Still relevant after all these years

Forty years ago, singer-songwriter Jackson Browne sang about life as a twentysomething in the hit song “Take It Easy.” He was “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” and what did he see? “…  a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowing down to take a look at me.”

Zoom ahead to 2014 and Browne, now 66 years and 1 week old, is singing about “Leaving Winslow.” That’s the title of one tune from his new album “Standing in the Breach.” But he’s not looking for love anymore: “… I’ll be on this train and I won’t be back again,” he sings.

After 42 years and 14 albums, Jackson Browne is still singing. But it’s a different song, unlike some of his contemporaries who are making a living retreading old hits. Browne is still relevant. His easy-rolling mixture of folk-tinged pop, political awareness and personal insight still shines with intelligence and heart. But he brings a middle-age perspective: often weary, wavering between acceptance and resignation, but still hopeful for the future. Rolling Stone reviewers gave “Standing in the Breach” 4 out of 5 stars. Allmusic.com 3.5 stars.

Any desert-island list of music of my life would include a couple Jackson Browne albums. I charted my emotional growth in my 20s according to Browne’s songs. And on several of his recent albums, I find his music still rings true for a fiftysomething guy who’s been around the block but holds on to bits of idealism and hope for the future.

Browne is not coasting into his golden years by rehashing golden oldies, like some of his contemporaries. In fact, he’s far from alone. A number of other singer-songwriters of his generation are still committed to making music of substance. Some iconic names come to mind: Paul Simon, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan. Dylan has recorded several absolutely essential (and fun) albums in the 2000s and in November will issue “The Basement Tapes Complete,”  a fresh version of legendary 1967 home recordings made with The Band and first issued in the 1970s. The new release is mastered from the recently found original tapes and is said to include all the songs that were recorded.

But beyond the megastars, a lot of artists who are highly respected but not household names are still making meaningful music, 30 or 40 years into their careers. And their music reflects the concerns and perspectives of people of a certain age. Of these artists, several who come to mind are John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell, and Richard Thompson.

Which of your favorite artists from earlier years are still making relevant music?

Browne and his band performing “Leaving Winslow” on Late Night with David Letterman in early October: