What people search:
 | Title : October Road
Author : Taylor, James
Release Date : 20020813
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $18.98
Amazon.com Price : $11.98
(37
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Editorial Reviews :
There's a comfortable sense of the familiar to James Taylor's first collection of new songs since 1997's Grammy winner Hourglass; such is the curse of being a decades-spanning cultural icon. But, as on his best work, there's also an almost stealthy sense of musical restlessness that seeps into Taylor's songs here, as he colors some with deft jazz and international influences. The reunion with producer Russ Titelman (they last collaborated on 1976's In the Pocket) seems to have gratifyingly inspired as much gentle reassessment as retrenchment. Longtime Titelman compatriot Ry Cooder guests on the title track, a song whose autumnal comforts fit the Taylor canon and other album tracks like 'September Grass,' 'Baby Buffalo,' 'My Traveling Star,' and 'On the Fourth of July' (the story of Taylor's romantic meeting with current wife Kim) like an old slipper. However, 'Belfast to Boston' cries for peace in Ireland and elsewhere with some surprising Gaelic flourishes, while 'Whenever You're Ready' throws some Brazilian rhythms and jazzy horns into the mix, and Dave Grusin's slick orchestral arrangement turns 'Mean Old Man' into an elegant cabaret surprise. A little more of this musical adventure amidst the familiar romantic ballads and paeans to the comfort of home and family--including a gorgeously spare cover of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'--certainly wouldn't hurt.
Buyer Reviews :
James Taylor seems to be an artist whose best work stems from personal hardship and tragedy. While the songs on 'October Road' are mature, sophisticated, and well crafted, they don't reach the emotional depth of many of the songs found on 'Hourglass' and 'Sweet Baby James,' for example. I'm delighted that his personal life is going well, but I wish his happier times could produce more powerful music.
I give this album four stars, however, for its polished performances and skilled songwriting. He's still a classic.
(by A music fan)
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