Jackson Browne always uses the vehicle of his powerful songwriting and musical talents to advantage, and here it artfully carries his concern and message by way of some very memorable and provocative songs. So, while this is a very different album and a quite novel departure for Browne in terms of his previous work, the album itself is simply terrific. All of the songs here are good, but some are absolutely wonderful. I especially like "Lives In The Balance", "Candy", and "Lawless Avenues". I also really enjoy listening to "For America", and am stunned by the only truly personal and introspective song in the album, "In The Shape Of A Heart", which is another in the long line of such Browne efforts to mine his own relationships artistically. The song cycle ends with a soulful summary of sorts with "Black And White", which he reminds us, is not the way to best see and understand the world. I really like this album, and the artistic courage it took to release it. I highly recommend it for any and all Jackson Browne fans. Enjoy.


A country drifts toward war   February 22, 2003
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

When you listen to "Lives in the Balance," the lyrics relate to the events in the Middle East today. It'll give you chills!


Excellent music, clever lyrics   February 14, 2006
J. Houzet (Chicago, IL)
11 out of 15 found this review helpful

My favorite Jackson Browne song is the catchy satire "Lawyers in Love," but my favorite Browne album is a toss-up between World in Motion and Lives in the Balance. Jackson Browne always had political commentary among his songs, but he became extremely activist on his albums in the '80s. This could have become an incredible bore if the man didn't make good music. Listening to his albums as a foreigner in another country, his politics were folksy in any case. I didn't get personally riled or say "Yeah!" But now, having lived in the U.S. for nine years, I have a better feel for its history and politics, so I could see where Browne was coming from. No doubt the man is a liberal, but I can live with that and still enjoy his songs.
"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. 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. Browne reinforces his sympathies for Latin America by using Latin beats and Spanish guitar on a couple of songs here: "Lawless Avenues", a song about poverty and crime in the barrio, in which Browne sings a verse in Spanish, and the title track, which even has lovely backing and a bridge played on pan flute. My favorite track is probably the reggae-flavored "Til I Go Down," also a rant against Reagan and the military. "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.
On "Shape of a Heart," Jackson gets more introspective, singing about domestic violence, perhaps his own tendencies to beat on the women in his life. It is at least known by now that Browne lost his temper and smacked women around.
The problem with artists like Jackson Browne is that they overlook atrocities carried out by leftist dictators and non-Western megalomaniacs. For them, Fidel Castro is a great guy, just misunderstood. So Jackson and his pals always end up singing (and generally complaining) about how bad America is for not being a welfare state (?) and for using force to oust dangerous and brutal dictators, when a simple "You naughty boy!" and a futile U.N. resolution would do. But at least Jackson sounds nice when he complains. I really do like his music.


A seriously underrated album that's seriously great.   April 18, 2008
L. Petit (Akron, Ohio USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

After five fantastic albums in the 1970's, Jackson Browne stumbled a bit when the 1980's came around. "Hold Out" was passable, but underwhelming. "Lawyers in Love" was better, and was Browne's first album to be somewhat political in tone. It wasn't until "Lives in the Balance", though, that Jackson really got back into the swing of things. Even more political than "Lawyers...", "Lives in the Balance" was a criticism of Reagan-era foreign policies, and while you'd think it would be dated because of this, it instead remains frighteningly up-to-date, especially in these troubled times.

The record kicks off with "For America", in which Browne regrets having previously worried about himself and his troubles while ignoring the real problems in the world. It would be easy to mistake this song for a patriotic anthem, not unlike Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.", what with the refrain containing lyrics such as "I was made for America" and "It's in my blood and in my bones", but just like that song, the rest of the song tells a different story; America is great, but there's some problems that need addressing. This song is, put simply, a classic, and yet it's ignored on both of Browne's "Best Of" albums; a terrible exclusion. It's pretty rocking to boot.

The rest of the record remains strong, as well. "Lawless Avenues", the title track, and "Black and White" (among others) focus on foreign/political issues rather than Browne's introspection. "Black and White" closes out the album, and includes the haunting repetition of "Time running out...". Not exactly a happy ending, that's for sure.

Jackson doesn't completely abandon the issue of relationships, however. "In the Shape of a Heart" tells the tale of love gone very wrong. It's heartbreaking, and it's great. Even on this mostly political album, Browne created one of his best relationship songs.

"Lives in the Balance" is interesting in that it's a product of the 80's, and yet still remains current. It doesn't quite reach the standards of Browne's mid-70's output such as "Late For The Sky", but this is a very strong album neverthleless. Well worth a purchase.




A must have for the serious music LOVER!   October 24, 1999
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

If there is anyone out there who still enjoys intelligent lyrics coupled with high spirited vocals all wrapped up into a classic rock blanket, then this is the title for you. I've listened it the tracks, "America", and "Lawless Avenues" numerous times, and unlike other music these days, it never gets "old". I'm sure you'll agree. If not, then you can at least appreciate JB's other great works that received far more attention. Because it is true that this particular JB title didn't get the appreciation that it deserves.