The Real Road
To refresh your memory, the album -- which was either loved or hated by Browne fans when it was released -- represented a unique departure from the typical live album concept. Sure, it contained tracks of concert performances, but it also contained songs recorded in unconventional places: Browne's tour bus, various hotel rooms, and backstage at concert venues. Running On Empty was also unusual in that none of the songs had appeared on any of the artist’s previous studio albums. It was nominated for a Grammy and became one of Browne’s most successful albums.This was a concept album that sought to depict a “day in the life” of a touring rock star. The track list was true to the stereotypical theme of sex (“The Road”) drugs (“Cocaine”) and rock ‘n’ roll (“The Load Out”) that defined the era. The DVD in the newly released set contains two previously unreleased songs -- “Cocaine Again” and “Edwardsville Room 124” -- that were originally recorded during this period. The DVD also includes the entire album in Surround Sound, photo and video features, and song lyrics.
What's Old Is New Again
This album solidified the success Browne had achieved a year earlier with his breakthrough album, The Pretender and set the stage for his continued success in the 80s.
While we await the second volume of live acoustic performances and a new studio album, the remastered Running On Empty is just what we need to satisfy the appetite for the distinctive sound of a consummate artist.
Track List
1. "Running On Empty"
2. "The Road"
3. "Rosie"
4. "You Love The Thunder"
5. "Cocaine"
6. "Shaky Town"
7. "Love Needs A Heart"
8. "Nothing But Time"
9. "The Load-Out"
10. "Stay"
11. "Cocaine Again" *
12. "Edwardsville Room 124" *
* previously unreleased DVD-only tracks
