“A Human Touch” includes a duet between Browne and Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson. “Minutes to Downtown” addresses Browne’s restlessness that’s close to 1986’s “In the Shape of a Heart.” The songs discuss the devastation around love and loss, but in a seemingly optimistic way. The repetitive and exciting upbeat chorus reminds fans of his “Somebody’s Baby” era. From there he discovered that institutions in Cleveland specialize in creating artificial hearts, which he sings about in the song (“They never break, they don’t even beat // And they don’t ache). The next song, “My Cleveland Heart” was the album’s first single and was inspired by a trip he took to the city. The song takes listeners back to Browne’s common search for love, or even something greater (“If I don’t find it this time, it’s alright). The album opens with “Still Looking For Something,” an easy-going introduction to an album that covers a large range of issues.

Browne’s music has always been known to open the door to thoughtful discussions, and this album is no different. government and their lack of involvement in their own issues, but heavy participation in other countries’ affairs. 2014’s Standing in the Breach shed light on the injustices of greed and destruction, while 2008’s Time the Conqueror was seen as a protest against the U.S. The Southern Californian’s most recent album spans almost an hour as it invokes thoughts and reflections on hard-hitting issues that currently consume the news. Browne’s voice hasn’t aged a day and he still carries the ability to be transparent about his feelings and connect with listeners in his 15tth studio album that discusses the current political climate, environmental conditions and even his insecurity about staying in the music biz for so long. After being in the music business since the age of 16, the 72-year-old musician and environmental activist still has the same melancholy but hopeful sound as he reflects on his life. Jackson Browne continues to show long-time fans that his career is far from over with his latest album Downhill From Everywhere.

Jackson browne downhill from everywhere