On “Sky Blue and Black” and “I’ll Do Anything,” the artist expresses his love and devotion to a woman. A line from the latter states, “I make your happiness my responsibility.” The object of his affection dominates his thoughts on “Everywhere I Go.” Marital reconciliation is the focus of “Too Many Angels” (“I want to watch the children as they run; I want this darkness gone”). Other songs involve facing lost love with a spirit of optimism and perseverance (“I’m Alive,” “Take This Rain”).
“My Problem Is You” abdicates behavioral responsibility, stating, “For some kinds of pleasure there are no defenses.”
Adults may remember Browne from 1978 when he was “Running on Empty.” Whether or not he can stage a comeback remains to be seen. Overall, I’m Alive is a solid effort, weaving together pro-social poetry and acoustic guitar melodies.
