"For a Rocker" by Jackson Browne

Song#:  1749
Date:  01/14/1984
Debut:  89
Peak:  45
Weeks:  9
Genre:  Rock



Pop Bits:  This third single from Browne's Lawyers in Love album returned him to the Top 10 at Rock (#7). Unfortunately, it couldn't get near that peak at Pop and it faltered before it could get inside the Top 40. A fourth single titled "Cut It Away" would be issued later, but it could only manage a #37 showing at Rock while missing the Pop chart completely. The album would be certified platinum and would be Browne's last studio album to reach that level.

ReduxReview:  Although this song is a tribute (see below) and has a few shadowy lyrics, it's a good, energetic tune from Browne. In a period where his music was becoming more political in tone, this straight-ahead rocker is quite refreshing. It's a little Dire Straits-ish in the verse, but it all works well. I'm not big on Browne's music, but I don't mind groovin' to this one. It probably should have spent a few weeks in the Top 40.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Apparently, this song was written as a tribute to musician James Honeyman-Scott, co-founder and guitarist for The Pretenders. Honeyman-Scott had died in June of 1982 from heart failure as a result of his cocaine use. The song mentions two women - Peggy Sue and Jenny.  Peggy Sue was the name of Honeyman-Scott's wife at the time of his death and Jenny was her sister.

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