Artist: Jackson Browne

Album: Looking East

Released: 1996

Genre: Rock, folk rock, singer-songwriter, Americana

Label: Elektra Records

Looking East is Jackson Browne’s 11th studio album, released in 1996. It came after I’m Alive (1993) and continues his mature, thoughtful singer-songwriter style.

The album has a fuller rock sound than some of Browne’s earlier work, with strong electric guitar, keyboards and backing vocals, while his socially conscious and introspective songwriting remains central.

Standout tracks

* Looking East – atmospheric title track with a strong political and social edge.

* The Barricades of Heaven – one of the album’s highlights, reflecting on Browne’s life and career.

* Somebody’s Baby – a reworking of an earlier Browne composition.

* Information Wars – politically charged and reflective.

* Culver Moon

* Baby How Long

* It Is One

Overall

Looking East isn’t generally considered one of Browne’s essential albums like Late for the Sky or Running on Empty, but it’s a strong later-period release with intelligent lyrics and excellent musicianship.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you’re building a Jackson Browne collection, I’d consider it worth owning, particularly if you like his more mature, socially conscious material.