“Doctor, My Eyes”

JACKSON BROWNE

Like “American Pie,” Browne’s breakthrough song used a buoyant beat and a fetching melody to soften a tough message. The singer notes that his sight needs healing after all the harshness he’s witnessed in his life. To contrast the gloom, Browne hired guitarist Jesse Ed Davis to create the song’s barreling solo, which he recorded in one take. He also paired his own voice with the harmonies of friends David Crosby and Graham Nash. The latter suggested the song serve as the single from Browne’s debut album, which resulted in a Top 10 hit. Two months later, a song Browne wrote with Glenn Frey, “Take It Easy,” gave the Eagles their inaugural hit.