James Taylor's second Album from 1970 (the first was just self titled JT), is the one that made him and beats all else. He was in fact 21 and homeless at the time (he's 67 now) and recorded it on a tiny budget with the help of Peter Asher.
'Fire and Rain' was the Album song that sold the record but 'Sweet Baby James' (written for his son, also called James), 'Lo and Behold', 'Country Road' are the stand out tracks. Carole King is here too on piano and vocals, as is Randy Meisner from The Eagles (they were long time struggling pals).
Taylor had his problems then too - mental health and notably heroin addictions- which is reflected in 'Fire and Rain'. This is a rock-country-folk classic. There's no other words really for a master at work and very summery listening.
But it's the very start of Taylor's long career and superb songwriting ('You've got a friend', 'Handy Man', 'Something in the way she moves', 'Mexico') as well as appearing with everyone you care to mention.
In fact, in 1971, he was a session man on Joni's legendary 'Blue' (if you like that kinda' thing....).
Always worth a listen. Loved in Streamabout anyway. Have a go here -
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