"You Love the Thunder" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Jackson Browne from his 1977 live album, Running on Empty, recorded at a concert at Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, on September 6, 1977. Released as the third single a full year after the album came out, it only reached #109 on Billboards Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, though it received increased Album-Oriented Rock airplay. The B-side of the U.S. single was "The Road"; however, the B-side for the British single was "Cocaine".[1][2]
"You Love the Thunder" | ||||
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![]() 7" Picture Sleeve | ||||
Single by Jackson Browne | ||||
from the album Running on Empty | ||||
B-side | "The Road" | |||
Released | Early 1978 | |||
Recorded | August 27, 1977 Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, New Jersey | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 3:57 | |||
Label | Asylum Records | |||
Songwriter(s) | Jackson Browne | |||
Producer(s) | Jackson Browne | |||
Jackson Browne singles chronology | ||||
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The lyrics seem to describe the relationship of a musician and a spouse or girlfriend who comes along on tour, keeping with the theme of the Running on Empty album, but they can be read more universally, as well:
In his 1978 review of the album, Paul Nelson wrote: "Browne forges a temporary relationship with a kindred spirit, only to realize 'You can dream/But you can never go back the way you came.'"[3] Billboard Magazine commented on the "engagingly unpolished vocals" and "dynamic instrumental track."[4]
Cash Box said that it has a "moderate pace, good lyrics and a strong hook," as well as "effective" slide guitar and backing vocals.[5]
Chart (1978) | Peak position |
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U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 | 109 |
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Studio albums | |
Live albums | |
Compilations | |
Singles |
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Related articles |
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