JACKSON BROWNE The Pretender REACTION

[@paulread9007]

This is one of Jackson Browne’s greatest songs among many great songs. I suggest you also react to “Late for the Sky,” “For a Dancer,” “Boulevard,” “I’m Alive,” “The Barracades of Heaven,” “Running on Empty,” and “Fountain of Sorrow.”

[@jamesbassett1484]

As an avid fan since 1972, your insightful comments are very much appreciated. Jackson Browne is a master of layered meanings and knowing his life story reveals more. In 1975, he had an album virtually completed. Then his wife committed suicide leaving him the single father of an infant son. Because his work is highly personal, he decided that the completed album was no longer relevant and it has never been released. He stared anew and the result was the album, The Pretender. The entire album can be easily related to his tragic loss. My take on this song is that he longs for a mundane life that might free him from his mental torment. Another song on this album is "Here Come Those Tears Again." Interestingly, and meaningfully, it was co-written with his mother-in-law and it is a reflection on loss, grief, and disbelief.

[@andrewrodriquez7028]

One of many of his writings seen him many times in concert love his music. Don't stop Jackson Browne keep giving us beautiful music

[@k-pop-korn6825]

Thank you for your reaction to this song- His songs, lyrics are Ageless !

[@belindareese9453]

Great reaction. Would love to see you react to more Jackson Browne. Saw him do a one man acoustic concert to a small group of us. You could literally just tell home what you wanted to hear and he would do it. He had some great stories to tell. Awesome singer, songwriter and human being.

[@leahdoerr731]

Hello from Cody Wyoming USA! You guys are awesome keep it up🤠

[@raygoto]

Surprised you haven't had more requests for Jackson Browne. Yes, he and Billy Joel were/are contemporaries from the early 1970's until now. Billy from New York and Jackson from California. Jackson has a huge library of great songs like this one and hopefully he will get more attention in the future. Than You so much for the great react...

[@denystull355]

It surprises me that most of Jackson Browne's most known songs are so melancholy. He did have some upbeat songs that are good too.

[@tcanfield]

Interesting that you brought that up. Last week I saw a short doc about the LA music scene in the 70s by a Dutch outfit which asked Jackson about that. His first response was “ I’m just being real about what’s going on “ and then pivoted to ...“Not all my music is depressing, man ! “

[@88wildcat]

When you are a songwriter and your wife commits suicide you are probably going to write some melancholy songs.

[@neil3467]

Great one! Would love to see more Jackson Brown and Neil Young.

[@anthrogurl4484]

Your Bright Baby Blues by Jackson Browne is my fave.

[@karenwalsh1143]

Thanks for your reaction! You both understood this song very well..

[@waynewhaley28]

One of the greatest songwriters. Pretender is a masterpiece, although I don't listen to it often, as I find it depressing. Harmonies provided by Crosby, Stills & Nash. Btw, JB was there at the get go in Laurel Canyon, hanging out and writing songs with the Eagles, etc Glen Frey credits JB with being a big influence on his writing. Once said JB taught him that song writing was as much about perspiration as it was inspiration. co wrote Peaceful Easy Feeling with Frey for the Eagles.

[@isebmazo2140]

Jackson Browne - Black and White.. his best.. Neil Diamond - Love on the Rocks

[@mpsmith19421]

One of the songs which can get away with using the term "legal tender" (which conveniently rhymes with pretender). My favorite JB song...

[@widmermt]

I was always impressed that he found such a wide variety of words to rhyme with "pretender" for this song, and it all fits together.

[@jamesmiddleton5304]

Saw him open for Jimmy Buffett. Absolutely great

[@johncurtis7186]

I think this is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@tcanfield]

I can see a lot of the criticism is directed at the superficialness of the masses living in the area where Jackson grew up and lived- Los Angeles, where people copycat the latest trends and not much is genuine. People act like they have it made, but it's a transparent facade.

[@thewangster123]

Nice one guys. thanks again :-)

[@bartstarr100]

You work hard your whole life. One day you have time for your kids. But they have moved out

[@DavidInSugarLand]

He wrote this after the suicide of his girlfriend.