For Everyman

Jackson Browne's second album defined the idea of the Southern California singer-songwriter--one part country, one part folk, eight parts introspection. It would be disgustingly maudlin except for the fact that Browne has some powerful songs, like the title track and "Lady of the Well." But he can up the volume a little, turning out a version of his own "Take It Easy" that outdoes the Eagles and cranking up the bar-band boogie on "Redneck Friend." For the most part, though, it's late nights in the dark and candlelight, and Jackson Browne did it well. --Chris Nickson