10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs

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Our list of the 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs aims to highlight key tracks in Jackson Browne’s catalog that haven’t received the recognition they deserve. While die-hard fans appreciate nearly all of his work, we’ve put together this selection for the casual listener, hoping to inspire a deeper exploration of his brilliant musical repertoire. Born in 1948, Jackson Browne launched his recording career with his self-titled debut studio album in 1972. His most recent studio album, Downhill from Everywhere, was released in 2021. Throughout his career, Jackson Browne has released fifteen studio albums. So, here we go…

# 10 – A Child in These Hills

We always like to start our underrated song lists with a track from the artist’s debut album—it just feels right. Jackson Browne’s debut album has received a lot of love over the years, so choosing an underrated song from it is no easy task. The pick here goes to the beautiful song “A Child in These Hills.”

# 9 – A Little Soon To Say

Continuing with our 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs list, we jump from his debut album to his most recent offering, Downhill from Everywhere, released in 2021. The track “A Little Soon To Say” stands as our favorite song on the album. It’s a beautiful, slow-grooving ballad that sounds like it could have been released on The Pretender album. His voice sounds a tad older on this one, but the lyrics, melody, and arrangement are pure, iconic Jackson Browne.

# 8 – My Stunning Mystery Companion

In the number eight spot on our 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs list, we present the ravishing song entitled “My Stunning Mystery Companion.” The song was released on the album The Naked Ride Home, which debuted in 2002. The song is fueled by a set of lyrics that sound as if he may be speaking to his fans: “What with all my expectations long abandoned / And a life that just gets more and more demanding / There’s no doubt that you’re the reason I’m still standing, / My stunning mystery companion.”

# 7 – Downtown

In the number seven position on our 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs list is the rocking song entitled “Downtown.” This track was released on the album Lawyers In Love, which dropped in 1983. The album caught the attention of many of his fans, and half of its songs became hits, with four of the album’s eight tracks being released as singles. Although “Downtown” was never released as a single, it stands out as one of the best songs on the record, thereby qualifying it as a high priority on our list of underrated songs. Its driving rhythm and sharp lyrics make it a hidden gem in his discography.

# 6 – Too Many Angels

Jackson Browne sounded a little like Chris Isaak on this one, based on the mood that the arrangement set for the listener. This is such a cool song. This was one of the first songs on the album that really turned my head. There were a lot of head-turners on this great record. The song was released on the album I’m Alive, which came out in 1993. The song also features some really spellbinding backing vocals from Jennifer Warnes, Valerie Carter, Doug Haywood, Katia Cardenal, and Ryan Browne.

# 5 – Rosie

At the halfway point on our 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs list is just Jackson Browne and his piano, accompanied by some luscious background vocal harmonies. Running on Empty was a rocking Jackson Browne album full of life and adventure. Yet, smack right in the middle of it was this tender, unassuming ballad that just stopped time for a couple of minutes. That’s what great songs and performances can do.

# 4 – Of Missing Persons

Next to The Pretender, Jackson Browne’s Hold Out album stands as our favorite record. So, of course, there may be a little bias here towards this stunning album. Every song was just about perfect. There were a few hits, and some songs got heavy FM radio airplay. While our favorite song on the album will always be “Hold On Hold Out,” we feel the most underrated is “Of Missing Persons,” the opening number of side two of Hold Out.

# 3 – Redneck Friend

It can’t be all sad, teary-eyed songs that make this list. And you know, who wouldn’t want Elton John playing piano and Glenn Frey singing harmonies on a track on your album? “Redneck Friend” is the only song on this list that was actually released as a single. However, it was never a big hit, peaking at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100. Still, this is a great one that gets overlooked. The song “Redneck Friend” was released on the album For Everyman back in 1973.

# 2 – Before the Deluge

Just off the top spot on our 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs list, we celebrate the gorgeous song entitled “Before the Deluge.” The song was placed as the closing track on Jackson Browne’s stunning album Late for the Sky. It was never released as a single, as so many of his great songs never were. And that’s one reason this one has gotten lost over the years. It’s a beauty of a track. Its poignant lyrics and beautiful harmonies featuring Dan Fogelberg, Terry Reid, and Don Henley will just knock you out.

# 1 – Sleep’s Dark and Silent Gate

We close out our 10 Most Underrated Jackson Browne Songs list with the phenomenal song entitled “Sleep’s Dark and Silent Gate.” The song was released on The Pretender album. It’s an album that stands as one of the greatest album releases of all time. So, picking an underrated song from such a significant album may seem strange. But, of course, there are many who only heard the hits, and we would hate for them to miss out on this beautiful song.