The List of James Taylor Albums in Order of Release Date

James Taylor Album photo

James Taylor Albums in Order: A six-time Grammy Award winner, James Taylor has indeed amazed people for over four decades with his heartwarming lyrics and silky voice. Having begun his career professionally with his second album, Sweet Baby James (1970), having the hit single “Fire and Rain,” his genres of folk, rock, and soft melody make him easily household. During his long career, Taylor has distributed a range of albums that had always entertained the music fans.

From his early days with pieces like Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon in 1971 to his later chart-toppers like Before This World in 2015, Taylor’s albums offer an ever-changing line-up of the great talent of this famous singer. His finest works are in JT in 1977, Hourglass in 1997, and October Road in 2002, which topped the list. Even for those fans who can hardly wait to listen to James Taylor, some introduction into James Taylor Albums in Order will provide an extremely rewarding discography, continuing on the heels of his musical journey and how his craft has subsequently shaped the very landscape of music. So, if you are a die heart fan of James Taylor Albums then check out here we have list of James Taylor albums in order of release so far.

All James Taylor Albums Available on: Apple Music 

Also see: Paul Simon Albums in Order

How many albums does James Taylor have?

The discography of James Taylor consists of 20 studio albums, six compilation albums, at least five live albums, one tribute album, nine video albums, one extended play, and 42 singles.

The List of  James Taylor Albums in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of James Taylor Album in Order of Release Date

  1. James Taylor — December 6, 1968
  2. Sweet Baby James — February 1970
  3. Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon — March 16, 1971
  4. One Man Dog — November 1, 1972
  5. Walking Man — June 1, 1974
  6. Gorilla — May 1, 1975
  7. In the Pocket — June 1976
  8. JT — June 1977
  9. Flag — May 1979
  10. Dad Loves His Work — March 1981
  11. That’s Why I’m Here — October 1985
  12. Never Die Young — January 1988
  13. New Moon Shine — September 24, 1991
  14. Hourglass — May 20, 1997
  15. October Road — August 13, 2002
  16. A Christmas Album — November 1, 2004
  17. James Taylor at Christmas — October 10, 2006
  18. Covers — September 30, 2008
  19. Before This World — June 16, 2015
  20. American Standard — February 28, 2020

All James Taylor Albums List in Order


1. James Taylor (1968)

James Taylor Album James Taylor image

Tracks

  1. Don’t Talk Now
  2. Something’s Wrong
  3. Knocking ‘Round the Zoo
  4. Sunshine Sunshine
  5. Taking It In
  6. Something in the Way She Moves
  7. Carolina in My Mind
  8. Brighten Your Night With My Day
  9. Night Owl
  10. Rainy Day Man
  11. Circle Round the Sun
  12. The Blues Is Just a Bad Dream

The American recording of James Taylor’s self-titled debut, which was recorded on December 6, 1968 and produced by Peter Asher, was recorded at Trident Studios just as The Beatles were working on the “White Album.” It was to be the start of what would prove to be a remarkable career for Taylor, and it became notable as the first non-British record issued under Apple Records. Tracks like “Carolina in My Mind,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” and others included Paul McCartney and George Harrison contributions. Although it received critical acclaim, including an effusive Rolling Stone review, the album’s commercial prospects were capped by personal woes for Taylor himself, but these songs would send him on his way to the hits he was destined to record.

2. Sweet Baby James (1970)

 

James Taylor Album Sweet Baby James image

Tracks

  1. Sweet Baby James
  2. Lo and Behold
  3. Sunny Skies
  4. Steamroller
  5. Country Road
  6. Oh, Susannah
  7. Fire and Rain
  8. Blossom
  9. Anywhere Like Heaven
  10. Oh Baby, Don’t You Loose Your Lip on Me
  11. Suite for 20 G

The second studio album by James Taylor, Sweet Baby James, was released on February 1, 1970, via Warner Bros. Records. This classic album helped catapult Taylor to fame, supported with hits that include “Fire and Rain” as well as “Country Road,” both of which made it to No. 3 and No. 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart and catapulted Taylor to become a key figure within the nascent singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. Produced by Peter Asher, it was nominated for Album of the Year and is now part of the Grammy Hall of Fame.

3. Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon (1971)

 

James Taylor Album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon image

Tracks

  1. Love Has Brought Me Around
  2. You’ve Got a Friend
  3. Places in My Past
  4. Riding on a Railroad
  5. Soldiers
  6. Mud Slide Slim
  7. Hey Mister, That’s Me up on the Jukebox
  8. You Can Close Your Eyes
  9. Machine Gun Kelly
  10. Long Ago and Far Away
  11. Let Me Ride
  12. Highway Song
  13. Isn’t It Nice to Be Home Again

His third studio effort, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon, which came in April 1971, is arguably his best musical creations. The album includes his single number-one hit-a cover of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend”-for which he won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard chart, where it was blocked from the top by King’s Tapestry. Mud Slide Slim also contains some old concert staples, such as “You Can Close Your Eyes” and “Long Ago and Far Away.” It was a landmark record that received slightly mixed reviews but still allowed her to become very visible within the folk-rock scene of the 1970s.

4. One Man Dog (1972)

 

James Taylor Album One Man Dog image

Tracks

  1. One Man Parade
  2. Nobody But You
  3. Chili Dog
  4. Fool for You
  5. Instrumental I
  6. New Tune
  7. Back on the Street Again
  8. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
  9. Woh, Don’t You Know
  10. One Morning in May
  11. Instrumental II
  12. Someone
  13. Hymn
  14. Fanfare
  15. Little David
  16. Mescalito
  17. Dance
  18. Jig

Debuting on November 1, 1972, One Man Dog is James Taylor’s fourth studio album. Composed as an experimental work with 18 short tracks that collectively form a unified, linear experience, the lead single “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” reached No. 14 on the Billboard charts, while the follow-up “One Man Parade” did modestly well. Critics were equally split and classified opinions from some who said it was the most thematic, deepest record yet, to others who found it unfinished compared to past works from Taylor. The album made a big-time debut to No. 4 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and brought Taylor critical notice for subtle, evocative artistry.

5. Walking Man (1974)

 

James Taylor Album Walking Man image

Tracks

  1. Walking Man
  2. Rock ‘n’ Roll Is Music Now
  3. Let It All Fall Down
  4. Me and My Guitar
  5. Daddy’s Baby
  6. Ain’t No Song
  7. Hello Old Friend
  8. Migration
  9. The Promised Land
  10. Fading Away

Walking Man is James Taylor’s fifth studio album, released in June 1974. The album was his first after two consecutive successful commercial batches. The album reached only No. 13 on the Billboard Album Chart, with fewer than 300,000 sales and never reaching gold or platinum certification in the James Taylor catalog. The title song peaked at No. 26 on the Easy Listening chart and remains a contemplative and melancholic tune. Critically though, however, the album did have some killer tracks, such as “Let It All Fall Down” and “Hello Old Friend,” but as a whole, this was something that would not linger in the minds of listeners like his earlier iconics works did.

6. Gorilla (1975)

 

James Taylor Album Gorilla image

Tracks

  1. Mexico
  2. Music
  3. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)
  4. Wandering
  5. Gorilla
  6. You Make It Easy
  7. I Was a Fool to Care
  8. Lighthouse
  9. Angry Blues
  10. Love Songs
  11. Sarah Maria

His best work since the lackluster Walking Man, released the same month, May 1975, Gorilla proved a comeback masterstroke. Here he sounded more carefree and light, pitching laughs with such frivolous gems as “Mexico” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” to which Carly Simon, his wife at the time, provided backing vocals. This sixth studio album blended Taylor’s folk roots with soft rock influences and featured a rich ensemble of musicians, including David Crosby and Graham Nash on harmonies. Gorilla is remarkable for its personal touch, including the track “Sarah Maria” which is dedicated to Taylor’s daughter Sally.

7. In the Pocket (1976)

 

James Taylor Album In the Pocket image

Tracks

  1. Shower the People
  2. A Junkie’s Lament
  3. Money Machine
  4. Slow Burning Love
  5. Everybody Has the Blues
  6. Daddy’s All Gone
  7. Woman’s Gotta Have It
  8. Captain Jim’s Drunken Dream
  9. Don’t Be Sad ‘Cause Your Sun Is Down
  10. Nothing Like a Hundred Miles
  11. Family Man
  12. Golden Moments

His seventh studio album,, came in June 1976. This was to be the last of his work for Warner Bros. Records and the last before signing on with Columbia; it was full of contributions from several very notable artists – among them Art Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and Stevie Wonder – and marked by melodic variety and bright production. The lovely track “Shower the People” reached #22 on the Billboard charts and was very well received by listeners. Not as successful in terms of sales as its predecessor, Gorilla, which peaked at a spectacular position of #16, this album still finally reached Gold status. Such wonderful fine musical collaborative work is only a further key reason that makes this album remain so much a treasured cornerstone of the Taylor catalog.

8. JT (1977)

 

James Taylor Album JT image

Tracks

  1. Your Smiling Face
  2. There We Are
  3. Honey Don’t Leave L.A.
  4. Another Grey Morning
  5. Bartender’s Blues
  6. Secret O’ Life
  7. Handy Man
  8. I Was Only Telling a Lie
  9. Looking for Love on Broadway
  10. Terra Nova
  11. Traffic Jam
  12. If I Keep My Heart Out of Sight

“JT,” the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, was released on June 22, 1977 through Columbia Records. It was his first release with the label, recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles, and produced by Peter Asher. Commercially, it was a success-it went up to number 4 on the Billboard 200 and eventually gained triple Platinum status from the RIAA in 1997. Some of its big hits include “Handy Man,” which reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also won a Grammy Award. The critics regarded “JT” as having the energetic sound and Taylor’s intimate vocal style, thus putting it high on the plus side of his discography.

9. Flag (1979)

 

James Taylor Album Flag image

Tracks

  1. Company Man
  2. Johnnie Comes Back
  3. Day Tripper
  4. I Will Not Lie for You
  5. Brother Trucker
  6. Is That the Way You Look?
  7. Rainy Day Man
  8. Millworker
  9. Up on the Roof
  10. Chanson Française
  11. Sleep Come Free Me

Flag is the ninth studio album by James Taylor. Released 1 May 1979, the album features such tracks as “Millworker” and “Brother Trucker,” from the Broadway musical Working. Though the songs came with James’s skill as a teller, critics at the time disagreed with the album on its surface. It did inspire a notable hit, though – a cover of “Up on the Roof,” his final solo success to enter the top 40. The cover of the album features the signal flag “O (Oscar),” signaling “man overboard.” Taylor showcased tracks from Flag on Saturday Night Live, singing “Up on the Roof,” “Millworker,” and “Johnnie Comes Back,” further solidifying the album into his artistic legacy.

10. Dad Loves His Work (1981)

 

James Taylor Album Dad Loves His Work image

Tracks

  1. Hard Times
  2. Her Town Too
  3. Hour That the Morning Comes
  4. I Will Follow
  5. Believe It or Not
  6. Stand and Fight
  7. Only for Me
  8. Summer’s Here
  9. Sugar Trade
  10. London Town
  11. That Lonesome Road

The tenth studio album by James Taylor, released in 1981, and marked a significant point of career change for him since it contained no cover songs. The album hit its highlight with the top ten Billboard Hot 100 smash duet “Her Town Too,” a number 5 Adult Contemporary hit that reached Platinum certification status in the United States. The title of the album itself seemed to reflect the turmoil between family responsibilities and his travelling schedule, both being influenced by his separation from Carly Simon. Critics acclaimed it for its catchiness, showing how poignant Taylor was at songwriting during the turmoil that shadowed the emotional landscape.

11. That’s Why I’m Here (1985)

 

James Taylor Album That's Why I'm Here image

Tracks

  1. That’s Why I’m Here
  2. Song for You Far Away
  3. Only a Dream in Rio
  4. Turn Away
  5. Going Around One More Time
  6. Everyday
  7. Limousine Driver
  8. Only One
  9. Mona
  10. (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance
  11. That’s Why I’m Here (Reprise)

That’s Why I’m Here is James Taylor’s eleventh studio record, 1985 after Dad Loves His Work. This album is a mix of originals and other notable covers, such as Buddy Holly’s “Everyday.” It is high on collaborations with legends Don Henley, Joni Mitchell, and Graham Nash. The single “Only One” was a big chart success, reaching number 6 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. Even though “My Romance” did not appear on the first editions of vinyl and cassette, it is included as a bonus track on the CD. This album by Taylor is profoundly personal in detail yet still advocates for smooth soothing music that blurred the lines between heedful lyrics and silky flows to widespread acclaim.

12. Never Die Young (1988)

 

James Taylor Album Never Die Young image

Tracks

  1. Never Die Young
  2. T-Bone
  3. Baby Boom Baby
  4. Runaway Boy
  5. Valentine’s Day
  6. Sun on the Moon
  7. Sweet Potato Pie
  8. Home by Another Way
  9. Letter in the Mail
  10. First of May

Never Die Young was James Taylor’s twelfth studio album, released in 1988, three years after That’s Why I’m Here. Reaching No. 25 on the Billboard 200, it was the first James Taylor album ever certified Platinum by the RIAA. The title track would be the only single to chart, peaking at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100. But the album was well-received by other critics, with Cash Box seeing “dazzling” lyrics in the title cut and songs like “Baby Boom Baby” and “Sweet Potato Pie” dealing heavily with existential themes. “Sweet Potato Pie” was later recorded as a duet with Ray Charles, on his Grammy-winning album Genius Loves Company.

13. New Moon Shine (1991)

 

James Taylor Album New Moon Shine image

Tracks

  1. Copperline
  2. Down in the Hole
  3. (I’ve Got to) Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout That
  4. Shed a Little Light
  5. The Frozen Man
  6. Slap Leather
  7. Like Everyone She Knows
  8. One More Go Round
  9. Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha
  10. Native Son
  11. Oh, Brother
  12. The Water Is Wide

His thirteenth studio album, New Moon Shine, from 1991, is another pure example of James Taylor’s style, combining folk and rock elements and building them into unusually reflective songwriting. The album reached number 37 on the Billboard 200 and has been certified platinum; its cuts feature “Copperline,” a nostalgic taste of his North Carolina roots, and the spirited social critique “Slap Leather.”. Written by Don Grolnick, tragically deceased in 1996, Michael Brecker, and Branford Marsalis are other notable artists participating in this record. Summarizing the overall review of the record, kudos state that New Moon Shine established a suitable position within Taylor’s heritage, making him one of the greatest American artists of all time.

14. Hourglass (1997)

 

James Taylor Album Hourglass image

Tracks

  1. Line ‘Em Up
  2. Enough to Be on Your Way
  3. Little More Time with You
  4. Gaia
  5. Ananas
  6. Jump Up Behind Me
  7. Another Day
  8. Up Er Mei
  9. Up from Your Life
  10. Yellow and Rose
  11. Boatman
  12. Walking My Baby Back Home
  13. Hangnail

Hourglass, 1997, marked Taylor’s fourteenth studio album, his first in six years since New Moon Shine. The intense record smacked serious commercial gold-it reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200, his first Top 10 album since 1981. Featuring the adult contemporary hit “Little More Time With You,” the album won Taylor the Grammy for Best Pop Album in 1998. Recorded in memory of Don Grolnick, whom she had worked with extensively during his time on earth, she dedicated it to his legacy. The musical themes of personal struggle, family, and spirituality all find voice in tracks like “Enough to Be On Your Way,” which references Taylor’s troubled past and the death of his brother from alcohol-related causes.

15. October Road (2002)

 

James Taylor Album October Road image

Tracks

  1. September Grass
  2. October Road
  3. On the 4th of July
  4. Whenever You’re Ready
  5. Belfast to Boston
  6. Mean Old Man
  7. My Traveling Star
  8. Raised Up Family
  9. Carry Me on My Way
  10. Caroline I See You
  11. Baby Buffalo
  12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

“October Road” is the 15th studio album of legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor released in 2002. It remains one of Taylor’s original works after a long time and before “Before This World,” his next studio album, in 2015. Heartfelt compositions are there within it, that is, songs like “September Grass” and the title track “October Road” reflect the signature style of Taylor, intermixed with a depth of emotional elements. It reached the Billboard 200 at number four, selling 154,000 copies in the first week, and eventually being certified Platinum. From this solo record he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Performance for “October Road.”.

16. A Christmas Album (2004)

 

James Taylor Album A Christmas Album image

Tracks

  1. Winter Wonderland
  2. Go Tell It on the Mountain
  3. In the Bleak Midwinter
  4. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
  5. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
  6. Jingle Bells
  7. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
  8. Deck the Halls
  9. Some Children See Him
  10. Who Comes This Night
  11. Auld Lang Syne

James Taylor’s A Christmas Album, from 2004, was his first ever holiday collection and was released initially in very small quantities in Hallmark stores. A mix of old carols and popular holiday songs featuring famed artists Chris Botti and Natalie Cole, among others, A Christmas Album is a treasure of warm nostalgic holiday music. Some of the classics include Winter Wonderland, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). Most of the album’s arrangements were done by Dave Grusin, making it warm, jazzy, and familiar. This was re-released in 2006 with the title James Taylor at Christmas, under a slightly different cut list, but it remained far more appealing for broader buying.

17. James Taylor at Christmas (2006)

 

James Taylor Album James Taylor at Christmas image

Tracks

  1. Winter Wonderland
  2. Go Tell It on the Mountain
  3. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
  4. Jingle Bells
  5. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
  6. River
  7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
  8. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
  9. Some Children See Him
  10. Who Comes This Night
  11. In the Bleak Midwinter
  12. Auld Lang Syne

James Taylor at Christmas is the 17th studio album and Taylor’s second holiday release, issued by Columbia Records in 2006. This album serves as a re-recording of James Taylor: A Christmas Album, which was originally released in a more limited edition by Hallmark Cards back in 2004. It makes alterations to the tracklisting that was comprised of some greats such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “River,” really making it a Christmas album. The 2012 UMe reissue recorded new ones: “Mon Beau Sapin” and “Here Comes the Sun,” with Taylor accompanied by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The album was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Album at the 50th Grammy Awards.

18. Covers (2008)

 

James Taylor Album Covers image

Tracks

  1. It’s Growing
  2. (I’m a) Road Runner
  3. Wichita Lineman
  4. Why Baby Why
  5. Some Days You Gotta Dance
  6. Seminole Wind
  7. Suzanne
  8. Hound Dog
  9. Sadie
  10. On Broadway
  11. Summertime Blues
  12. Not Fade Away

In 2008, James Taylor and his regular touring band, affectionately known as “The Band of Legends,” issue the eighteenth studio album and the first covers album by this venerable singer-songwriter in ten snowed-in days of recording at a converted barn in Weston, Massachusetts. For this reason, the album has a rare live feel, with almost no overdubs. It featured popular songs that he had performed live and added new ones to his repertoire, with the record total of 20 songs. He won two Grammy nominations with this album; this undoubtedly reveals the bright light side of how much versatility Taylor showed regarding respecting the oldies but goldies and making it a melting pot of genres and styles. As if on his promotional tour, notable television appearances include a funny performance in showing the entire song on The Colbert Report.

19. Before This World (2015)

 

James Taylor Album Before This World image

Tracks

  1. Today Today Today
  2. You and I Again
  3. Angels of Fenway
  4. Stretch of the Highway
  5. Montana
  6. Watchin’ Over Me
  7. SnowTime
  8. Before This World / Jolly Springtime
  9. Far Afghanistan
  10. Wild Mountain Thyme

The nineteenth studio album from James Taylor, “Before This World”, released June 15, 2015, marks his first new set of original material since October Road, the 2002 album recorded in a barn on his western Massachusetts property. Featuring collaborations with such notable artists as Steve Gadd and Jimmy Johnson, the record debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and moved 97,000 copies in its first week. Ironically, this is Taylor’s much-awaited come-back, hence becoming his first chart-topping release since Sweet Baby James in 1970, setting out to prove that the musician remains a stalwart of influence in the musical field.

20. American Standard (2020)

 

James Taylor Album American Standard image

Tracks

  1. My Blue Heaven
  2. Moon River
  3. Teach Me Tonight
  4. As Easy as Rolling Off a Log
  5. Almost Like Being in Love
  6. Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat
  7. The Nearness of You
  8. You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught
  9. God Bless the Child
  10. Pennies from Heaven
  11. My Heart Stood Still
  12. Ol’ Man River
  13. It’s Only a Paper Moon
  14. The Surrey with the Fringe on Top

American Standard is the twentieth studio album by the highly accomplished American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released on February 28, 2020, through Fantasy Records. Featured on American Standard are interpretations of classic American standards, including songs “Moon River” and “God Bless the Child”. Under production by Dave O’Donnell with James Taylor and John Pizzarelli the album did incredibly well; it was at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards awarded Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Even if it has met a Metacritic score of 60, generally favorable reviews being reflected in it, the richness of its arrangements coupled with Taylor’s honeyed voice make it great for fans and critics alike.

Conclusion:

James Taylor’s long-over-50-year career has delivered his definite style of folk, rock, and pop. His discography in “James Taylor Albums in Order” displays the artist’s shifts throughout his ventures, from the very introspective “Sweet Baby James” to the Grammy Award winner “Hourglass” and the top-charting “Before This World.” Each album is an achievement in developing heartfelt storytelling to find harmony with the characteristic voice and guitar work from James Taylor. Among his numerous recognitions, Taylor has won six Grammy Awards. His classic songs found a continued response and thus label him one of the most enduring and celebrated singer-songwriters in American music history.


Thanks for Visit!

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *