"Blaze of Glory" is the ninth studio album by British rock musician Joe Jackson, released in April 1989. Displaying a polished version of the pop-rock present in his earlier work, the album represented a departure from the jazz and classical influences of his previous releases. Full of theatrical anthems and narrative-driven songs, it centers around the theme of "a day in the life" of a typical individual.
One consistent element through the album is Jackson's sharp, incisive songwriting. It focuses on the disillusionment and loss of innocence that comes with adulthood. A fresh-faced idealism is a pulse found in the background of the album, as certain tracks embody a hopeful resonance towards the concept of youthful ambition and glory.
Unlike any of Jackson's earlier records, "Blaze of Glory" was created with the deliberate concept of performing the entire album live on stage. This concept was considered quite ambitious at the time, and it expanded upon the usual scope of a studio album project. Hits from this album include "Nineteen Forever" and "Tomorrow's World".
Combined with an exploration of broader musical styles, "Blaze of Glory" is an ambitious and daring album in Joe Jackson's discography, with the artist's uniquely introspective and nuanced storytelling on full display.
