World In Motion

Throughout the ‘80s, Jackson Browne’s political conscience began dominating his songwriting. With 1989’s *World in Motion*, it hit its peak. The title track condemns the ever-widening gap between rich and poor and the way that advertising creates want and need. Browne matches his lyrics with a nightclub blues lick and arrangement heavy on the ‘80s synths. “How Long” is another swampy blues; it asks how society will take care of humanity while defense spending skyrockets beyond anyone’s dreams. “When the Stone Begins to Turn” adds reggae to a song for freedom, while Little Steven’s “I Am a Patriot” stands as the album’s finest anthem. Yet Browne hasn’t lost his knack for compassionate love songs. “Enough of the Night” offers hope to those seduced by the barroom lights, while “Chasing You into the Light” proves his heart still yearns and reaches for what he can barely grasp.

Jackson Browne continued amassing a repertoire best suited to an Amnesty International benefit on his second highly politicized album, World in Motion.