend an hour listening to that we would turn on CNN or MSNBC. Jackson Browne is one of our greatest songwriters and has made some of the best albums I have ever heard. The ones he fills with obvious political statements are his WORST though. Of his latest works I loved I'm Alive, Looking East, and Naked Ride Home...this one is a DUD.
Customer Rating:
Summary: TIME INDEED
Comment: back when "jbrowne" was just an unknown author credit name on so many fantastic songs that were being covered recording artists in the late sixties, i felt compelled to search out and find everything this songwriter has touched with his genius.
in the days before internet such a quest was a supreme mystery and a journey into uncharted realms where a scarcity of fragmented bits of information eventually led to the source. somewhere, there was this anonymous inspired soul who had the magical ability to capture with a pen the secret emotions which experience carves into the deepest parts of every sensitive soul. his use of language, musical form, and intelligence was unrivaled in the music scene of that day. he had lifted songwriting to a new level of perfection and communicated truth with a consciousness far beyond his tender years.
that was then. and it pains me to have to admit what a bore "time the conqueror" was to hear from someone i so admire and appreciate and feel is a friend on some level of humanity.
he seems to have fallen prey to every myth of the leftist media machine, and to hear yet more whining about war and presidential incompetence and class envy is just too much to stomach. don't want political complaints when what i need is life.
all the skill, craftmanship, and careful production is there but something is missing in the whole effort. the compelling voice which used to convey something new and visionary and take me to the heights above all worldly madness, and offer some kind of desperately needed ministry was strangely silent, buried beneath tired thoughts, and fading in passionless weakness within prefabricated emotional packages.
just my take .....for what it's worth. still love the guy, but probably won't give this one another spin.
Customer Rating:
Summary: I'M SO SICK OF PAPER CD SLEEVES - SCRATCHED DISC AFTER ONE PLAY.
Comment: I listened to the first half of this record, and put it away. The 2nd time I tried to listen to it, the paper packaging had left a scratch on the disc that pervades every track like a jackhammer in the background. I'M SO SICK OF PAPER CD SLEEVES!!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: TIME Conquers Jackson Browne
Comment: Being my favorite male vocalist for over 30 years now, a new Jackson Browne album is always reason to celebrate. Even his weaker albums (for me, 1986's LIVES IN THE BALANCE and WORLD IN MOTION from 1989) were cool, mainly because we knew that, even if this latest release didn't quite float your boat, in roughly three years we would have another one to look forward to.
However, as the distance between releases has grown over the last decade and a half, so too have my expectations. If I have to wait anywhere from five to seven years between releases, well, it better be worth the wait! Sadly, that's not the case with TIME THE CONQUEROR, Browne's weakest album in almost two decades.
True, I don't hate it as much now as I did upon my first listen, but I still think Browne's voice has lost much of it's power, coming across flat and uninspired much of the time, while the production is, at best, hit-and-miss. Also, you KNOW you're in trouble when you're frequently outshined by your new back-up singers!
And then there are the songs, a rather uneven grab-bag of tunes. One of Browne's greatest gifts as a singer/songwriter has always been his sense of balance, his appreaciation for nuance. Early in his career, he found a way to beautifully blend the general with the specific. Later, he expertly juggled the personal with the political. Unfortunately, on TIME THE CONQUEROR, most of the personal tracks are rather generic and run-of-the-mill, while the political are exceedingly heavy-handed and in your face.
It all begins on a strong enough note, with the disc's three best tracks kicking things off. The CD opens with it's strong title cut, an easy-going look at time and it's ever-changing effects. Graced by one of Browne's stronger vocals, the lyrics dip and soar as they question and observe: "In my mind I'm certain: Nothing's certain yet." A nice way to get the ball rolling, the track both soothes and simmers.
"Off To Wonderland" finds Browne in an even deeper, more reflective mood. A lilting arrangement anchors this tale of youth, it's hopes and adventures, it's wild abandon and foibles, and, how, years later, it can all come rushing back at you. Lovely harmonies and intelligent lyrics (Love the line "Waiting there for Everyman!") help create the disc's best cut.
Almost as good is "The Drums Of War." A powerful lead vocal, a pulsating bassline, shimmering piano and the stunning backing vocals of Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills (who some day could be on par with past greats Valerie Carter and Rosemary Butler!) all meld together to form a song that is equal parts politically charged and instantly tuneful. This is Browne at his balanced best. Brilliant!
Things start to go down hill from here. "The Arms Of Night" just kind of plods along, a sort of pseudo flamenco-grooved mid-tempo ballad that only goes to show that Browne shouldn't be attempting that falsetto high note anymore. Trying for atmospheric, it comes up empty and hollow.
And then there's "Where Were You"....more like "Where do I begin?!?" At nine+ minutes, the song is WAAAY too long, Jeff Young's harmony vocal is painfully annoying and the lyrics are something out of Protest Song 101. A writer of Browne's calibre should never be caught trying to peddle something so blatant or ill-conceived. A low point for both the disc and Browne's career.
"Going Down To Cuba" is a mixed bag. On the plus side, we have a relaxed lead vocal and an easy-going arrangement. On the down side, we have an overall contrived feeling to the track, resulting in a vibe that's forced and phony. Add a thinly veiled (and, once again, heavy-handed) political slant, and you have another song that's way below Browne's usual high standards.
"Giving That Heaven Away" has a nice, upbeat feel to it. Browne's lead vocal is sly and sexy, the harmonies sublime and the instrumentation spot-on. Toss in fun lyrics ("Seems like the whole world's at a fire sale/But I might be wrong/With all the home shopping/Bling bling and hip hopping/Maybe it's just going strong") and you have another winner!
"Live Nude Cabaret" is a somber, sad affair, but one that actually works. Browne is one of those rare artists who can take just such a melancholy tale and make it infinitely listenable. Jazz-inflected and hypnotic, this is classic Jackson Browne, and a cut that just keeps getting better and better with each listen.
There's an unadorned charm and sweetness to "Just Say Yeah" that's absolutely beguiling. In this ode to friendship that evolves into something more, the lead vocal is earnest, honest and real, while the arrangement is fresh and fun. The track lights up the disc, resulting in a cut that adds some real (and much needed) joy to things. An A- grade here!
Things take a 180 degree turn here, with TTC wrapping up on chilly, somber note. All of "Far From The Arms Of Heaven"'s intentions are in the right place, and the track does sport a nice lead vocal and smooth harmonies, but, once again, this is ultimately a heavy-handed track, lacking in balance and nuances. A writer of Browne's talent and stature should NEVER come across as trying so hard.
And, in the end, that's my biggest problem with TIME THE CONQUEROR....Jackson Browne's best material always flows effortlessly, and that's not the case on much of the material here. And in a year of a lot of so-so releases, it will cost him....this is really a 3 1/2 star album, but I'm rounding down (vs. up, which I usually do)....Browne can do so much better than this disc would leave you to believe. Here's hoping we don't have to wait another six years or so for him to prove that true. (As with all my reviews, I am giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics).
Summary: I like half of this
Comment: Jackson Browne continues to produce good music. This CD has a really good last 5 songs, as well as the title track. I am a fan of Jackson Browne, owning most of his CDs (and vinyl albums--yes, I'm old) and I'm really impressed with his continuous output of fine work. I liked Looking East. and The Naked Ride Home very much. I like half of this one.
Customer Rating:
Summary: enough of the politics already
Comment: I bought the new Jackson Browns album hoping and praying he would just shut up with the "I hate Bush and America has real problems" nonsense. We know..we know Jackson you don't like the president and dont like the politics of America. If we wanted to spend an hour listening to that we would turn on CNN or MSNBC. Jackson Browne is one of our greatest songwriters and has made some of the best albums I have ever heard. The ones he fills with obvious political statements are his WORST though. Of his latest works I loved I'm Alive, Looking East, and Naked Ride Home...this one is a DUD.
Customer Rating:
Summary: TIME INDEED
Comment: back when "jbrowne" was just an unknown author credit name on so many fantastic songs that were being covered recording artists in the late sixties, i felt compelled to search out and find everything this songwriter has touched with his genius.
in the days before internet such a quest was a supreme mystery and a journey into uncharted realms where a scarcity of fragmented bits of information eventually led to the source. somewhere, there was this anonymous inspired soul who had the magical ability to capture with a pen the secret emotions which experience carves into the deepest parts of every sensitive soul. his use of language, musical form, and intelligence was unrivaled in the music scene of that day. he had lifted songwriting to a new level of perfection and communicated truth with a consciousness far beyond his tender years.
that was then. and it pains me to have to admit what a bore "time the conqueror" was to hear from someone i so admire and appreciate and feel is a friend on some level of humanity.
he seems to have fallen prey to every myth of the leftist media machine, and to hear yet more whining about war and presidential incompetence and class envy is just too much to stomach. don't want political complaints when what i need is life.
all the skill, craftmanship, and careful production is there but something is missing in the whole effort. the compelling voice which used to convey something new and visionary and take me to the heights above all worldly madness, and offer some kind of desperately needed ministry was strangely silent, buried beneath tired thoughts, and fading in passionless weakness within prefabricated emotional packages.
just my take .....for what it's worth. still love the guy, but probably won't give this one another spin.
Customer Rating:
Summary: I'M SO SICK OF PAPER CD SLEEVES - SCRATCHED DISC AFTER ONE PLAY.
Comment: I listened to the first half of this record, and put it away. The 2nd time I tried to listen to it, the paper packaging had left a scratch on the disc that pervades every track like a jackhammer in the background. I'M SO SICK OF PAPER CD SLEEVES!!!
Customer Rating:
Summary: TIME Conquers Jackson Browne
Comment: Being my favorite male vocalist for over 30 years now, a new Jackson Browne album is always reason to celebrate. Even his weaker albums (for me, 1986's LIVES IN THE BALANCE and WORLD IN MOTION from 1989) were cool, mainly because we knew that, even if this latest release didn't quite float your boat, in roughly three years we would have another one to look forward to.
However, as the distance between releases has grown over the last decade and a half, so too have my expectations. If I have to wait anywhere from five to seven years between releases, well, it better be worth the wait! Sadly, that's not the case with TIME THE CONQUEROR, Browne's weakest album in almost two decades.
True, I don't hate it as much now as I did upon my first listen, but I still think Browne's voice has lost much of it's power, coming across flat and uninspired much of the time, while the production is, at best, hit-and-miss. Also, you KNOW you're in trouble when you're frequently outshined by your new back-up singers!
And then there are the songs, a rather uneven grab-bag of tunes. One of Browne's greatest gifts as a singer/songwriter has always been his sense of balance, his appreaciation for nuance. Early in his career, he found a way to beautifully blend the general with the specific. Later, he expertly juggled the personal with the political. Unfortunately, on TIME THE CONQUEROR, most of the personal tracks are rather generic and run-of-the-mill, while the political are exceedingly heavy-handed and in your face.
It all begins on a strong enough note, with the disc's three best tracks kicking things off. The CD opens with it's strong title cut, an easy-going look at time and it's ever-changing effects. Graced by one of Browne's stronger vocals, the lyrics dip and soar as they question and observe: "In my mind I'm certain: Nothing's certain yet." A nice way to get the ball rolling, the track both soothes and simmers.
"Off To Wonderland" finds Browne in an even deeper, more reflective mood. A lilting arrangement anchors this tale of youth, it's hopes and adventures, it's wild abandon and foibles, and, how, years later, it can all come rushing back at you. Lovely harmonies and intelligent lyrics (Love the line "Waiting there for Everyman!") help create the disc's best cut.
Almost as good is "The Drums Of War." A powerful lead vocal, a pulsating bassline, shimmering piano and the stunning backing vocals of Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills (who some day could be on par with past greats Valerie Carter and Rosemary Butler!) all meld together to form a song that is equal parts politically charged and instantly tuneful. This is Browne at his balanced best. Brilliant!
Things start to go down hill from here. "The Arms Of Night" just kind of plods along, a sort of pseudo flamenco-grooved mid-tempo ballad that only goes to show that Browne shouldn't be attempting that falsetto high note anymore. Trying for atmospheric, it comes up empty and hollow.
And then there's "Where Were You"....more like "Where do I begin?!?" At nine+ minutes, the song is WAAAY too long, Jeff Young's harmony vocal is painfully annoying and the lyrics are something out of Protest Song 101. A writer of Browne's calibre should never be caught trying to peddle something so blatant or ill-conceived. A low point for both the disc and Browne's career.
"Going Down To Cuba" is a mixed bag. On the plus side, we have a relaxed lead vocal and an easy-going arrangement. On the down side, we have an overall contrived feeling to the track, resulting in a vibe that's forced and phony. Add a thinly veiled (and, once again, heavy-handed) political slant, and you have another song that's way below Browne's usual high standards.
"Giving That Heaven Away" has a nice, upbeat feel to it. Browne's lead vocal is sly and sexy, the harmonies sublime and the instrumentation spot-on. Toss in fun lyrics ("Seems like the whole world's at a fire sale/But I might be wrong/With all the home shopping/Bling bling and hip hopping/Maybe it's just going strong") and you have another winner!
"Live Nude Cabaret" is a somber, sad affair, but one that actually works. Browne is one of those rare artists who can take just such a melancholy tale and make it infinitely listenable. Jazz-inflected and hypnotic, this is classic Jackson Browne, and a cut that just keeps getting better and better with each listen.
There's an unadorned charm and sweetness to "Just Say Yeah" that's absolutely beguiling. In this ode to friendship that evolves into something more, the lead vocal is earnest, honest and real, while the arrangement is fresh and fun. The track lights up the disc, resulting in a cut that adds some real (and much needed) joy to things. An A- grade here!
Things take a 180 degree turn here, with TTC wrapping up on chilly, somber note. All of "Far From The Arms Of Heaven"'s intentions are in the right place, and the track does sport a nice lead vocal and smooth harmonies, but, once again, this is ultimately a heavy-handed track, lacking in balance and nuances. A writer of Browne's talent and stature should NEVER come across as trying so hard.
And, in the end, that's my biggest problem with TIME THE CONQUEROR....Jackson Browne's best material always flows effortlessly, and that's not the case on much of the material here. And in a year of a lot of so-so releases, it will cost him....this is really a 3 1/2 star album, but I'm rounding down (vs. up, which I usually do)....Browne can do so much better than this disc would leave you to believe. Here's hoping we don't have to wait another six years or so for him to prove that true. (As with all my reviews, I am giving the disc an extra half a star for including the lyrics).