Time the Conqueror
Jackson Browne · 2008
57 min · 10 tracks · country music
A reflective blend of rock and folk that intertwines personal introspection with broader social themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Time the Conqueror Start here — The title track serves as a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of change, encapsulating the album's core themes.
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The Drums of War — This track stands out for its urgent commentary on conflict, showcasing Browne's ability to merge personal reflection with pressing societal issues.
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Where Were You — A poignant ballad that reflects on loss and longing, this song highlights Browne's emotive storytelling prowess and deep connection to his audience.
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Going Down to Cuba — This track offers a unique perspective on cultural exploration and political engagement, demonstrating Browne's curiosity about the world beyond his borders.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal and social themes through varied arrangements, creating a reflective listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered instrumentation, gradually building in intensity before settling into a reflective mid-tempo groove.
- Several tracks incorporate social commentary, with lyrics addressing themes of war and justice, often juxtaposed against personal narratives.
- The arrangement of the songs varies, with some tracks featuring prominent piano lines while others rely heavily on acoustic guitar and subtle percussion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- reflective moments of personal growth
- thought-provoking themes of resilience
- engaging storytelling through song
- wave-like pacing for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in themes and sound in Browne's later career.
- Themes
- political engagement· Cuban exploration· war commentary
- Career context
- By the time Jackson Browne released Time the Conqueror in 2008, he was an established figure in music, known for his poignant songwriting since the early '70s. This album came five years after his previous release, The Naked Ride Home, and marked a continued exploration of political and personal themes amidst a changing musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Neil Young· Gordon Lightfoot
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Drums of War
A shift from personal narratives to broader reflections on global conflict occurs midway through the song.
This transition amplifies the urgency of the message, contrasting individual experiences with collective struggles faced by society.
Tracklist
- 1 Time the Conqueror Start here 5:26
- 2 Off of Wonderland 3:40
- 3 The Drums of War 6:13
- 4 The Arms of Night 4:34
- 5 Where Were You 9:48
- 6 Going Down to Cuba 5:44
- 7 Giving That Heaven Away 6:24
- 8 Live Nude Cabaret 4:16
- 9 Just Say Yeah 5:50
- 10 Far From the Arms of Hunger 5:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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