Looking East Songs Ranked
Looking East is the eleventh album by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released in 1996 (see 1996 in music). It peaked at number 36 on The Billboard 200. Coming over two years after his successful I’m Alive, Browne returned to more politically and socially oriented themes on Looking East. Only two songs are credited to Browne alone as a composer, the rest co-credited with his core backing band. The most notable song, Barricades of Heaven is a reference to the “barrios” (Spanish for low income housing) of Los Angeles. Guests include Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Vonda Shepard, Ry Cooder, Waddy Wachtel and David Lindley. Here are all of Looking East’s songs ranked.
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10. It Is One
“The hippie-dippy “we are one world” message of It Is One is cliché and tiresome. The other songs are just ruminations of Jackson’s forty-odd years of life on the planet.”
9. Nino
“ackson seems to like including at least one reggae tune on every album, as well as one song with Latin flavor and context. “Nino” is the latter. I’ll give this album four stars instead of three based on the few memorable songs.”
8. Culver Moon
“Do not let yourself form a strong opinion on first listen. About the third time through, make sure you hear it on a good system with no one talking in the room. This is one of my most durable albums.”
See more: Jackson Browne Albums Ranked
7. Information Wars
“This song captures the turmoil in the Middle East and tries to reconcile all of the untold horrors and misery caused by war and famine in that region. I applaud Mr. Browne for his courage to speak out against this war.”
6. The Barricades of Heaven
” The wistful youth reflection “The Barricades of Heaven” has really cool guitar & organ interplay and it’s a terrific song. am always glad when it comes up in the juke box in the car, as it is great music to drive to.”
5. Alive in the World
“Alive In the World” is also a wistful and moving song, although it’s a tad bit disappointingly plain lyrically. And that leads to another problem: many of the lyrics are tossed off & lacking depth.”
See more: Jackson Browne Songs Ranked
4. Baby How Long
“I’ve always liked Jackson Browne’s music. He fits into a genre of country-rock, soft rock, maybe even pop, but that’s pushing it a bit. I feel like it’s something I belong to. Looking East does offer me a few more of those songs. His music is intelligent, doesn’t assault the senses nor does it make you feel like an idiot.”
3. I’m the Cat
“All alone, he captivated the audience, and did a couple of numbers from this album, including “I’m the Cat,” a nifty rocker that Browne clearly enjoys singing. The songs on this disc have smooth melodies, that incredibly lush, powerful and expressive voice of Browne’s, and a variety of musical styles.”
2. Some Bridges
“This album is a pleasure to listen to. Jackson Browne is a talent of the first rank, in a league with few peers. A song that’s average for JB stands above most other singer-songwriters in writing, musicality and performance, and that’s true here.”
1. Looking East
“The opening track, Looking East, seems so appropriate today, when many are achingly disaffected with society and government. I like the rocking guitars and the power of Jackson’s voice, too. Jackson sings, “There’s a God-sized hunger underneath the laughing and the rage”
