Looking East
Looking East is the eleventh album by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, released in 1996 (see 1996 in music). It peaked at number 36 on The Billboard 200. History. Coming over two years after his successful "I'm Alive", Browne returned to more politically and socially oriented themes on "Looking East". Only two songs are credited to Browne alone as composer, the rest co-credited with his core backing band. The most notable song, "Barricades of Heaven" is a reference to the "barrios" (Spanish for low income housing) of Los Angeles. Guests include Bonnie Raitt, David Crosby, Vonda  Shepard, Ry Cooder, Waddy Wachtel and David Lindley. Reception. "Looking East" was considered somewhat of a letdown after the success of "I'm Alive" even after reaching the Top 40 of The Billboard 200. Critic William Ruhlman agreed, writing that the album "is a highly referential work from an artist who started where most end and has been earnestly seeking the right direction ever since. "Looking East" finds him in his own backyard, still searching." Charts. Album – "Billboard" (United States)