James Taylor: Ultimate Playlist
Happy Birthday James! Let's take a deeper look at some of my favorite James Taylor songs.
1. Fire and Rain
This song explores Taylor's reaction to the suicide of his childhood friend Suzanne Schnerr and his experiences with drug addiction and fame.
Fun fact: Carole King has stated that her song 'You've Got a Friend' was a response to the line in the 'Fire and Rain': "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend." James Taylor went on to cover the song in 1976.
Check out my piece on King's "Tapestry" and James Taylor's influence on the album: https://www.thehotchildinthecity.com/post/music-monday-breaking-down-tapestry-and-fun-facts-you-may-not-know
2. Sweet Baby James
The opening and title track off of Taylor's album from 1970 is about his nephew, James, who was named after him.
Taylor also performed 'Sweet Baby James' as a birthday tribute to Jimmy Kimmel where he claims the song was actually written about the late night host!
3. Terra Nova
This song was co-written by Taylor's then wife Carly Simon, who can also be heard on backing vocals, although uncredited.
4. October Road
A later release from Taylor (from 2002), 'October Road' is the title track off the album (his 15th!) I always love to listen to this one during the autumnal seasons.
5. I Was a Fool to Care
Fun fact: this tune was covered by Mac DeMarco (above)!
6. Blossom
Another song off of "Sweet Baby James" and in my opinion an underrated one!
7. Music
Another underrated tune, 'Music' comes from Taylor's sixth studio album "Gorilla" from 1975.
8. Shower the People
'Shower the People' is the opening track on Taylor's album "In the Pocket" from 1976.
9. Something in the Way She Moves
Fun fact: George Harrison was inspired to write 'Something' during sessions for the "White Album" by listening to label-mate James Taylor's 'Something in the Way She Moves' from his album "James Taylor".
Check out my piece on "Abbey Road" for more fun facts: https://www.thehotchildinthecity.com/post/54-years-of-abbey-road
10. Suite for 20 G
According to James Taylor Online: "The song was a last-minute composition to fill the last slot on the new album. They needed one more track, so James hastily stitched together some bits and pieces of songs he’d been working on and the band recorded it. The name refers to the fact that on completion of 'Sweet Baby James' they’d receive a $20,000 advance from Warner Brothers."
11. Carolina in My Mind
And finally, this song was Taylor's second single from his 1968 self-titled debut album, exploring his homesickness at the time.
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