Why this Jackson Browne song is my favorite from his catalog | The Daily Doug (Episode 267)

[@pambennett3390]

Absolutely my favorite artist of all time. If I could listen to any artist for eternity, it would be Jackson Browne.

[@malibu90265]

Sky Blue and Black is his best song, a masterpiece. I have been a Jackson Browne fan from the beginning. Jackson's songs are the soundtrack of my life.

[@mrmojorisin8752]

Agree with you-his best song.

[@malibu90265]

@@mrmojorisin8752 We are soulmates.

[@historyguy5942]

The best lyricist of the 70s. During the period of “singers and songwriters” that’s saying A LOT, but it's true.

[@beckylink]

Absolutely 💯 percent

[@createone100]

‘Our sky was unfolding, and it’ll never fold back’. Tears.

[@mrmojorisin8752]

“Like a wheel on a track”-inexorable disintegration, to the point of inevitability.

[@takeUSback2024]

This song is so beautiful and so heartbreaking. It's perfect when you just need to let yourself feel the pain of a great loss.

[@historyguy5942]

I feel the same way, with the same level of admiration and emotion from dozens of Jackson Browne's songs. Critically listen to every song on every album he has produced and it will change your life. He is that good...all the time...and still is.

[@meganhelvering9578]

Truth ❤️

[@iamintheburg9820]

LATE FOR THE SKY...50 years old, come autumn. 50 years, in January '25, for me. Years before I'd lived my life, JB wrote to tell me how it would be...the words are as eternal as human emotion. Always earnest and accurate and achingly wondrous. Like a Life with joys and sorrows, challenges and regrets. Like a Soul.

[@neilwildy4192]

"You're the hidden cost and the thing that's lost in everything I do..." Ouch, gets me every time.

[@danguitarguy2757]

Thankyou for choosing a Jackson Browne song Doug, he was my dad's favourite musician and has now very much become my favourite as well. Always good to hear other people listening too and appreciating his music.

[@pulsarlights2825]

"Late For The Sky" from 1974 is his best album IMO

[@russellrivers645]

Late for the Sky one of the best albums ever. Period. Lyrically and musically.

[@foxandscout]

That’s his third studio album. In my opinion his second, For Everyman, 1973 (second album) is his best. His first comes close. They all came out while I was in college, and in those years there were so many wonderful artists at the beginning of their careers. I’m so happy he still performs.

[@Acujeremy]

@@foxandscout I love David Lyndley's licks on Sing Your Songs to Me into For Everyman.

[@foxandscout]

@@Acujeremy yes!!!❤️

[@whaleshark2672]

Agreed, Late For the Sky and For Everyman are my favourites.

[@richardsims4779]

The simple use of the sky blue/black or sunny/stormy to describe love/relationships with all the perfect poetry wrapped around it, is simply stellar. That's the way love is.

[@BigMacIain]

When I was 17, I reckoned that Jackson Browne had the answer to all of life's questions. I had no idea what those questions might be but I was sure Jackson would come through. Now, I realize that he has no more idea than this once 17-year old had and is still figuring things out for himself, like we all have to do.

[@meganhelvering9578]

Well said ❤️

[@ronaldwilliams6927]

So true ...well said .😊

[@robfractal6820]

Love this song one of his best along with Fountain of Sorrow and Before the Deluge and For a Dancer. Well done Doug brilliant insights in to this beautiful song!

[@dr.zarkhov9753]

Having seen him a few times during that tour, I would tend to agree with you Rob. I have some live video from a few years ago at Count Basie which I have to get up here on YT. If you're not already, subscribe to his channel. He does some great stuff from his home.

[@historyguy5942]

The Late for the Sky Album is absolutely amazing!

[@sgtbigballs666]

@@historyguy5942 that's my favorite, but they're all good

[@davidschecter5247]

What's amazing about Jackson is that he almost NEVER talks in cliches. If he has to turn a phrase, he makes up his own. So many wonderful songwriters use bits and pieces of phrases we all know -- easy to communicate that way. But when Jackson wants to tell you anything, he figures out a combination of words to do so in an entirely fresh way. I haven't this live version before. I know it from the studio version. And not only "Sky Blue and Black" is that good, but I think the entire I'M ALIVE album might be his greatest. I almost never hear anyone extolling its virtues, but his melodic and musical skills are at their apex here (Jackson would never use the word "apex" because it's too obvious -- LOL!). And after this incredible song, comes "All Good Things," which is the perfect way to end the album. All good things gotta come to an end, and unfortunately, they do on this album with that song. I have shared "Sky Blue and Black" with lots of people to illustrate his brilliance with lyrics. So neat that you're a fan!

[@colleenbonniwell4226]

🌹

[@mrmojorisin8752]

I’M ALIVE received an excellent review in Rolling Stone and I think a huge review in The NY Times. But you’re right, relatively few are familiar with the album or ”Sky Blue and Black,” the best song in Jackson’s prodigious library.

[@theresakerlin3505]

I'M ALIVE is a great album. Extremely under-rated!!

[@LLacle63]

"Yeahhhhhh and I'll never stop looking for you." OMG. That line gets me every single time!

[@avavincent9481]

As usual, Jackson can bring me to tears with just a few words, such as Blue and Black. Became a fan around 20, a true life long fan and his lyrics, especially since I was widowed in 2020, again his words have gotten me through some awful days. I don't know enough words to describe how it feels, simply put its like he's reached in and touched my very soul. Thank you Jackson, just thank you!

[@cherylgrec9701]

Finest singer songwriter ever. Each song becomes part of you. ❤️

[@steveclark9211]

I really enjoyed this episode, Doug. One of your best shows.

[@7194renrut]

I was going through a divorce when this was released on I'm Alive. The song nearly killed me and nearly saved me. I would be driving down the roads singing this at the top of my voice and sobbing at the same time. I couldn't listen to it again for many years but eventually I 'reclaimed' it from her. Now it's mine again. A beautifully sad song. Thank you Jackson...

[@hiitsme9042]

Ya - Jackson Brown - Love the 'running on empty" album. So cool to record on a tour bus - you can hear it in the back ground - {nothin but time} -

[@old_man_with_cane3407]

Love your avatar. How did you pull that off?

[@davesolis5695]

One of America's greatest songwriters ever. A person of great compassion,caring for his fellow human beings and the environment we live in. I saw jackson for the first time in 78, and have seen him perform possibly 75- 100 times. Meeting him five times, he is just as real having a conversation with one of his fans. My favorite performer of all time whose music has helped me thru the saddest and happiest times in my life. A man people could model their social and world views after. Haven't met many better men than this in my life. Thank you jackson for being real.

[@hypnotoads]

Just love the resonant quality of Jackson’s voice across the two acoustic releases, his absolute best in my humble opinion, with this song and For A Dancer standing out 😊

[@eyeguy777]

Love your comments on so many classic songs from the past 50 years. As an optometrist of 45 years, my absolute fave Jackson Browne song is Doctor My Eyes.

[@dainawilburn2390]

Yep, MY all time favorite artist. I've always thought of Jackson as a craftsman of songs. There are others, including those contemporary to Jackson who seem to have great moments of inspiration, and they are great songs, for sure. Jackson seems to do a lot of work in his head before it becomes a final piece, which for me, at least, makes it even more lasting. And yes, as I've told many friends, don't necessarily look at a song from the standpoint of his own biography - though that's often where it starts - see if it applies to you. This song certainly applies to events in my life. And also as I've often said, if I COULD write a song that described a "place" I was in, this is the song I would write.

[@abrarahmed1888]

“These Days” is another of his songs that really resonates with me. Incredible to think that he wrote this when he was 15 with sensibilities of more mature years

[@foxandscout]

He was 16. 1967. Nico was the first to record it. Then a few others, like Tom Rush. Then Greg Allman started playing it live and Jackson loved his version (and they became friends) and in rekindled his feeling for his song... They both released it in 1973. It is still my favorite Browne song, on my favorite album of his: his second studio album (1973) For Everyman.

[@sebastiantorres2542]

Doug, it was quite hard to hold back your tears, right??? I understand that, i feel you very much. Love you, truly. I don't know you, but what you create here, the feeling of closeness, that's something amazing.

[@meganhelvering9578]

❤️❤️❤️

[@waynecox3958]

Oh my. My favorite artist. Cry on………yes I was fortunate to see this tour.

[@stephenlayland2889]

I read the lyric just a little differently. When the song moves into the second half of the first verse, I feel it in the present tense continuing to describe the world as it endures, but adding the perception of absence. The world goes on, in the very immanence of a crippling loss. I feel that Browne contrasts the debilitating force of loss with the sustaining force of the world in its long cycles -- the waves on the shore, day of blue sky and black night, humanity's cry. He encapsulates the suspended conflict in a recurring day. He then resolves to preserve himself in this state against the requisite hour ... _If_ _you_ _ever_ _need_ _holding_ ... By contrast with "The Pretender" in its pervading bitterness, this song is bittersweet with his embrace of the prospect of redemption.

[@mrmojorisin8752]

Agree. People seem also to dismiss the obsession in the song: You’re the color of the sky in each storefront window pane (pain)/you’re whispering and the sighing of my tires in the rain/you’re the hidden cost….all present tense.

[@gregfagan199]

Such a gifted artist. As all great ones do, he gives you a piece of himself in his writing and his playing.

[@2510katjo]

I believe all of Jackson's music after the 70's was equally fantastic. Like this song, it's a good example. Standing in the Breach is also a masterpiece from the best songwriter in my 67 years. I love other songwriters and appreciate their art like Bob Seger, Rivers Cuomo, writers from Journey, the Beatles etc, but none as much as Jackson. His brilliance is so appreciated by his millions of fans. It's Feb 2024 now and he's still touring. Absolutely amazing, I've seen him twice, i wish it was 200, i know i'll never have that chance again but when i saw him in 78 and again in 04 were moments in time i wouldn't change for anything.

[@nickjohns999]

One of his, and our, all time great lyrics and songs about love and loss. It is right up there with Late for the Sky, I'm Alive, Linda Paloma, Fountain of Sorrow, My Opening Farewell. Jackson's songs are a soundtrack for the life of doomed romantic; melancholy, evocative, ever changing in emotional emphasis, but most of all expressive of some of the fundamental, timeless truths of what it is to be human. One in many, many, millions.

[@OsvaldoBalan]

The legend !! No doubt one of the greatest songwriters ever!!!

[@ericnamikas3386]

I am all for more Jackson Browne. This song has moved me since I first heard it in 1993. He has such a rich, rich catalogue. "The Late Show" is another simple song, elevated by great lyrics, David Lindley's pedal steel guitar, some tasteful strings and a little backing from Don Henley, J.D. Souther and Dan Fogelberg. "Nobody ever talks about their feelings anyway / without dressing them in dreams and laughter / I guess it's just too painful otherwise." Brilliant.

[@better_together-w4m]

Jackson is such a gentleman. I had the honor to meet him.

[@glennytrades3357]

I feel ya. I love me some Jackson Browne. Late for the Sky and the Pretender are my personal favorites...I've also seen Jackson perhaps 6-7 times. Always a great show.

[@WiseThoughts20]

Incredible voice, incredible lyrics and beautiful music. It just washes over you.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

I freaking love this song. He is surely one of the greatest of all time!

[@peterrenberg9176]

My favorite song of his and the best version. A great pick.

[@Ybor-ld6uq]

Great video Doug. Thanks for turning me onto this. Have loved his music for 50 years but hadn’t heard that one yet. So many great songs.

[@Letloverule68]

So thankful for this musical analysis to Jackson Browne! Great musician! ❤️

[@yuricunha88]

I love Jackson Browne’s work, but I hadn’t listened to this one before and I cried.

[@lmhpike]

A close friend of mine introduced to me this song in 1993 and I played it on repeat for many years. Sky Blue and Black became one of my all time favorites songs and Jackson Browne one of my favorite artists. I loved going back and getting his whole catalog of music at that time and “discovery” this singer songwriter who already had a 21 year career. The best concert experience I’ve ever had was seeing Jackson Browne at The Mountain Winery. I’ve seen him in concert more times than any other artist.

[@l.scottnielsen2482]

Jackson Browne reminds me of Dan Fogelberg in this song. Very personal, excellent video.

[@Arrow2theACL]

When you have something to say, putting it simply is the best way to get the message across.

[@meganhelvering9578]

Amen ❤️

[@shushutany6034]

I’m an Iron Maiden fan AND a Jackson Browne fan!! Thank you for posting this!!!

[@meganhelvering9578]

Variety is the spice of life 😊❤️❤️

[@jamespowers4677]

Right there with you!

[@timbaker7238]

Thanks for sharing Doug! Nice to hear what you like too.

[@timoiiskola7676]

Thank You for this, Doug! What a lovely way to analyze this wonderful song and Jackson's worth as a lyricist.

[@AndalusianIrish]

I love 'I'm Alive' and 'Looking East'. Two great albums. Leland Sklar was talking about working on 'You Love The Thunder' on his channel.

[@bobbailey8282]

I saw Jackson Browne in 1975 in San Diego. Incredible triple header show. Linda Ronstadt was the headliner. The openers were Jackson and a newer group called the Eagles. Part of Linda's set was aired live on a short lived ABC show called Saturday Night Live. Not the NBC show we know now. That show was originally called "It's Saturday Night".

[@meganhelvering9578]

Oh wow, that must’ve been an AMAZING show!

[@willo.4228]

I’m 27, love Jb. Growing up “Rock me on the water” was one of my favorite songs ever and hearing his voice just makes me happy. I’ll be listening to his discography now for sure. Awesome video!

[@brianbaker2759]

Great review (again), Doug. I'm with you, I love Jackson Browne's music. For years, I had never associated JB with much more than Running On Empty, but a couple years ago I ran across "To A Dancer", and I was amazed. It led me to discover much more of his back catalog, and I am hooked. Such emotion in his singing. I was not aware of this song, thank you for bringing it to my attention!

[@cruzvasquez1405]

I've never heard this song. What amazing lyrics. We can all take something from all relationships no matter how they might end.

[@norkelbri]

No body even comes close to Jackson. He is light years above

[@thomaskearns193]

He’s a word master with a virtuoso voice.

[@jeffmalloy8200]

OMG I can't believe you picked this song! Probably my favorite song of his. Well done!

[@marcvanderiet5592]

Jackson always moves me with his clean playing and voice. Just wunderfull.

[@JupiterEarth]

Wonderful, just in case there are minors around.

[@whatdothlife4660]

@@JupiterEarth A favorite of mine just in case any coal-miners are around.

[@mcleodmichael1]

yes. the beginning of the song is filled with, yes, tactile references - starts with that then connects to a daydream. It's our old pal of song and story and the great ones are aces at delivering it: verisimilitude.

[@richardbrannin7368]

What a Beautiful song! I haven't heard it before. Thank you for sharing.

[@thomaskearns193]

Brought tears because so many of us experience skies blue and black. Love this man’s voice and music.

[@Bryman1970]

You really know how to make a grown man cry, Doug! I haven't heard or thought about JB in years, but that song was beautiful. Thank you, Doug.

[@noelinuae7554]

Beautiful commentary, Doug! I love your analysis of his lyrics. You made it even richer. I came across your channel but you just gained a subscriber.

[@saathoff1220]

My favorite - you're the whispering and the sighing of my tires in the rain

[@z-man2343]

Like other commenters have noted, this is a magnificent track from a criminally under appreciated album...Jackson's finest in my humble opinion. I saw him and his band on the tour promoting "I'm Alive" in a small, beautifully restored theatre. It still resides in my top five concerts I've had the pleasure of experiencing. He's a true, perhaps the best American, singer/songwriter.

[@wazzajack9253]

“For a Dancer” is one of my favourites

[@theresakerlin3505]

I've been listening to Jackson Browne since the beginning. This is an achingly beautiful song.

[@trailg19c]

Thanks Doug. Today is my father's 75th birthday. He left us 15 years ago, just prior to his 60th. So it is a hard day for me, and this song, the voice, words, bring comfort. The "perfect" song for such a time... When one is "blue", and the sky is "black" even when the sun is high up there.... A through back to old times, simple ones. way back. And yes, after the "black" there will be "blue again", as in blue skies, and hope...

[@frederickkincaid2800]

Your best video, Doug.

[@Autumn_Forest_]

Sky Blue and Black is my fave JB so too! Love this vid!

[@marianneharms5836]

Ahhh…. My very favorite!! Thanks for sharing. It’s hauntingly beautiful and the lyrics are just fantastic. Amazing and I don’t understand why it wasn’t so popular. ~ If you ever need holding .. call my name … I’ll be there..

[@metalmark1214]

Very insightful of great lyrics Doug.

[@johnpbh]

So glad you shared this with us... I have been a fan of Jackson ever since The Pretender came out... Completely agree with you about his facility with words... just a stunning song writer. If you were wondering what I might like to hear you reacting to next then "For A Dancer" would be wonderful for me.... I have now doubt that Joni Mitchell is another of your very favourite singer/songwriters. A video of what you like about any of her tracks would also be great.... Stay safe and Keep on Rocking.

[@juliemoss6175]

One of my favorites, too! It’s not very well known, but I love it!

[@Liz.Green789]

Thanks for a great lesson, Professor Doug. I have not heard that before. I enjoyed it.

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Agreed, Doug. This tune is one of my favs on a brilliant album, "I'm Alive." Love your breakdown of the beautiful prose of this immaculate song.

[@BillyBaruch]

Thank you for doing this. Jackson Browne is my favorite singer/songwriter. But I do have a tendency to not listen to anything, even by artists I really like, that was made after 1980. This was just beautiful and I appreciated your commentary!!

[@meliplay]

Same my all time favorite male singer songwriter

[@DavidWilliams-yc7kt]

Me too!!

[@historyguy5942]

The “I’m Alive” album is amazing! The song “Too Many Angels” from that album is fabulous as well.

[@mrmojorisin8752]

A song of suicidal beauty.

[@bobblebardsley]

Doug I have to say this is probably the fastest I ever fell in love with a man. Sky Blue And Black is my absolute favourite song AND I'm a writer so your introduction really resonated with me. I tend to think of the English language as (for most people) about 30,000 words, but to think of it as just 26 characters in different combinations is quite something. I love songs that tell a story in their lyrics. This, Bridge Over Troubled Water and a song called Empire Builder by Laura Gibson are my all-time top three. Anyway I'm only halfway through your video but I just wanted to pause to say thank you, I rarely even see this song mentioned anywhere, but your analysis so far has absolutely hit home.

[@toonhkuitjes6382]

You are my kind of guy, Doug!

[@davidlong1786]

As much as I really really wanted to listen to Jackson Brown's music over the years, I always found his songs so depressing and sad. He no doubt has a lot of talent and a wonderful voice but I can't get past his sorrow in almost every song. As a friend that recently passed away once said way back in the 70's listening to the Late For The Sky album, "Pure sadness." RIP Mark, may you find peace and may I find forgiveness for not keeping in touch with you.

[@meganhelvering9578]

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend, David. Wishing you peace and comfort as you grieve his passing.

[@davidrhoads2131]

I have always said Jackson Browne is one of the most literate song writers of all time.

[@edh3709]

I've probably seen him just about as many times as you have. I always hope the next tour will be acoustic. I just get more from those shows. This is also my favorite song and i loved your review. Cheers!

[@mrmojorisin8752]

Jackson’s songs are best solo/acoustic. I saw him solo/acoustic in 2002; it was transcendent. The two solo/acoustic albums he released give a sense of it.

[@ray4sp]

Huge fan here but more for his lyrics / poetry although the melodies are magnificent as well. His lyrics are so desriptive that at times I think " why did I not describe it that way! ". His music touches my soul like no other artist and growing up with him makes it even more poignant.

[@francoisclemmons503]

Also my favorite Jackson Browne song. Also love the acoustic version!

[@kareneDallas]

Such a poet.

[@BuckeyeExpat]

Doug - thanks for sharing your passion for Jackson Browne's music and this song. I enjoyed this! I too am a big fan of Jackson's music - a couple of favorites that come to mind are Barricades of Heaven and In the Shape of a Heart

[@margueritewood7036]

Hands down the best song on I’m Alive and one of my all time favorites as well. Impossible to pick just one favorite JB song. That live double album is upstanding. Jackson Browne turns the most common of experiences into such wonderful lyrics.

[@historyguy5942]

“Too Many Angels” from the album is a song that I think you might want to re-visit--it is musically, and of course, lyrically, excellent.

[@defeatedskeptic311]

Thanks for sharing this, I have never heard of this artist before and it is interesting hear what an expert finds important in art.

[@FIBONICITY]

Just discovered you. Deep and authentic you like Jackson. Wonderful expose.

[@einsoflight18]

BS"D Loving this channel Doug! I love being exposed to song and composition I never knew before. Thank you!

[@robertakerman3570]

& it's not just that. People on the chat lines(regardless of the venue) know SO many songs & artists-it puts Me to shame. Gotta love this 3rd Millenium stuff.

[@qmiller9]

Oh wow!! One of my all time favorite songs!! Favorite artists: Rush, Dream Theater, Plini, Caligula's House, Jackson Browne. So amazing! Thanks for doing this, Doug!

[@hatsbo1]

Not a big JB fan but my wife is, so I treated her to a James Taylor-JB concert last Saturday to get some "brownie" points, heh heh. Not sure how far in they are on this tour, will leave that to those that are interested. Great concert, both guys were in fine vocal form and joined each other's bands to tag team songs, including "Take It Easy" which Brown wrote for the Eagles!

[@rayberry4261]

Album, Late For The Sky is his best, with David Lindley's genius guitar work. For Everyman and Lives In The Balance are genius too.

[@karynmoore5094]

I so enjoyed your expression of the appreciation for this song. His lyrics are so poetic and then combined with the notes and the way he plays them is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard and I listen to tons of music. JB will always be at the top of my list of songwriters, musicians and singers. What a gift he’s been to my life.

[@tkdove14]

Outstanding!

[@mstewart109]

Grew up with him. Such an amazing storyteller. so many of them on 60s 70s. Joni Mitchell. James Taylor. Simon and Garfunkle etc etc . Bob Segar Carole King . .

[@pamnorris8954]

Carly Simon

[@PFB1994]

Just heard this song for the first time the other day. I know Jackson Browne's regular hits. This is wonderful. But keep giving me Iron Maiden, that's how I found your channel.

[@jeffstrack1143]

Wow, one of my favorite songs by JB. Thx for reviewing this.

[@tinavinsant8356]

Beautifully reviewed ❤

[@miccilamb6735]

I have never learned to read music….My greatest regret. I love to sing…..always had to sing by ear…..I soooooo enjoy you, and am secretly jealous of your joy and ability to play and sing, soooo beautifully. Thank you for allowing us, all, to share in that talent and feel that joy. Really, thank you❤

[@dantheman1624]

My favorite song from my favorite artist, just sent you a copy of the lyrics signed…