It's said that great artists find inspiration in life's trials and tribulations, and that sure helps us to understand Jackson Browne's twist into more political concerns with this album released in the mid 1980s amid the controversy over the possibility of American intervention in Latin America. While not all of the songs included here are overtly political, the tone and focus of the album is with the way such involvement with foreign interference (as Browne sees it) corrupts and undermines any attempts to solve our own problems here at home. From the opening lyrics of the title song (late in the song cycle) announcing "I've been waiting for something to happen/ In a week or a month or a year/ With the blood of the ink in the headlines/ And the sound of the crowd in my ear", Browne lets us know that this time out he isn't as interested in dreamy self-absorption so much as animated social action to stop the government from another catastrophe like Vietnam.

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.

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

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.

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.

Lives in the Balance ranks up with the best of Jackson Browne. The title song and "In the Shape of a Heart" make the album worthwhile all by themselves.