Lives in the Balance Songs Ranked
Lives in the Balance is the eighth album by American singer/songwriter Jackson Browne, released in 1986 (see 1986 in music). It reached number 23 on The Billboard 200 chart. The title track as well as “For America” and “In the Shape of a Heart” were released as singles. The album was ranked number 88 on Rolling Stone’s list of the best 100 albums of the 1980s. The album reached number 2 in Sweden. Lives in the Balance was the first album by Browne where overtly political and socially critical songs dominated (three of which were about president Ronald Reagan), although it also included one of his best remembered songs about relationships, the tragic “In the Shape of a Heart”, inspired by his relationship with his first wife. The radio play garnered by “For America” and “In the Shape of a Heart”, and the use of “Lives in the Balance” in the show Miami Vice, gained him many new fans who later went back and discovered Browne’s earlier works. Here are all of Lives in the Balance songs ranked.
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8. For America
“For America” was a big hit, at least overseas, and I remember the music video for it. So I wonder why Browne has left the song off both of his Best of compilations. Maybe because folks might misinterpret it as being a rah-rah for America song? It’s not, it’s a lament for what Browne saw as America’s shortcomings even though he loved his country.”
7. In the Shape of a Heart
” I needed some music, and this record brought me “In the Shape of a Heart” which perfectly accented the love story in the play.The rest of the songs are more political, but extremely well-crafted and sung.”
6. Lawless Avenues
“The song Lawless Avenues Is another good one with an upbeat pace. In other words the album starts off great… goes way downhill and then ends with a bang with songs 6-8. It is worth picking up for the good songs which are more than good… they are outstanding.”
See more: Jackson Browne Albums Ranked
5. Till I Go Down
“My favorite track is probably the reggae-flavored “Till I Go Down,” also a rant against Reagan and the military. This is simply another brilliant collection of songs by one of the worlds finest singer/songwriters. Jackson’s sense of direction and lyrical vision is awe inspiring!”
4. Black and White
“Black and White” is apparently a putdown for conservatives who see the world in black and white, believe communism was bad, and use terms like “evil empire.” It also has a great melody.”
See more: Jackson Browne Songs Ranked
3. Lives in the Balance
“With LIVES IN THE BALANCE, Jackson Browne continues the fight for justice for the disenfranchised that he has carried on all throughout his musical career, this time with even more political lyrics than on its direct predecessor.”
2. Candy
“This album still grabs me. Every so often I listen to it. In between I usually have read/listened to unabridged history books in between and some of these songs stir up different tangents of thought …decades after I first heard it. For an album to beckon me back on a regular basis 30 years after I bought it says something.”
1. Soldier of Plenty
“The theme continues on “Soldier of Plenty,” in which Browne excoriates Reagan-era America for its military involvement around the world, but most especially in Latin America.”
