Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Album 1005 of 1089 Sweet Baby James - James Taylor (1970) Rating : 5 / 5 There’s really no denying how great this album is. These are songs that have quietly passed through generations and still feel just as natural and relevant today as they did when they were first released. Taylor has a rare gift — the ability to take a simple phrase, a small observation, and turn it into something lasting and deeply familiar. The songwriting is effortless without ever feeling lazy, and his vocals carry a calm confidence that never tries to oversell the moment. This album doesn’t rely on big production tricks or flashy performances. It’s just beautifully written songs delivered with warmth and sincerity from beginning to end. Whether it’s the gentle storytelling, the comforting melodies, or the way the songs seem to settle in rather than demand attention, this is one of those albums that earns its reputation honestly. A timeless listen that reminds you how powerful simplicity can be when it’s done right.
Emotional. One of my mums favourites. She passed away 2 years ago .
I was surprised to like this album this much, especially because I did judge it by its hilarious cover, but it was just really good. Solid all around. Listened to it twice.
Exceptional writing, singing and guitar playing. An album full of melody and thoughtfulness. Beautiful.
Oh man. I knew the words to all but a couple tracks. Mellow and bluesy, but with the correct mood lighting, this one hits rights. Listened before Y Saved some tracks? Y Favorite tracks? Fire and Rain, Anywhere Like Heaven, Sweet Baby James, Steamroller Blues ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Saved a bunch of tracks
After days of vocalists I could not stand, definitely sign me up for some James Taylor and Carole King. Yes, please! Love the acoustic guitar and piano. Listened before? N Saved to library? Y Favorite track(s): Steamroller, Fire and Rain, Suite for 20 G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it! Saved most or all of the tracks.
James Taylor has such a sweet voice and his guitar playing and compositions are like butter. How can you not like this?!? Liked Songs Added: Sweet Baby James Sunny Skies Country Road Fire And Rain
I’m from North Carolina, this album is in my blood. I was raised on it. And I really do love it. Gentle, sweet, clever, beautiful little songs that bring me serenity and calm. Sometimes you need that.
It's a crime for this album to be only 30 minutes!
Man, this was just so good. Everything about this -- the writing, the performances (vocal and instrumental), the producing, recording, mixing, just all perfect in every way. I had only heard maybe two of these songs before, but James Taylor constantly surprises me with how awesome he is at this. I listened to it twice. Five stars easily.
I've never listened to this album all the way through, and I don't know why. James Taylor has such a calming voice, and his writing is so vivid. loved this album.
Might not be prefect but it's a 5 for me.
Great from start to finish. Not a bad song on here.
I get it
My dad used to sing James Taylor to me when I was little. I think it's mostly nostalgic.
Awesome
Sickly, saccharin sweet? Yes indeed. But I like the smooth, calming qualities of James Taylor's voice, and the musical arrangements on this album, which are understated in the main, but never too spare. In short, I need this album in my Tidal library for those times when I just need to find some serenity, and since I like almost all the songs, I'm giving it five stars.
I love Fire and Rain so I had high expectations for the rest of the album, which it failed to live up to. Initially intended to give this a 4, but I think if I’d come at this having never heard any of the songs before, I’d enjoy Fire and Rain enough to give it a 5, so that’s what I’ll do.
What a sweet record and voice.
James Taylor è un altro di quei giganti del cantautorato americano che mi ha accompagnato durante tutta la mia infanzia e tutto ciò che scrive è per me l'equivalente di una carezza. Country Road e Fire and Rain sono meravigliose e militano da anni nella mia playlist, bravo James, ti voglio sinceramente bene.
Album che sa di innocenza di infanzia. Ne basterebbero due per fare il voto, ma complessivamente è davvero bello.
This album is really a cohesive one and he's a master of words.
Great album!
Four of his best songs and the rest are all okay too. 5 stars or A-.
I can’t believe this is my first James Taylor album listen. Beautiful stuff.
Just outstanding
This is the type of album this list is for! Such a good album. His voice is incredible.
This was light rock/easy listening, but man James Taylor has a great singing voice. Only knew ‘Fire and Rain’ but really loved the title track, what another great discovery courtesy of 1001.. only song I didn’t like was ‘Steamroller Blues’ - decent song but did not suit his voice imo. Overall really nice listen, 4.5/5 had a great time with this one
Great bluesy folk album by James Taylor. The guitar work is superb, and his voice is angelic. Fire and Rain is a classic for a reason, and it still resonates, while many other songs on the album are composed, played, and sung beautifully.
Lovely classic.
This just made me happy. It was groovy and beautiful and I enjoyed every song! Will absolutely listen again
I grew up on this album with Sweet Baby James being a bedtime song. For nostalgia purposes 5/5. But I also love James Taylor’s guitar playing. You hear a song of his and instantly know whose it is.
I expected to pan this for my memory as a kid of James Taylor being total cheese ball band my parents forced upon us. I was very surprised to find I kept tuning into it, getting sucked into his lyrics, voice, guitar playing, instrumentation. This was way better than I expected. 1001 list has paid off once again, getting me to revisit a pre-conceived notion with fresh eyes.
An album that simultaneously sounds sunny and joyful on the surface and conceals a dark undercurrent below. Brilliant!!
Damn. Mr. Taylor can write some good ass folk. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 5. I have a healthy appreciation for James Taylor, but as more of a two-hit wonder in my brain: “Fire and Rain” off of this album, & his cover of “You’ve Got A Friend” from its follow-up. I always figured I’d like the guy, and I knew he had a little more of a place in music than those two tracks, they’re just the ones that come to mind. Boy, am I glad this is on the list to finally kick my ass into listening to him: this was great. The first tracks here are really good, if a little more guitar-heavy off the top, but once “Steamroller Blues” opens up the soundscape to a new world of possibilities, this album rides into an even nicer stride. Hell, the final 5 tracks that end this thing are a fantastic stretch. If I have any missteps here, it might just be that the “Oh, Susannah” cover feels out of place; it could’ve been cut, and it would make for a remarkable run from Steamroller Blues to the end of the album. Beyond that though, I really have no complaints. James Taylor’s vocals glide like silk on these tracks, adapting to the mood & tone of any track on a whim. Even though the guitar is his main anchor, they both blend wonderfully into the instrumentation this album throws in, especially on the funky section that ends the album on “Suite for 20 G”. Even when it’s just him & his guitar, it’s still captivating & malleable all the same; something like “Oh Baby, Don’t You Loose Your Lip on Me” strikes me as a sort of lo-fi Muddy Waters. His songwriting is great too; I especially want to give a nod to “Anywhere Like Heaven”, which just clicked wonderfully for me, but there’s some strong, strong lines throughout this whole thing. It’s an extremely tight 32 minutes, and it says everything it wants to say & more. Again, outside of “Oh, Susannah” being here (which is just a personal preference more than anything), I think you can’t pace the album any better than that. I really enjoyed this, and I’m glad James Taylor is no longer a two-hit wonder in my brain. If it’s a little too bubbly at times, I can understand giving it a 3 or 4, but for my tastes, this is a very easy 5. I feel like I gotta listen to the follow-up now, even if it’s not on the list.
Better 4,5
My favorite era of James Taylor and even the little known tracks on this are great. Easy 5 stars
An all time banger. In my Top Ten of all time, and a serious contender for Number One. Absolute perfection from the master of pop folk.
Some of these songs hold a special place in my heart for they were sung to me when I was a child. And Taylor’s own voice is one of unparalleled serenity even on the surprisingly burly “Steamroller”.
Beautiful stuff. He is such a good songwriter my lord. Just smoothest music ever
A touchstone in the seventies Singer-Songwriter movement that revealed a more sophisticated folk music. Two powerhouse songs in Fire and Rain and Country Road manage to not overshadow the rest of the album. While his storytelling and earnestness can overcome the impending corniness of material like Steamroller. A beautiful album.
James Taylor is a real guilty pleasure for me, I don't think this is anything ground breaking but I find his singing super relaxing and this album has some of his catchiest hits. I guess this is a personal 5* that I might not rate that highly if I was trying to be impartial!
Who knew a man with a bad haircut and a blue shirt could pull off such a banger of an album?
Sweet Baby James is the second studio album from James Taylor, and the first to find significant success. Taylor's calm, clear voice matches his introspective songs, and his understated acoustic guitar playing supports the simple, elegant sound of his songs. The album includes two of Taylors' first hits, "Fire and Rain" and "Sweet Baby James." These - and most of the other songs on the album - help start the career of one of the successful, celebrated singer/songwriters in popular music.
Not bad! Anyone that can write a song about traveling on The Massachusetts Turnpike or a song walking down a street near a mental institution in a Boston suburb and make both scenarios sound epic is the mark of a great song writer.
The first song on here does not set it up good. Thought it'd just be some regular old singer/songwriter crap. But wow, the rest of these songs really prove me wrong. There's always something interesting going on musically, and the melodys are downright angelic in places. This album is extremely well played and the sound is varied while still having that 70s air on it
Sweet, sweet baby James. Silkyyy smooth. I don’t want to keep giving everyone a 5 but I really can’t find a fault on here. Maybe too many blues tunes? Didn’t bother me though. Took a walk through the woods and this couldn’t have been a better soundtrack.
I think we needed a chill album to bring us all home after Hot Rats and All Hail The Queen Sweet Baby James is/was a 32 trip through country roads, gospel, blues and periods of ecstasy like happiness. JT has a pretty voice and an incredible ability to make little flurries of notes on his acoustic (having played fire and rain for a decade, I don't come across many players who choose to finger chord shapes like him to pul that off) One big takeaway was how soul/gospel JT is in his discography. Favorite two tracks were Country Road and Oh, Susannah. 4.5 stars and rounding up
Great album
oh just so beautiful, great album
Awesome album. I’ll be coming back for more
a great surprise, became one of my favourites
Some delicate gems that are smooth and pleasing
Not sure if this is a 5 because of nostalgia or its just a 5 on its on, but still a 5.
Super hyggelig musik
Great
A very good album with some of the best songs ever written such "Sweet Baby James", "Fire and Rain" and "Country Road".
Loved every song
James Taylor can do no wrong in my book.
An all time fav. It's been awhile since I have listened to the album. Glad it was on the list.
Amazing, loved it!
Never been a James Taylor fan but I can deny that this is a great album. Begrudgingly I have to give it a 5.
Its a classic. Such a beautiful, gentle voice that works better for blues songs than it has any right to. Short and sweet!
I didn’t like James Taylor before, I do now
Great songs that don’t overstay their welcome. Musicianship. Mix of country folk blues and sometimes makes me think of Bill wurtz! 4.5
I just love James Taylor. This is such a perfect record. “Fire and Rain” is an amazing song and stands out on an album full of amazing songs. There should be more James Taylor on this list, but I’m glad at least this one is here.
5 stars. I will always love this one. Eternal comfort. Everything will be all right.
One of the best mellow albums of all time
maybe his best
Another classic singer-songwriter folk-rock album from the early 1970s - it seems amazing today just how big this type of music was back in the day. IOn addition to the title track, this album also contains the single "Country Road", the massive "Fire and Rain", the bluesy "Steamroller", and an interesting version of "Oh, Susannah".
Singrr Songwriter mit tollen Harmonien.
I don't know why I can never keep James Taylor and Jackson Brown straight in my head. They're both great but this album in particular is special to me.
The platonic ideal of a folk singer-songwriter album; Taylor has such a pure sweet voice, and his lyrics conjure vivid imagery. “Fire and Rain” is a stone classic, and hits even harder once you learn what it’s about.
Folky, funky, soulful-James Taylor is an American treasure ❤️
I live for this
Fire and Rain. Great album
Love revisiting these classics.
As good as it gets for James Taylor fans! A real classic.
Loved
great
Like a mix of Jim crocce and John Denver! Can't believe I've never listened to him before
I suppose I first heard James Taylor when Fire & Rain first got radio play after its release in August 1970. It eventually entered the 2UE Top 40 in November, where it spent 19 weeks in that chart, reaching #5. So it was big and I was a big fan. Taylor had been touring with Joni Mitchell that year & they played a concert recorded by the BBC at the Royal Albert Hall in October 1970. Sometime in 1971 ABC announcer Chris Winter featured the broadcast of that concert on his radio show Room To Move. And not long after that I purchased a copy of a vinyl bootleg of the concert, called In Perfect Harmony, at Martins Record Store, corner of Pitt & Goulburn Streets in Sydney. They were literally selling bootlegs from under the counter. That was when I first heard Steamroller, which had become the comedic part of Taylor’s set. I bought this album soon after & it’s been a favourite ever since. I’m a sucker for western movies & therefore also a sucker for songs about cowboys, so the title track, which had been the first single released from the album but never charted, was a no-brainer for me. The last single released from the lp was Country Road, which did chart. Except for Stephen Foster’s Oh, Susannah, Taylor wrote all the songs. Except for Carole King (who was about to release Tapestry, the biggest-seller of the 70’s) on piano, the musicians were among the cream of west-coast soft-rockers. And the album was produced by Taylor’s manager Peter Asher, who had signed Taylor to Apple Records in 1968, produced his first album for Apple, which he left to follow Taylor back to the U.S. when that album failed. It still works for me.
Loved the album! That was the beginning of that singer/songwriter genre being big and he is the epitome of it. Great album. It’s also in my wheelhouse. That’s my favored genre, so it gets a great rating.
Really great album. Enjoyed the songs and definitely an artist I will listen more to.
Ooooh Susannah, now don't you cry for meee!
This one of the best albums by singer-songwriter ever.
Calm voice. Nice kinda country kinda troubadour, I've sing fire and I've seen rain song in this album
Awesome
Almost every song perfect. This album - egotistically titled as it is - took folk singing in a new direction. JT, Carly Simon... CSN (&Y), Joni Mitchell... the sound of the early 70s (and beyond), leading to Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles... and unfortunately "Soft Rock" and the slam it receives. But such beautiful music.
I am an unapologetic fan of this record. Taylor is a wonderful song writer and a capable guitar player. Fire & Rain is beautiful and poignant. I quite like the percussion on the record, too.
This album is rated entirely too low on this site. Is it sappy? Sure. But James Taylor can sing, his songs are fun to listen to, and easy to sing along with. I probably should knock it down a star because I really hated the Oh Susannah on here (doesn't fit the album for me and sort of puts the brakes right in the middle of the thing) but I won't do it. When you want something very easy to listen to, with good acoustic guitar work, and some blues sensibilities, it's really hard to go wrong with this one.
Classic rock. Wonderful album. Great voice. Very talented.
One of my top 10 - ever. The Beatles recognized his talent, produced/published his first album, but didn't keep him in the Apple Studios corral!
Classic
Love this so much
Anywhere Like Heaven is my favorite song on this album. Overall the album has weathered well. This being one of the many soundtracks of my teen years I enjoyed reminiscing as I listened.
This is love at first sight. The singer was telling stories through his voice.
Boy I loved this album back in the day. It was a fave of the underground FM radio I listened to all the time before I went to bed. Fire and Rain and Sweet Baby James were like magic songs. They still stand in my opinion. I wonder what the young'uns feel when they hear them.
Great album, good pacing and very easy to listen to. My type of music Top Songs: Steamroller Blues, Fire and Rain, Suite for 20 G
this was an album i fell in love with a long time ago during a very difficult period of my life, so i will always have a soft spot for this one. i think nowadays, i am not as into it as i was back then, but there's still a lot of really great stuff on here. i know that james taylor is not everyone's bag, and that's fine, but for me, this album is almost therapeutic. just a really great folk-rock album, with some country twang. and nothing is better than james taylor's voice!
I really liked this album. It's the kind of calm, quiet folk that I really enjoy. Easy to listen to, great lyrics, great melodies, just all around pleasant and enjoyable.
I've listened to this album for years. Absolutely love it!
Doesn’t this album make you feel like you’re on a long car ride to grandma’s? Is it just me?
Beauty He’s like Bob Dylan’s if he knew how to sing. Also sounds a bit like Jim Croce. Really pleasant. Good lyrics and writing. With my banjo on my knee.
Most fabulous
Smooth and easy. Beautiful lyrics. 10/10 Dad music
Again it has happened to me, I was SURE we'd heard James Taylor already, being over two years through this project. But this is the first one! And it's so good! Having not really listened to Taylor by the album before, this is pretty much what I would have hoped for. "Fire and Rain" is such a wonderful 70's folky juggernaut, and hearing "Oh, Susannah" lead into it is glorious. I love the blues touches, and although it does contain topical themes of the time, it still feels comfy and warm and reassuring. Thank you.
Just lovely and comforting!
Well this is just lovely. My knees are buckling.
I grew up with this in our family compact cassette collection so I know I have heard this many times, but only Sweet Baby James and Fire and Rain stirred any memories. I think it was a little too mellow to stand out to me then. Fortunately, I am able to appreciate this in its entirety today.
See what a few years and actual talent can create? What a step-up versus the incredibly boring era of '60s folk and psychedelic rock. Sure, maybe this is a bit too sweet and saccharine. What about it, though? Sometimes it's nice to listen to calm, soft rock. Gotta say, that last song was a bit of a cliffhanger. Suite for 20 G goes heavier and is just as much of a fit for JT. That track is an obvious standout, alongside Lo and Behold, Country Road, and Fire and Rain.
Richtig gute Stimme, tolle Gitarre, hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
great
Chill country, ta bueno
.
I'm a medium James Taylor fan - I have his JT album on LP (5 stars) and very vaguely know this one. A very easy listen, light instrumentation and simple melodies. I'm obsessed by songs not lasting too long, and the album is nice and snappy. I also enjoy when an album really encapsulates an era or genre, which this does. Sweet Baby James, Fire and Rain, and Blossom are my favourites, but I could (and have) re-listened to the album a couple of times. Country Road also stands out. 4.5 for me.
So rich and warm and full.
James Taylor's voice is a warm blanket, soft and cozy. I sang Sweet Baby James to my kids when I would rock them to sleep while Fire and Rain is my favorite James Taylor song. Even though I don't put James Taylor on much anymore, I know I can always go back and put this on and I'll have a friend to make me feel better.
This is the finger picking guitar style I’ve always admired and wished I could emulate. JT’s delivery is smoothly soothing. I must have thought, “oh, this is my favorite track,” at least 5 or 6 times. Sweet Baby Jane, Sunny Skies, Country Road, and Fire And Rain stand out the most although most of the other songs are a mere tick below these. Oh, Susannah and Anywhere Like Heaven are my least favorite tracks, and I still enjoy them thoroughly. This album is as consistently good as most any album I can remember from the first 528 albums so far. There’s no dud, no song I’d rather not be on the album, which is rare I’ve come to learn. The only folk rock album I’d take over this one is Bob Dylan’s Freewheelin’.
This album hits home for me, it was on my parent's record player for a decade, then it was on my record player for years - shit my first born is partly named after James Taylor. ❤️
Before today, the only song I'd ever heard by James Taylor was "Carolina in My Mind", which isn't on this record, so I knew I was in for a folk album, but was unsure how I would like it. Well, I loved it! James Taylor is very similar in musical attributes to John Denver, with that smooth country folk/blues style. This music tells a story. You can sit back, relax, sip a coffee, and be taken on a trip by his lyrics. James has a way of painting the most vivid pictures through his songs (especially the songs Sweet Baby James, "Oh, Susannah (which I know is a cover, but he does a phenomenal job of it), and Country Roads to name a few). I absolutely love this type of music. It instantly removes all of the stress from my life, and for half an hr, all of life's hardships melt away. I will 100% listen again! I don't know why I slept on James' music for so long! This album is going to be put in regular rotation now!! Favourite songs: Fire and Rain, Anywhere Like Heaven, Sweet Baby James, Steamroller, Country Roads, Suite for 20 G, "Oh, Susannah", Lo and Behold Least favorite songs: if forced to pick, Sunny Skies 5/5
Wow. Man was I wrong about James Taylor. This album is so good. I love the variety of genres he dapples in. The beautiful fingerpicking guitar throughout on the slower songs. It was perfect.
Yes! This was great, I’ve only heard Fire and Rain before. Really nice acoustic songs and powerful harmonies.
My wife and I used to listen to side 2 of this record going to sleep for several years. We'd turn it on and fade away to the smooth timber of his voice and the lovely Travis-picking. It's a great songwriter's record. These are simple songs elevated with great guitar work and smooth effortless voice. There are few things as organic as that and James was probably one of the best. People forget that he was around the Beatles early on and influenced their songwriting, even directly inspiring "Something" by George Harrison. Also, he's one of the most underrated guitar players on the planet. Listening to Lo and Behold off of this record is an absolute master class in finger-picking and writing two completely separate guitar parts that can be played independently and still sound like the song enough to play and sing to, but when played together blend so perfectly that they almost sound like a single piece. Perfect. Story-time: In the summer of 2002 while I was in college, on a lark, my aunt bought me a ticket to see James Taylor live. She knew I liked music and was a bit of a hippy, so she thought that was appropriate. She's... not real hip. I went alone b/c no one else wanted to buy tickets and I was the only person under 60 at the show. Let me tell you, JT and his band were absolutely fantastic. So much so, I bought solo tickets to 6 other shows on the tour and followed him down the I-10 corridor from Jackson to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio over the next 10 days or so. It was during the summer and I just stayed with college friends along the way. So, the summer after freshmen year in college while my friends were all living it up on summer vacation or following Widespread Panic or gearing up for Phish's imminent reunion or whatever college freshmen do, I was following James Taylor. I was not very cool.
If you hate this you also hate joy and beauty
Just right for me
Great guitar tone, great voice, reverent to the Americana tradition without feeling derivative. If you like James Taylor, it’s a winner.
james taylor is a bit of a musical blind spot for me, and i wish he wasn’t, because this is excellent. great vocals, great guitar, the bit with the horns was super cool. just a great album.
Essential album, loved it from start to finish.
First album I ever owned(so long ago)…always will be one of the best
Fantastic album....could listen to JT all day. Love his voice and his style. This one contains some of my all time favs. 4.5/5
Great production, great songs. It feels weird to give it 5 stars because I don't particularly find it groundbreaking, but it feels like a flawless record.
super chillig und schön, mit eingestreuten groovy songs
This was a fantastic album. What a great voice and great songwriting. I don't know how this album could have been better so I've got to give it the coveted 5 stars.
I first fell in love with James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” when I was 10 years old watching Remember the Titans with my parents. After that I listened to more and more of his music and was amazed at his clean vocals and acoustic guitar. He mixes singer-songwriter with blue grass and blues. Even “Oh, Susana” he makes interesting. This is a near perfect album for me.
Sooo good!
Great music to ease your way into the day. Taylor's voice is so pure and rich and music is simple but beautiful. It goes to show you don't need autotune and digital effects when you have pure, raw singing and songwriting talent. Wish we had more music like this today.
Great album, comforting vocals, standouts "Fire and Rain", "Sweet Baby James"
Classic album
Love love it.
They don’t make them like the old ones anymore!
Yes. Everything.
I've known of this album for a long time but never given it a proper listen. I loved it. Taylor's voice is just fantastic and coupled with that lovely acoustic guitar playing. Such great stuff.
This is great. And I don't usually go for this kind of stuff. But every note, every artistic decision, the voicing and just every touch on the album is perfect. Loved it
Country blues folk rock thing very much enjoyed!
Yes a good one!!
Baby making music. Fav tracks: " Oh Susanna" " Fire and Rain"
Great album, one of the first \"Singer Songwriters\" this is a great album, love \"Sweet Baby Jane\" \"Steamroller Blues\" \"Oh Susannah\" and \"Fire and Rain\" James at his best before the alcohol and male pattern baldness kicked in! Look at that Mane like hair! Great Album Rightfully in the list in my honest opinion.
rreally good
Such a beautiful voice
Beautiful album. Very Bluesy.
So nice. Makes you want to go fishing all day on a row boat. Fire and rain is one of my favourite songs, but have never really listened to the others.
A true treasure of an album, an aural comfort blanket that lifts the soul and warms the heart. James Taylor could sing the phone book and it would still be worth a listen. "Country Road" has a special place in my heart, featuring as it does in one of my most favourite films. Not one wasted second in this album, and one that I will listen to again and again.
He has such a great voice. I don't love every song on this album, but his guitar and voice is just so great makes it worthy of 5 stars.
Fantastic album. There’s nothing like James Taylor. I could listen to this everyday and find joy in it. What a delight.
Ohhhh, this is an all time favorite of mine. 5 all day
Almost tempted to lower this to 4/5 because it's a little cheesy and I've heard the best songs too many times, but it's just too good.
One of the GOATS
This album was really good, easy to listen to. I enjoyed all of the songs! 5/5 stars.
Surprisingly creative and fun folk/blues/rock album! The covers were great and the slower songs were gorgeous, too!
Every year I get older I get more into James Taylor. A quintessential attribute of my suburban white dad final form I have to assume
Classic Singer/Songwriter. This album help set the bar for all singer/songwriters to come.
Instant mood lifter. Great for the background of a relaxed evening or cooking
very nice
Absolutely amazing - the perfect album before bed
A tremendous album, I don't know how I've managed to miss it up to now.
Really, really enjoyed this album. So easy to listen to and I honestly can't believe it came out in 1970! Love the country/Americana/blues vibe. Favorite album so far.
Simple & brilliant. I love the hits (particularly SBJ, Steamroller, and F&R) but I think the other tracks complement them nicely. I really like this album.
Obviously Fire and Rain is outstanding, but I really enjoyed the rest of the album a lot. It’s a really interesting mix of big band and country and rock that I didn’t realize existed before.
Any artist who uses my name Twice in one album is a rock star in my book! It is amazing how someone so talented had challenges with drug abuse and depression. He has such amazing lyrics that make you stop and listen. He seems to be telling a story of his life and journey in every track. Great talent on loan from God. I just saw him and Carole King doing a live set to an intimate audience and his agent was there. James thanked him for all the years of commitment . I say thank you for all the amazing hits you’ve put out all theses years. His words have healed him and maybe many others
Always Great. JT is wonderful in every way.
Lovely
Un classique, j’adore 5*
Couple skippers on this one but all is forgiven. 4.5
So sweet and serene
Pleasant enough. Not transcendant, but it's a lot more listenable than many of the albums that have come up on this list so far, and doesn't overstay its welcome either
Um álbum de Folk e Blues muito bom. Algumas faixas brilham, como por exemplo Steamroller Blues. Pula Unicrom.
I already knew of this album actually but, only Fire and Rain. So I’m actually quite excited for this! The lowlights of this album is that all songs sound quite similar and his voice can become a bit annoying by the end but, overall a great album. I’d recommend Sweet baby James, Lo and behold, Stream roller blues, Country road, Oh susannah, Blossom, Anywhere like heaven and Oh baby, don’t you loose your lip on me.
Fantastic guitar as expected, smooth voice, cool songwriting
Baby James !
A lot of weird hate for James Taylor on here it’s like hating ice cream
I didn't want to like this, but dang it, I did! Disliked "Oh Baby, Don't You Loose Your Lip On Me," but LOVED "Suite For 20 G." Thought his version of "Oh, Susannah" was nice, too.
I think this album does really well when he’s using his light and relaxing voice to sing similarly light and relaxing songs, but not so well with the blues ones. There are a lot of really pretty songs on this and it’s perfect for the background during an activity but nothing super magical to me beyond the ones I already knew. Fav tracks : sweet baby James, fire and rain
My mom loves James Taylor so I always assumed he was a late 70s/early 80s soft pop guy that I wouldn’t like. You’re telling me he’s been a folk/SSW guy this whole time???
Certainly one of the definitive singer-songwriters of, well, ever. And this album has a couple of his most beloved, at least by me, songs. You know what they are. You know all the words. You turn them up and sing along whenever you hear them.
I recognize a few of these tracks by name, but otherwise have never listened to this album start-to-finish. My early memories of James Taylor are of hearing him on classic rock radio in the late 80s and early 90s. At that time and at that age, I didn't really like his music that much. I feel I've grown to appreciate it more now. Maybe in another 30 years James Taylor could become one of my favorite artists? Who knows? I enjoyed this more than I expected I would.
Lovely album. Very relaxing. James taylor sings and plays well. His song writing doesn't have the sparkle of a Joni Mitchell, a Neil Young or a David Bowie that would elevate this to five stars.
3.5+/5
Great voice, almost rodriguez-ish.
Good easy listening album. I think the album was recorded with a governor on the gas pedal… at times it seemed like they wanted to let their hair down and just ROCK.
Grew up on this one, I think I got it in one of those Columbia House 15 records for one cent deals. It's withstood the test of time for me.
I know it's saccharine sweet and overly sentimental and all that, but I can't resist getting charmed by this. Taylor's singing lulls me in, and the lyrics, mawkish as they may be, still find a way to hit home in places.
Solid folk/blues album. Doesn't wear out its welcome 4/5
I already knew some of the songs on this album, but I don’t think I knew any of the ones with horns. I really enjoyed the contrast between the softer guitar songs and the songs with brass arrangements. I like his voice and the guitar and although a couple songs are a bit weaker, I think there’s good variation across the album. Overall I thought the album was lovely, some really beautiful songs. Fav song: Fire and Rain Least fav: Blossom
So iconic to name the song that completes the album you're getting paid 20 grand for "Suite for 20 G". Fun folky guitar and lovely voice, very calming album. Favourite song: Fire and Rain Least: Oh Baby, Don't You Loose Your Lip On Me
I really enjoy James Taylor’s music. This album has some hits and brings me down memory lane.
yes, always to this classic. it’s just that overall pleasant and catchy. it fits into life.
For Fire and Rain alone this album is great. A beautiful easy listening singer songwriter record.
Good album. Restored my faith in country music
Very cool. JT in solid free and easy songwriting form it seems. I'm not crazy about the couple of bluesy numbers. The usual folky stuff is excellent though. Fire and rain is beautiful and there are a few other great little simple compositions. The atmosphere is so cool.
James Taylor wrote and performed some of the most iconic songs of a generation. Definitely one of the best. Fire and Rain is super popular but it still gives me chills.
A few exceptional songs sandwiched around a bunch of good efforts. My highlights are Fire and Rain, Sweet Baby James, and Country Road. Steamroller Blues is better live, the live No Nukes version is superior to this album version. The rest are good enough that if I had been of age when this came out, I would have loved to have seen him live. One stinker, I'll let you figure out which one that was. Obviously one of those, "We need one more song" to fill out the album situations.
James Taylor ce chef
I really enjoyed this album a lot!
A classic....four stars
I’m not a huge James Taylor fan. But dude knows how to write a song. And he can sing. A 4.
A lot of pleasant songs
A lovely 70’s album by the truly superb James Taylor
Lovely album, and unimpeachable maybe (apart from the last track). It never stays with me as much as say, Nick Drake, whose songs are so much sadder and stranger. But it's gentle and listenable. 3.8
I liked this album, very chill and country
A little boring at times but the song construction ability is undeniable. This gets a 4 stars for quality of album but can't say I'd want to re-listen much.
8/10
One of my favorite albums.
lovely lovely album, will relisten.
3/10
chill and good!
you said you never met one girl who has as many james taylor records as you but i do
Prachtig
Very heartfelt often moving songs. Taylor never sounded better than this. Sweet baby james and fire and rain are the standouts but there are a number of moments that take the breath away. The padding towards the end removes this from a 5 star album but it feels picky
Number: 100 Date: 04/12/2026 Artist: James Taylor Album: Sweet Baby James Year: 1970 Genre: Soft Folk Rating: 4 Notes: Before: ======= This is my 100th album today and its a decent pick to commemorate the occasion. My mom had it so I heard it a lot in my youth and I continued to listen to it on occasion up in to my late teens. I recall it was quite popular at some church retreats for teens that I went to while in high school My recollection is that it might by kind of sappy. Let's see. During: ======= 4 Sweet Baby James 4 Lo And Behold 4 Sunny Skies 5 Steamroller 5 Country Road 2 Oh Susanna 5 Fire And Rain 2 Blossom 2 Anywhere Like Heaven 3 Oh Baby, Don't You Loose Your Lip On Me 1 Suite For 20 G ----------------------------------------------------- 3.31 WEIGHTED AVERAGE (accounts for song lengths) After : ======= Yeah, it is kind of sappy and I grew a little weary of it towards the end but overall I think it is very good representation of this particular type of music and definately deserves a place on The List. 3 my personal rating 5 suitability for this list 4 impact ----------------------------------------------- 4 composite rating
No private session used for Spotify. I was sitting in a hotel on a lazy Saturday morning when this album came up and I put it on. It hit my mood perfectly, it's mellow, sweet, and plenty of great acoustic guitar. My only complaint is listening to "Fire and Rain" knowing I had a flight in about 8 hours, then I looked it up and found out "flying machine" referred to Taylor's first band and not a plane wreck which I originally thought, so we are all good.
3.75
I still have a soft spot for soft rock, and James Taylor's voice is perfect for that genre. He's a little bit too clean cut for blues, but his more folk-style songs are excellent. Helps that Fire And Rain is one of my all time favorite songs, as well.
Sweet baby James is adorable
Just ever so slightly too sweet.
I liked this a lot, chilled country bluesy folksy goodness.
Although I do know Jaqmes Taylor and our legendary of a singer-songwriter he is but his music is a bit too slow for my taste.
Solid guitar work and nice, calming voice. A few standout songs with most of the album being quite enjoyable. Nothing that really elevates it to an iconic level, but something I could see myself coming back to again.
I’m not usually a huge James Taylor fan, but this is a solid album. It’s easy to see why this one gets talked about so much. The whole thing has a relaxed, lived in feel, and it works better for me here than it usually does with him. I liked the bluesier stuff most, especially “Steamroller.” “Sweet Baby James” was good too, and of course you can’t help but sing along to “Fire and Rain.” Favorite song: "Fire and Rain"
Turns out his hits are far better than the album cuts. 3.5 rounded up
J'ai en vinyle depuis des lustres et je n'écoute pas souvent. Ça m'a agréablement surpris quand même.
Bien mais pas convaincu complètement. Faudrait plus d’écoutes attentives.
Fire and Rain is a great song. He has a great voice. Easy to listen to. Nice album.
# Album Name: Sweet Baby James # Artist: James Taylor # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: A very americana country feel. Steamroller blues. What a tune. Great bit of blues there. Lovely little album. Could become a 5 in due course. # Top Tunes: Sweet Baby James / Lo and behold / Steamroller B / Country Road / Fire and Rain # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Day811 - a less cynical younger version of me could really enjoy this without thinking it’s corny. still i sang along
This is such a great album. There are some awesome hits, but also some really solid songs o haven’t spent a lot of time with. Classic James Taylor sound. 4/5/26
This is just Mac and Cheese in an album form It’s simple, the lyrics are very basic, it’s really short, but it’s just got a pleasant sound to it. I was surprised by how much I vibe with it; I like the horns in the last song quite a bit. Vocals are also really nice, clear but not too in your face which I think is a hard balancing act I still don’t think I’m a huge folk fan but I liked this one a lot better than Crosby Stills and Nash for some reason. The variety’s not amazing on this one, When I first saw this album I joked that it couldn’t be more generic if it tried (the dudes name is Jame Taylor and it’s just a white dude looking at the camera), and although it didn’t do a lot to shed that reputation, it was pretty damn solid.
Now the first of December was covered in snow / and so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston / Though the Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frostin' / with ten miles behind me and 10,000 more to go... Oh my God, possibly one of the greatest verses ever written. Absolutely love it. Second album from James Taylor, some very solid songs (Sweet Baby James, Fire And Rain, Country Road, Steamroller Blues) and some that catch you unaware (I'm looking at you, Susanna). Came out in that awesome era and truly announced his ascendence. Up for Album of the Year, losing out to Bridge Over Trouble Water by Simon and Garfunkel. No shame in that! These songs have more than stood the test of time.
I genuinely don't know if I've heard of this guy before. I feel like I've heard the name James Taylor before, but the name is so generic that I may have either made the name up on my own, thought of a different person, or misremembered a combination of other names. It is possible though that I have heard of this guy because he seems to have a decent cultural impact, with this album selling over 3 million copies in the US. So, is this album good? Yeah. I liked it. The singing is good. It works for the style of music he wants to make. The sound is also quite nice. The guitar work is solid and the rest of the sound is also pleasant. There is a decent variety in the songs. The writing is thoughtful and there isn't really a bad song on here. Some songs blend together a bit, but others stand out. Overall, this is a pretty good album. I would be surprised to see that it didn't win the Grammy for album of the year, but it all makes sense when you see that it lost to Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Listen - it may not be earth-shattering but hot damn James Taylor could flat out sing and play. His simplicity is his strength, with a smooth style but an edge informed by loss, heartbreak and a Carolina charm. It's a great record, just perfect singer-songwriter work.
I really didn't care for the involvement of Oh Susanna in here but I enjoyed it overall.
Some ultra classics interspersed with dreck.
Well done, especially “Fire and Rain” and “Anywhere like Heaven”
I remember this album so well
This is the album that has all the things I love about James Taylor. He's got some versatility, some soul, and can write a catchy tune.
ai elizabeth... FAVS (top 3): sunny skies, streamroller blues, fire and rain mençoes honrosas: country road; blosson; oh baby, dont you loose your lip on me; suito for 20 g um bom album, começo meio fraco mas é a vibe do album mas eu curti pra caramba! nota final: 4/5
James Taylor somehow seems a bit slept on. A terrific album with great songwriting and impressive arrangements.
Ótimo álbum folk blues
James Taylor is about as folksy as I get, and no small part of it is my mother putting on his albums when I was younger. It’s funny that you can tell how old a reviewer is because a lot of people mention this in their reviews; very western-parents core. This is very nostalgia tinged for me, otherwise it would be just a nice folk or singer/songwriter album. His voice is crystal clear like it always is and there's never a note missed, note even on the more jam oriented final track. It's all very put together and all very pleasant. An easy going and light listen.
i like it.
James Taylor's parody blues songs on this album are better than any attempts that Led Zeppelin made in the genre. Overall, an enjoyable album.
Classic tunes
3.6 3x short and sweet
cute
8/10
4.5
Solid folk album. Great soundstage on some of the tracks and really enjoyed is vocals. Not a big fan of the tracks where he shows off his take on blues.
A wonderful medley of fusion and styles - Suite for 20G is a perfect example of this
3-4 classics in this effort, loved the last track. thanks JT!
Sensational album top to bottom, soulful songs, great voice. Country Road, Oh Susannah, and the track with the full on brass section!
Classic James Taylor, super chilled out folk music. It's a super popular album full of great songs. It's hard to go wrong listening to this one. Great for chilling out or setting a relaxing mood. There is a nice build up to the big hit song and then it lets you back down easy. A really great album to put on and listen to the whole way through.
You think this is fluffy soft rock with no balls? Think again, this album is brutal. With lyrical themes that would make a NYHC band proud, this album fucks. Hard.
Very mellow. Very cool.
Bluesowe klimaty zawsze w sercu
Solid stuff from Jamesy
Before listening, I was vaguely familiar with James Taylor, but only really knew one or two songs. While it doesn't do anything extraordinary, this album is a nice listen. James Taylor's voice is consistently pleasing to listen to, and the (mostly) stripped back instrumentation throughout the album makes the album very calming. While this isn't my usual pick for music, I can see it being a great choice to put on as quiet music to wind down at the end of the day. There were a few songs that stood out to me throughout the album, namely Steamroller, Country Road, Oh Susannah and the final track, Suite for 20 G. While the other songs were all good, these ones were definitely the highlights for me. Favourite song: Suite for 20 G
Surprisingly really good. Very warm and tender and I didn't get bored. The length of the album also helped in that regard being 31 minutes. 4/5
well fantastic song writing, and a great voice. No doubt Fire and Rain is a fantastic song. I'm just... not in the mood for James Taylor. Maybe ever in the mood? I'm going to go with 4 stars here
I really wish more of the US singer/songwriters that everyone fawns over wrote melodies and sang as well as James Taylor. I would listen to this 1000x before I would willingly listen to Bob Dylan or Lou Reed. "Fire and Rain" is an all-time classic. It's presence on this album automatically adds +1 to the final score. 4 stars.
has irgendwie gschafft zum nonie es james taylor album lose. die erste drü song sind schomol preemium. folky, country de erst. die andere verschwmed gad chli, s isch no früe. steamroller voll blues, super geile gotarretone und wenn d band inechunt isch huuere geil. country road schöööni chords und drop d und sini stimm scho suuuper. fire and rain au seehr schön, er liebt sus chords und setzt sie sehr gekonnt iih. blossom suuper cooli abstiigendi bassline. geil. de posuune run wenn er bass trombone bi suite for 20 G isch jo HUERE GEIL. s goht afoch uuufeeee
sweet baby james riese titel lo and behold hetmer jz chli z wenig pfupf ABER sunny skies isch megaa herzig de blueees isch na cool aber auchli najaaa zu wiss? hahah "I'm a cemebtmixer Baby"? country road isch cuuute! ohh und blossom isch supeeer de letscht song isch funny hahaha hmmm knapps 4i? hans ultra cute und agnehm gfunde, wenn au mengisch chli langsam für min gschmack
Classing and fun easy listening from a great songwriter,
Easy enough to listen to and I really like James' voice however, I found some tracks got lost into background noise. Would listen again but probably wouldn't buy on vinyl!
Wundervolles Album sowie der Säner, Die nicht zu Starke Musik und die Stimmliche begleitung finde ich gut
There are some classics in here!
7/10… singer songwriter / folk rock / *1970
A bit on the sweet side, but sometimes that is just what you need!
Sad cowboy
This was nice and enjoyable.
Full vibes μου αρεσε οπως περιμενα κ μονο απ το εξωφυλλο πως θα μαρεσει
This was nice chill music to work with. Above average quality for sure.
Een lekker album. Zangert-liedjesschrijvert-liedjes. Een enkele keer pakt ie wat meer uit. Een vleugje Americana danwel Country en natuurlijk een bluesy randje. Ik heb hier weinig op aan te merken. Ik mis net een beetje extra om het een 5 te geven en ik vind het nadelig als de eerste track de mooiste track is op zo'n album, maar een hele dikke 4 wil ik hier wel voor uitdelen.
I started crying while listening to this. My dad used to sing the title track to me all the time when I was little, and even though I haven’t listened to it in years, I knew every word. This is another one of those albums that’s best described as pleasant to listen to. Taylor’s voice is really peaceful 🙂↕️ Fav songs: Sunny skies, blossom, suite for 20 G
I rather enjoyed this album. I’ve heard Fire and Rain of course but not a lot of other stuff. I feel that you have to be in a certain state of mind to want to listen to James Taylor. It’s quite calming and relaxing. But I can’t see it making feel calm and relaxing if I was, say, in an energetic mood. Perhaps because I was in a chill mood, this album resonated well. I was expecting more soothing folk music but I was pleased to hear more of a blues sound on this record. I appreciate how James Taylor can play and sing different melodies simultaneously. His lyrics are very folk-lore and story driven which I do enjoy. Great listen .
Chill and sweet easy listen. Fav songs title track, fire and rain, anywhere like heaven, and oh baby
Well, that was bloody lovely. I didn't really know anything about JT other than the title track, but this album is short, sweet and incredibly consistent. He seems to flit from folk to blues with a bit of gospel and country, but it all holds together effortlessly. His ear for a melody is just outstanding. I don't often come away from an album wishing it was longer but this was over too soon.
Wat een fijn album.
smooth
Great voice, good LP. I like some of his later music better.
Listening to Sweet Baby James feels like comfort food—familiar, grounding, restorative. James Taylor’s gift as a songwriter and artist lies in how effortlessly his soothing voice and delivery create a sense of home, even without my favorite, “Carolina in My Mind,” included on this 2019 remaster. “Fire and Rain” remains timeless, and while I’ve long appreciated his collaborations with Carole King, it’s just as rewarding to hear his lighthearted take on the blues here, which breaks up the album’s introspection and longing in a fun way.
78/100. Sweet Baby James by James Taylor is a great blend of country, blues, and folk. Taylor’s smooth vocals and gentle instrumentation make this album sweet and enjoyable, creating a warm and comforting listening experience. A solid classic that highlights his songwriting and storytelling skills.
Wow what an album! Just an incredible voice, incredible, yet simply stated instrumentation, and a good variety of music. Lots of soul, lots of blues, lots of folk. Not every song is a knock out punch, but a bunch on here that I really loved.
Some really great cuts included here. I've listened to this album so many times I even enjoy the sugary-sweet crap...oh well. 4 heavenly pins of light
Really good! Trails off. Should have been shorter and on band camp
Very calming and cultural
Soo corny I don’t like folk THAT Much Favorite song: Fire and Rain
I really appreciated the variety of styles and sounds. Oh, Susannah in particular was a treat. Something about a classic song everyone knows really lets the artist shine through
For the sake of it being a big of the singer song writer thing if the 70s. But you’re still better off listening to his greatest hits.
Amazing voice and composition. Saw him a few years ago for the first time, others who had seen him before said his voice is not what it was but it doesn't matter. The feeling behind every note is still resonating.