German-born, American-raised veteran singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist Jackson Browne released his 15th album on Oct. 11. Since debuting on the Billboard charts in the No. 55 position, Browne's "Solo Acoustic Vol. 1" continues to garner critical acclaim as an infectious, timely follow up to 2004's "The Very Best of Jackson Browne" and its predecessor, 2002's "Naked Ride Home."

Browne's mystical ability to captivate fans worldwide for over 30 years is due, in part, to his innate capacity to convey passion through well-crafted songs presented in an unassuming manner. Jackson's trademark casual vocal delivery style and pristine, yet uncomplicated instrumentation are elements that lend themselves well to an acoustic album. However, addicts of Browne's 1972 self-titled debut album which spawned the mega hit "Doctor My Eyes" may find this album a bit too tame for their musical palates.

For these rock purists, I challenge you to think outside the box. Rest assured you will find many favorites here; the songs are simply reworked with an emphasis on their essence. "Solo Acoustic Vol. 1" is a live compilation loaded with covers of some of Browne's most beloved ballads, with the exception of "The Birds of St. Marks," a previously unreleased song written by Browne at the tender age of 22.

Some of the album's highlights include "For a Dancer," "Too Many Angels," and "These Days," originally written in 1968 for Velvet Underground's Nico, and later appearing on Browne's own 1973 album "For Everyman." These songs are as enduring as they are endearing, and without the fluff they are just as intoxicating as the originals.

Furthermore, Brown's vocal exchange between songs gives the listener a lovely sense of proximity to the performer. The 1973 mega-hit single, "Take it Easy" co-written by Browne and Glen Frey for the Eagles, appears on "Solo Acoustic Vol.1": "We may lose and we may win/But we will never be here again/Open up I'm climbin' in/To take it easy."

At 57, Jackson has come full circle, from his teen years spent with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, to his songwriting contributions which helped propel the careers of Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles and a host of others, Browne has proven that he is the quintessential survivor. Whether he is commenting on socio-political themes, as in 1989's "World in Motion," or portraying discarded lovers as champions, as in 1976's "The Pretender," Jackson Browne has a handle on the universal pulse that runs through the heart of every man and woman, and he does it on this album in the way that he always has: effortlessly.

Vicki St. James is the mid-day on-air personality at Mix 96.1 FM.