Standing in the Breach
by Jackson Browne
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Mojo
    Nov 5, 2014
    40
    Jackson Browne's return after six years feels dutifully dragged out of some deep somnolence, maybe exhaustion. [Nov 2014, p.90]
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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Brutus54
    Dec 3, 2014
    8
    Pretty good. Carefully crafted, well played, and pushes a few boundaries, whilst still fitting comfortably into the JB mould. Dare I say it?Pretty good. Carefully crafted, well played, and pushes a few boundaries, whilst still fitting comfortably into the JB mould. Dare I say it? A professionally made singer-songwriter album, from an acknowledged master of the genre. Obviously, I am a fan, so I was going to be pretty well disposed towards JB's work in any case - but to my ear at least, there is more artistry, discipline, melody, soul and warmth here than in just about any new release I have heard this year. I wish there more senior artists retaining such a strong emphasis on quality control in the twilight of their careers. Fun overall - and thought provoking too, in that there is social reflection mixed in with the rock and roll heart.… Full Review »
  2. amartnz
    Dec 1, 2014
    9
    “We’re a long way gone, down this wild road we’re on,” he sings, in a voice that has grown more deeply textured by the year. First things“We’re a long way gone, down this wild road we’re on,” he sings, in a voice that has grown more deeply textured by the year. First things first – “Standing in the Breach” is a stunning testament to his band’s prodigious gifts. The music is drop dead gorgeous throughout – a sharp, shimmering, brilliantly crafted offering from truly great players, utterly at ease and stretching out behind one of the very finest singer/songwriters our country has produced. In keeping with that most hallowed American tradition, Jackson writes to bear witness to that which truly matters to him. He’s often pretty funny here, but what matters to him most hasn't changed much over the arc of his singular career. With wit and tremendous insight, as always, he wrestles with matters of the heart. The way romantic love changes over time. The way our actions is the world harbor the possibilities of a greater love – or banish them. The confessional wisdom he offers his partner in “Yeah Yeah” resonates effortlessly with the album’s songs of more global concern. It’s remarkable to watch these parallel streams that have long distinguished his artistry come together in the kind of seamless, soulful integration that defines this work. The man has been a beacon of courage for decades now, and it is obvious that the clock is running on him, as it is on all of us. That he has it in him to make such vibrant music at this stage of his journey defies all expectations – the master, with eternity now beginning to call, offering yet another trenchant, easygoing masterpiece. We do well to bear witness, while it’s still within our power to do. The highest recommendation.… Full Review »
  3. LordOtis
    Nov 30, 2014
    9
    It is good for me to hear from an artist that has held onto the dream of a better world than we were born into, who continues to speak forIt is good for me to hear from an artist that has held onto the dream of a better world than we were born into, who continues to speak for that dream of peace and encourage his listeners to do likewise. Like David Crosby's album Croz, released earlier this year, this album reflects the meditations of a man who is a "long way gone" through life with wisdom to share. Standing in the Breach feels like it had to be produced regardless of its reception in the marketplace. Still, I imagine it must seem as if Browne is singing to the wind. But rest assured a few of us out here hear you and are inspired to continue through music in hope for mankind.… Full Review »
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