Sweet Baby James

Somehow both extremely bland and cloyingly sweet at the same time

Gtfo

This is a very safe, but thoroughly pleasant album. I don't want to be too cynical and tear it to pieces for being so nice, but it is just that. It's nice. The music and vibes are nice. The whole thing floated on by in an accomplished and amiable manner.

It didn't move me, but it was also a steady and calm presence while it was on. I can't recommend it, but you know... it was nice.

Really pleasant set of songs. You can’t listen to this and be mad. I’m not sure this is the best album in the great 70’s singer-songwriter category, but it’s still pretty good. Interesting instrumentation including slide guitar and the occasional horn section. Favorites were Sweet Baby James, Country Road, Fire and Rain, and Suite for 20 G.

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.

Competent, but not for me. Only the last song piqued my interest with trumpets

This record basically plays like a greatest hits album, since tracks like "Fire And Rain", "Country Road", and the title track are such huge staples of folk-rock. Listening to it is super comforting and wistful, like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket or catching up with an old friend. His guitar work is gorgeous, and his smooth voice nails that classic singer-songwriter vibe, making it the ultimate chill acoustic album. "Fire And Rain" in particular is just an incredible, heartbreaking masterpiece.

That said, listening to the whole thing front to back makes it easy to see why some people might find it a bit much. If you aren't in the mood for something super sweet and gentle, it can feel a little plain or soft. Whenever he tries to sound tough, especially on the clunky track "Steamroller", it comes off kind of silly, like a suburban guy trying way too hard to act like a tough guy. All in all, it’s a beautifully put together, if polite collection... perfect for when you need to relax, though it might feel a bit too slow if you're looking for something with a bit more grit to go along with the sadder tunes.

After 10 tracks of the same stuff I think the producer asked him to do something different. And he listened to this tip!

Suite For 20 G is a good track. Why doesn't sound 75% of the album like this track? If so I would gave it more stars.

Now:

2/5

definitivamente um album. e dos ruins.
não é odiável, acho que deve ser um daqueles albuns nostálgicos estadunidenses que os familiares ouviam perto de vc.
sou brasileiro. caguei pra isso aí.

I feel like this is one of the most faceless or unoriginal albums on the list. The country songs are bad, but that's just because of the genre - James is OK at performing them. The American folk songs are aimless and forgettable, but that's just because of the genre - James feels half asleep performing them. The blues songs are great, but that's just because of the genre - James is finally awake while performing them. Even the artist's name and album cover are completely replaceable without anyone noticing. That being said, I did like the blues on this.

2.0/5.0: Disappointing

a really swell album

Good album. Excellent guitar arrangements. Most of the songs are short and deceptively simple (the last suite came as a surprise). However, even if admitting that this is good, I didn't find it particularly interesting.

Never heard of this before. I read the description of folk rock singer songwriter, so thought it might be alright, but no. Too country for me.

Inoffensive. Fire and Rain is the clear stand out. 3/5.

I remember this album so well

While this album is mostly unremarkable, I will say it's some of the chillest folk rock we've had and doesn't overstay its welcome at all. Pleasant!

Standouts: Steamroller Blues • Suite for 20 G

Definitely slow for my preferences but well made and the man has a way about a song.

Not really a fan of this one. Not bad, just not my thing. 2/5

Very pleasant if not a bit dull. Lots of childhood memories associated with this. Some good - Sunday roasts. Some bad - feeling travel sick whilst my dad listened to the so often that it still triggers a slight feeling of nausea. Balances out as a 3 stars.

My dad played this album every Sunday evening for about 10 years when I was growing up.

This now triggers an anxiety response where I feel like I’m going to school in the morning.

1 star for being the first album on the list to make me feel physically sick.