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

So I may only be twenty-two, and this album was released a full year prior to my birth but I assure you that this should not discredit my opinion. This is a sampling of the stuff I grew up on and I actually have the record. . .you know. . .the antiquated, large, black, opaque, circular form with grooves. I also have the CD which currently resides as number 17 in my player's disc file, snugly in between Joe Cocker and Van Morrison,. . . nice company to have I think. Sometimes I do prefer to listen to the record. . .the whisper of the needle and the familiar skips where the scratches are; accompanied by the distant crackle take me back to a warm place in my childhood. The music just doesn't sound right without those insolent bumps and expected gaps where I have to fill in the words really fast to keep up with the music. My own private rendition with all the little imperfections committed to memory.

I title this review "How Sweet It Is" not only because the song is the ninth track, but because I remember my mother playing this very record when times couldn't have been more bitter. This is how I learned that music can carry so much emotion and depth. To keep the story short, my father's drinking problem often resulted in arguments, hostilities, inequities, and pain. Post-battle; my mother, sister, and I were left together in a room still lingering with the pungent smell of the dearest man whom had had too much to drink again. James Taylor followed with, "There's something in the way she moves. . .that seems to leave this troubled world behind". . . and for the next 40 minutes or so. . . we did. A kind, gentle, sincere voice accompanied by acoustic guitar soothed the trembles, sometimes provoked more tears, but instilled a powerful message. . . to call upon reservoirs of strength, feel the pain when I am in a bad place, and never to forget all the good places I have come from.

Next is "CAROLINA IN MY MIND (1976)". . .and the line. . ."There ain't no doubt in no one's mind that love is the finest thing around. . .to whisper something sweet and kind."

This is followed by "FIRE And RAIN (1969)" a veritable hit, and my favorite song off this album. . ."I've been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turns toward the sun, Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around, and there's hours of time on the telephone lines to talk about things to come, sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground. . ."

"SWEET BABY JAMES (1969)" is my next favorite song. I have been singing it to my son since before he was born. . .I think he might like it too. It is a sweet and simple tale, "Goodnight ya moonlight ladies, and Rock-a bye sweet baby James, deep greens and blues are the colors I choose, won't you let me go down in my dream, and Rock-a bye sweet baby James." Carole King is on the piano in this one.

"COUNTRY ROAD (1969)" is a bit more upbeat. This is followed by "YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND (1971)" which most obviously will need no introduction or explanation. The fabulous Joni Mitchell does the background vocals. "DON'T LET ME BE LONELY TONIGHT (1972)" is an incredible, "bluesy," and beautiful song. . ."Do me wrong, Do me right, Tell me lies, but hold me tight, save your goodbyes for the morning light, but don't let me be lonely tonight." There is also an awesome Tenor Sax solo in this song.

"WALKING MAN (1974)" is next followed by "HOW SWEET IT IS (1975)" another very upbeat and happy feel-good song adaptable to most any relationship, "I wanna stop and thank ya baby!" "MEXICO (1975)" is yet another upbeat song with a South of the Border quality that is a lot of fun.

"SHOWER THE PEOPLE (1976)" sends the ever important message that "everything is gonna be all right" if you just "shower the people you love with love. . .Father and Mother, Sister and Brother, If it feels nice, Don't think twice." This song always rings true; to "set aside your foolish pride" and love.

"STEAMROLLER (1975)" They saved the SEXIEST for last. This is a bluesy song in which Taylor explores an impressively, deep and bluegrass-esque range of his voice, and he even says the "F" word! Very empowering!

JAMES TAYLOR'S GREATEST HITS includes 12 tunes covering the years 1969-1976. Taylor is a unique and influential singer/songwriter who paved the way for many other stars. He paved a navigable path through my childhood as well and I will be eternally grateful.