Jackson Browne released this album to critical raves, but it was only a portent of things to come. "For Everyman", "Late For The Sky" and "The Pretender" (all of which, especially "Sky" are classics) were to follow over the next few years. This self - titled release (still referred to by some as "Saturate Before Using") showcased the young singer - songwriter's keen ability to draw the listener into his world.

Although Browne was only in his early 20's when this album was released, the substance and style of his writing were those of a person twice his age, an interesting mix of youthful curiosity and worldly wisdom.

"Song For Adam" is a moving tribute to a fallen friend and the singer's attempt to deal with the loss: "I sit before my only candle, but it's so little light to find my way." "Doctor My Eyes" is perhaps Browne's best - known song. It shouldn't be dismissed merely because it happened to become popular and has a catchy tune. The arrangement is excellent and the lyrics poignant, a prime example of a song that has held up well over time.

For what it's worth, "Looking Into You" is my personal favorite of this ten - song collection. It is a tale of a young, yet weary vagabond on a journey of self - realization, a theme Browne would revisit many times on subsequent albums, most notably on the songs "Farther On" and "The Pretender." "The roads were as many as the places I had dreamed of, and my friends and I were one." The imagery expressed in Browne's poetic lyrics are familiar to all who have reached a point where everything, yet nothing, with the exception of love, makes sense. "I looked into the sky for my anthem, and the words and the music came through. But words and music could never touch the beauty that I've seen looking into you."

Jackson Browne set an incredibly high standard for himself, and for his contemporaries, with the release of this album. Amazingly, he was able to match and even exceed this standard in the years to follow. Virtually no one else even came close.

Anybody who doesn't think there is poetry in pop music is either bigoted or doesn't listen very well. The best work of people like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Jackson Browne conjure up the sort of images and emotions that songwriters never had before. No moon/June nonsense here. The young (23 at the time of this album's release) Jackson Browne was a heartbreakingly worldly man, who had come to terms with the suicide of a friend ("Song For Adam"), the quest for spirituality in the waning years of the hippie movement ("Rock Me On the Water") love and loss ("My Opening Farewell", "Jamaica Say You Will"), and apocalyptic visions ("From Silverlake"). He also knew how to rock ("Doctor My Eyes"). David Crosby's sensitive, non-obtrusive production lends just the right setting to these beautiful, timeless songs. Simply a magnificent record.

Although this was his debut album, younger listeners who want to see what Jackson Browne is all about should first try "Late For The Sky", then "For Everyman", then this one. "Saturate" is a great album, certainly one of his best, but some of the songs are complex, and the other two albums might help new listeners get the feel for Jackson's music before plunging in. "Song for Adam" is a powerful, emotional song, but the lyrics seem surprising and even counterintuitive until you have a real feel for the style. It takes a few listens to be able to follow the changes in the instrumentals and the lyrics. In my opinion, "Looking Into You" - written about the house his grandfather built - is his best song ever. But maybe, to really appreciate it, you need to hear some others first. Like "Late For The Sky" or "These Days" - songs that are amazing, but simpler and a little more... catchy. If you don't know if you're into this style of music, songs like "Doctor My Eyes" and "Under The Falling Sky" might seem a little bit twangy or country-folkish. (I'm not saying they're not good - you just need to be warmed up.)

If all you know of Jackson Browne is "Running On Empty", then you're looking for more electric guitar than this album has to offer. But give "Late For The Sky" a chance, and you might find that the mix comes naturally. Then come back and give this one a listen. You'll be glad you did.

This Jackson Browne album has many things to recommend it. But you should add it to your collection for "Doctor My Eyes," which includes an absolutely amazing solo by the late Oklahoma-born Kiowa guitarist Jesse Ed Davis--completely inventive, unlike anything that came before it. It's easily ranked among the dozen or so best rock solos ever.

Jackson Browne's first album is an excellent warm up for the classic albums he would produce later in the 1970s. His first radio hit "Doctor My Eyes," is here, but is not by a long shot the best song. That title would go to "Jamacia Say You Will," "A Child in These Hills" or "Something Fine." Browne's style defines laid back California-style rock. Overall, a very solid effort.