So far, we've looked at James Taylor songs for when you're feeling down, when you're feeling frustrated, and when you're feeling nostalgic. Here are a few others.
Feeling introspective, wondering about your place in the world, how you connect with others? Just observing the world around him and taking it all in, James Taylor writes beautiful songs with keen details about the environment. Whether it's North Carolina, where he spent several years, or the New England towns he lives now and raises his younger children, he has an ability to put us there with his melodies and lyrics. This is my favorite listening mood for James Taylor.
Walking Man (Walking Man, 1974) just creates an image for me of this pensive man walking down the sidewalk in a New England country town, observing all that's around him. He doesn't stop to make small talk, just walks and enjoys. Classic JT.
Shed a Little Light (New Moon Shine, 1991) is just one of the more popular songs on what might possibly be, in my opinion, the perfect James Taylor album. A fantastic rendition of this song was recorded earlier this year by two a cappella groups in honor of MLK Jr. Day (or maybe that's just why it got so much play), but James and his back up singers really brought this song to life, and he reminds us of our interconnectedness, and the important things in life. Still gives me goosebumps. The clip below is when James performed with the Lowcountry Voices of SC following the SC shootings last year.
Secret O' Life (JT, 1977) is enjoying the passage of time/ Any fool can do it/ There ain't nothin' to it. It's pretty simple isn't it? Kind of a zen reminder to live in the present, and enjoy time rather than worry about it. I love the line, The thing about time is that time isn't really real. It's true. Time is a man-made construct to help us move through life easier. Try not to try to hard/It's just a lovely ride. I need to try a little harder to remember that.
Gaia (Hourglass, 1997) just might be my favorite James Taylor song. It takes my breath away, reminding me to enjoy and appreciate nature. It will forever hold an extra place in my heart, because my friend Helen "read" me through my choice of this song. It was a really unique experience. My favorite part is when he sings, We reached the reeling and I dropped my pack/ Sat down on my haunches and I looked back down over the mountains/ helpless, and speechless, and breathless. And Hourglass might also be my favorite album cover.
Feeling euphoric and in love? When I was really young, like many other young girls I used to dream of being sung to by a boy who wanted my affection. You know the daydream. A boy and his guitar serenading the girl at the center of his universe. Singer-songwriters like JT just have a way about them, stripped down and heart on the sleeve. How Sweet It Is, was a good "sweet" song and Steamroller Blues added a little sass to the mis. But these are some good ones too.
Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (One Man Dog, 1972)
Your Smiling Face (JT, 1977)
Little More Time with You (Hourglass 1997) has some of the best lyrics for a love song. Passed on the cocaine/ Said bye-bye to my methadone/ Put down the bottle for one more day/ I'm backing off of my tobacco jones/ Still feel like a hopeless junkie/ Like a man who can't say no/ I look back and there's that monkey/ Rascal won't let go/ Gotta spend just a little more time with you. Lyrical songwriting that's a lot better than "might as well face it your addicted to love."
Feeling happy or like clapping and toe tapping? This is another choice mood for enjoying James Taylor. Let's face it. I can go on and on. Listening to James Taylor just makes me happy. So no matter what mood I start in, I'm usually feeling even better than I did before when I get a good dose of JT. This list is just too hard, because there are so many great songs for any mood. But, here are a few of my "feel good" favorites.
Sun on the Moon (Never Die Young, 1988). There is a great live rendition of this on the Greatest Hits Live album.
Slap Leather (New Moon Shine, 1991) could be considered a political commentary. I wasn't really sure why the song was titled Slap Leather or what it even meant, until I looked it up recently. It means to draw your weapon in a gunfight. I'll let you listen to the song to figure out why JT may have chosen the title. It's even culturally relevant today. This is a cool clip of a rehearsal prior to one of the band's European tours. Check it out.
Jump Up Behind Me (Hourglass, 1997) is just fun. I know now only one thing matters in these days/ One thing, true love, love and love alone, true love. How can that not make you feel warm and fuzzy?
Some Days You Gotta Dance (Covers, 2008) is a Dixie Chicks cover. This song is so upbeat and fun, and I had the occasion to see a performance by the Chicks and JT together, singing this song on Crossroads. They were just starstruck by being onstage with him and it was really cool to hear them sing together, because I love them all. The video clip below is from that performance.
Today, Today, Today (Before this World, 2015) is on JT's critically acclaimed new album. It has such a good feel to it. Below is a video from a special show he did at the Apollo for SiriusXM last year when they had a limited run James Taylor channel. Yes, I listened to it all day every day until it ended. The lyrics are so hopeful. The way ahead is clear/My heart is free from fear. Nuff said.
If you're in the mood to celebrate a friendship or reminisce about old friends, forget You've Got a Friend, which is wonderful but immensely overplayed. Instead pick up or download a copy of Live at the Troubadour with Carole King, 2010. These two started out together and have maintained a beautiful and creative friendship over the years. I saw them perform on this tour and it was simply outstanding. I almost felt like I was eavesdropping on their jam session because there is such a creative and intimate chemistry between them.
I could go on and on until I've listed every JT song in his catalogue. But let's face it, I'm just a huge fan and you all have iTunes. Check any of them out and if you need advice on what to choose, look me up. A good place to start is with Greatest Hits Live.
Peace.
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