A review of one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite recording artists. I have been a fan of James Taylor's for many, many years and last year went to see him in concert which was everything I expected it to be. This album, Hourglass, was actually the first one of his that I heard after seeing him appear on a TV show to promote it. Subsequently I bought his back catalogue as well as more recent offerings but this one is special in my collection as it was my first. So here are my thoughts on a track by track basis :)
This is a great opening track. It reminds me for some reason of American Pie by Don McLean...it has that same kind of weaving together of strands of life. To carry on the pie analogy, its a slice of Americana. It's a song that takes you on a journey from beginning to end, delivered perfectly with JT's trademark laid back style. 5/5
Track 2: Enough To Be On Your Way
Another solid song. The strings at the beginning lead effortlessly into a quiet guitar intro. This then is a pleasing background as JT sings another melancholy story. Very subtle, understated use of backing vocal. 4/5
Track 3: Little More Time To Be With You
Featuring Stevie Wonder on Harmonica this is the first real toe-tapper on the album. Probably my first favourite that I came back to after the initial playing of the CD. A far more simple song in concept than the others but that's no bad thing. 5/5
Track 4: Gaia
This wasn't my favourite when I first heard it. I think coming after such an upbeat track it's a change of pace that left me disappointed... After hearing it many more times though my opinion has changed. The lyrics appeal to me and I particularly like the soprano sax section (try saying that after a few drinks) in the middle of the piece. Its still not my favourite but it's better than I first thought. 3/5
Track 5: Ananas
For me this is the weakest song on the album. It's a dip in quality I think and doesn't seem to fit with the other offerings. There is a nice electric guitar section but other than that it doesn't do much for me. 2/5
Track 6: Jump Up Behind Me
Back on familiar ground here for JT. An uplifting track with a good beat, easily accessible and another to return to a few times. As with other songs it paints a vivid picture of places and people and the vocal delivery is good as ever. Makes you feel like you are sat out on the porch overlooking a vast open countryside. 4/5
Track 7: Another Day
A slow beginning with little accompaniment suggests we might be heading into melancholy. The lyrics and the voice have a certain positivity that builds throughout the song. Once again, vivid settings and people easily enter the imagination. 4/5
Track 8: Up Er Mei
Another track that doesn't feature on my album favourite list. Its not bad but for me just feels a bit something and nothing as a track...not as well rounded as others. 2/5
Track 9: Up From Your Life
This is a stand out song on the album and from the initial burst of alto sax I was hooked. JT's voice really is like another instrument, smoothly merging with the music backing him. The verses build nicely to a chorus that, while simple, is delivered superbly with slight variations of emphasis and feeling. Some more sax and acoustic bass in the song make this one to listen to again and again. 5/5
Track 10: Yellow And Rose
Upbeat and with good tempo the song starts off deceptively with just the words "yellow and rose" sung in such a way as to leave you no clue where the song will go...could be mellow or could be a crowd pleaser. It is a solid song with a good beat that could have people up and dancing (not me as I can't dance, but other people) 3/5
Track 11: Boatman
Similar feel to the previous track. The album has some strong songs to finish off and this falls into that category. 4/5
Track 12: Walking My Baby Back Home
A simply brilliant cover of this 1930s track. There isn't much to say really, its a classic song and JT delivers it superbly. Simple and elegant. 5/5
Overall Grace Rating
8/10
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