Time the Conqueror

Released in 2008, 'Time the Conqueror' marked Jackson Browne's first album of entirely new material in six years. It represents a significant synthesis of his two primary modes: the introspective romantic and the fervent political activist. Recorded with his long-standing touring band, the album possesses a 'live-in-studio' chemistry that favors long, exploratory track lengths, most notably the nearly ten-minute 'Where Were You.' Sonically, it is a return to the high-fidelity craftsmanship of his 1970s peak, but with a more prominent use of Hammond organ and soul-influenced grooves. The album was largely seen as a 'return to form' by critics who praised its lyrical density and the undiminished clarity of Browne's baritone. It stands as a centerpiece of his later career, proving his ability to adapt the 'Laurel Canyon' aesthetic to the complexities of the 21st century.