If "tragedy is the fuel of genius", then the breakup of Darryl Hanna and Jackson Browne is pure Saturn V rocket fuel. I have owned "I'm Alive" for eight years now and every time I go back and play it again after a while, I am always astounded at how much I still LOVE this album! I was born in 1966 so the music of Jackson Browne has, for better or worse, been around me my entire life. "Running On Empty", "Doctor My Eyes", "Late for the Sky", "That Girl Could Sing", among others have been the source of plenty of blissful moments in my years but, even I wasn't ready for the musical joy that emanated from my speakers one night in late 1993 upon hearing "I'm Alive" the first time! The opening notes of the title track set you in the right mood for a fun listen. By the fifth track, you begin to realize that those opening notes were just the tip of an iceberg of musical and lyrical genius. A mixed bag of musicians and background vocalists were assembled for the ten ballads on this 47 minute album yet, they never clutter up or distract the listener from Jackson's central story of a very significant relationship going south. The remarkable thing is how he relates this melancholy theme without depressing you. The songs are wonderfully balanced with trademark Jackson Browne guitars, piano, bass, and drums usually stripped down to near acoustic simplicity with stunning effect. I earnestly do not believe that Jackson has ever sounded as good vocally as he does here, particularly when he is playing piano. "Sky Blue and Black" may just be the most astounding song Jackson has ever done. The other four odd numbered songs make up the rest of the upbeat songs with the title track and "Take This Rain" being standouts. This incredible album ends most appropriately with the soaring "All Good Things" containing the refrain "All good things got to come to an end; The thrills have to fade; Before they come `round again". The album that came after this was a bit of a disappointment but, that is to be expected after a musician comes down off the inspired mountain writing about an intense period in his life.
The bottom line: This is THE Jackson Browne album to own if you plan to own just one. You will not be disappointed in the least. If you decide you would like another of his albums that is also quite good, take a listen to "Late For the Sky".