Greatest Hits - Taylor, James (Popular) (CD 1987)

THE ALBUM
Released in 1976, James Taylor's platinum Greatest Hits album, which comprises songs from his early musical career, was and still is a must-have album for any music collection. It's honest soothing, almost folk sounding songs are already classics!

THE MUSIC
The tracks:
1.Something in the Way She Moves: This song was originally featured on the album "James Taylor" 1968 by Apple Records. A re-recording of this song appears on this Greatest Hits album. A great romantic ballad! One of my favorites!

2.Carolina in my Mind: This song was originally featured on the album "James Taylor" 1968 by Apple Records. The version of this song on the Greatest Hits album is a re-recording of the original debut song from the album "James Taylor." This is just a lovely song! I know James and his family moved from Boston to Chapel Hill, North Carolina when he was a toddler. This song seems like a ballad about being a bit homesick for N.C.

3.Fire and Rain: Originally appeared on the hit album "Sweet Baby James" released in 1970 by Warner Brothers Records. This is probably James' most famous song of all time. Even people who aren't huge James Taylor fans can sing along with this one! It is a very sorrowful, heartfelt song that is about, among other things, the loss of a dear friend.

4.Sweet Baby James: Originally appeared on the album "Sweet Baby James" released in 1970 by Warner Brothers Records. My all-time favorite JT song. Melodious, sorrowful...wonderful! I've heard that this song is about James Taylor himself and I've heard that JT wrote it about his brother Alex's son James. Either way, this song is just beautiful!

5.Country Road: Originally featured on the album "Sweet Baby James" released in 1970 by Warner Brother Records. This is another great JT hit.

6.You've Got a Friend: "Mud Slide Slim And the Blue Horizon" originally featured this song in the 1971 Warner Brothers album. JT's version of the the Carol King song. To me, his version is THE number one version. Joni Mitchel does back-up vocals on this one.

7.Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight: This song appeared first on the album "One Man Dog" released in 1972 by Warner Bros. It's a heartfelt ballad. Very harmonious yet full of raw emotion.

8.Walking Man: This was the title song to JT's album "Walking Man" released in 1974 by Warner Bros. A very good song.

9.How Sweet it is: Originally appeared on the album "Gorilla" released in 1975 by the Warner Bros. This is a cover of a Marvin Gaye song. Very upbeat for an acoustic song. James Taylor does a great rendition! His then-wife Carly Simon is featured in this song too.

10.Mexico: Originally appeared on the album "Gorilla" released in 1975 by the Warner Brothers record label. This is a very upbeat song. It makes me smile every time I hear it! Graham Nash & David Crosby do background vocals on this song!!

11.Shower the People: Appeared on the album "In the Pocket" released in 1976 by Warner Bros. A great song with a great message. Carly Simon can be heard on this recording too!

12.Steamroller: Originally featured on the album "Sweet Baby James" released in 1970 by Warner Brother Records. JT's wild side comes out in this song. I heard that he wrote this song sort of poking fun at the loud blues bands he used to hear in NYC. :)


THE ARTIST
James Taylor was born on March 12, 1948. Himself and his family moved to Chapel Hill, NC in 1951. James received his first guitar in 1960 from his parents. Though James Taylor has had his fair share of problems with drugs, loss and illness, his music has been made only richer from his life experiences!


THE BOTTOM LINE
James Taylor is one of my favorite artists of all time, so I am biased when it comes to his music. His music is timeless: harmonious, pure, honest and soothing. But to some, it is boring.

I love to sing along these songs anytime! The lyrics and soft sounds sooth me and I become completely engrossed the music itself. This album also holds a lot of childhood memories for me. My Dad, who loved to play his guitar and sing, was a huge JT fan, so I've heard the songs from this album throughout my life! As I grow older I find I not only enjoy the sounds and melodies of JT's music, but now I can relate the his lyrics more as well.

If you enjoy such artists as Jim Croce, Simon and Garfunkel, The Eagles, or Dan Folgelburg, you will love James Taylor's Greatest Hits. And even if you've never heard of any the previous artists, and are thinking about giving this album a shot, I say 'Go for it!' This album is a classic and a great addition to any music collection! I don't think you'll regret this purchase!