James Taylor Albums Ranked
James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Taylor achieved his breakthrough in 1970 with the No. 3 single “Fire and Rain” and had his first No. 1 hit in 1971 with his recording of “You’ve Got a Friend”, written by Carole King in the same year. His 1976 Greatest Hits album was certified Diamond and has sold 12 million US copies. Following his 1977 album, JT, he has retained a large audience over the decades. Every album that he released from 1977 to 2007 sold over 1 million copies. He enjoyed a resurgence in chart performance during the late 1990s and 2000s when he recorded some of his most-awarded work (including Hourglass, October Road, and Covers). He achieved his first number-one album in the US in 2015 with his recording Before This World. He is known for his covers, such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” and “Handy Man”, as well as originals such as “Sweet Baby James”. Here are all James Taylor albums ranked.
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10. One Man Dog (1972)
“‘One Man Dog’ was his 4th, and although ‘Hey Mister…Jukebox’ got some radio play, the album did not sell well. It is nonetheless probably my favorite of his huge body of work (all of it excellent). The songwriting is strong, musicianship is first rate; although it is “easy listening”, there is funk, folk, country, humor & a classical feel to the varied songs; there are 18 cuts! JT is a genius, a musical craftsman with a beautiful singing voice.”
9. That’s Why I’m Here (1985)
“his CD definately does not disappoint! He offers a wide range of songs, mostly written himself. Some of the others, like “My Romance” (by Rodgers and Hart) have his signature smoothness and ease. He gives them a personal touch. There are some old favorites like “Song for You Far Away” and “Only a Dream in Rio”. I really like “Rio”- the beat and the whole story of a vacation cut short by an insurrection. He captures the dichotomy of the dreamy tropical vacation spot to a frightening escape from gunfire. He shows from his beginning to his captiviting end the difference of the “dream in Rio” to the reality of upheaval, of poor hungry children, of how what seemed so charming yesterday seems scary and sordid today. Another favorite is “Going Around One More Time”. His lyrics and phrasing are captivating and I laugh every time I hear it. And who wouldn’t love his twist at the end of “Turn Away”. Let’s not forget “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”. “
8. New Moon Shine (1991)
“New Moon Shine is Taylor at his best. The more mature Taylor is just as enjoyable as his earlier work such as JT. My all time favorite is October Road, a must have in your music collection. “
7. In the Pocket (1976)
“In the Pocket is a great name for this album of songs representing decisions of the past. It is an album of regrets. It includes songs of misunderstanding,missed opportunities, decisions made and regretted, and of life wasted folowing social pressures rather than your own preferences. All presented with the clear voice and style of James Taylor. A good album to listen to when you are in the mood to look back over the mistakes you’ve made and paths not chosen. It may be a bit of a downer, but does express human feelings when looking back over our life and wondering what if I had chosen differently. We all have regrets and this album does a good job of representing them in an entertaining way.”
6. October Road (2002)
” I loved “October Road” and September Grass”, and decided to check out the others. I am NOT disappointed! As usual, James Taylor has made magic out of music. His voice is so soothing, and this album is a little softer, showing that soothing voice even more.
Go, James, go!”
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5. Hourglass (1997)
“This record came out the summer after I graduated high school and it changed my life. The songs were so beautiful and the instrumentation so well done I was inspired to learn Jt’s guitar playing style and have used it ever since. Clever lyrics, experimental instruments, brilliant backgrounds and James rock-a-bye sweet voice. 97 was great for JT and Paul McCartney, who recorded HIS finest work in 30 years, Flaming Pie. Sounds amazing on wax, pressed onto two discs by analog spark. I give this a STRONG BUY! Enjoy…”
4. Gorilla (1975)
“Taylor.has settled into a comfortable groove., and his. albums reflect his. maturing. perspective in his songwriting,
and his choices of cover songs.and though the formula. repeats itself on this and future albums. released. they. sound trite or phoned inn. The material has aged as gracefully as James himself. Solid recommendation.”
3. JT (1997)
“This will always be my favorite album by him. He seemed to truly find his voice here. In fact the combination of voice, guitar skills, writing skills and the Peter Asher production created a perfect high point in his career. Maybe a bit more ‘pop’ than some of his other albums, the music is very accessible and in many cases, supremely peaceful like taking a warm bath. Heroin without the nasty side effects.
That’s right, I like it!”
2. Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon (1971)
“Timeless music sung by a true talent. Perfect to listen to anytime but especially on a journey where you can sing along to words that can be clearly understood.”
1. Sweet Baby James (1970)
I remembered listening to this album as a child, I was taken aback by how flat and cold it sounded on CD as
a grown-up. I wondered if my memories of how warm it sounded were something I imagined. I hummed and hawed for years but eventually reinvested in a turntable and Bought this album. As soon as the needle landed, I was transported back to my childhood home listening to the warm harmonies lilting through the living room. My memory had not been wrong.”