James Taylor James Taylor Lyrics

Signed to Apple Records, James Taylor had already made a name for himself as a songwriter, placing two songs on Tom Rush's classic album The Circle Game ("Sunshine, Sunshine," "Something in the Way She Moves"). Both appear here on his debut album alongside "Carolina on My Mind" (which features Paul McCartney on bass). Taylor's thin, reedy voice complements the wispy, often overly sensitive songs and the production by Peter Asher is understated throughout--even if it does at times include a string quartet. Only "Knocking at the Zoo" attempts to upset the gentle balance. As a poster boy for mellow, he succeeds. --Rob O'Connor