Top 10 Legendary James Taylor Songs

The Original JT

With a career spanning over fifty years, James Taylor has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. He’s a five-time Grammy Award winner and a household name who wrote and recorded some of the greatest and most unforgettable songs of all time. He’s an American rock hero whose biggest hits are easy to listen to. Besides, everyone has heard his tracks at least once – from their parents to their neighbors, he’s the artist you can never escape from.

And here are ten of his finest songs.

10. Something in the Way She Moves (1968)

It’s the song he played for Paul McCartney and George Harrison before he signed a deal with Apple Records. It’s a fan favorite and even critics were impressed by it.

9. Her Town Too (1981)

This is somewhat personal to JT since he wrote it at a time when his marriage to Carly Simon was falling apart. Taylor has said that this was “a tender, well-meaning song about how difficult it was to be friends” after a breakup.

8. Shed a Little Light (1991)

From the meaningful lyrics to the chorus of voices, it’s absolutely spine-chilling.

7. Carolina on My Mind (1968)

JT grew up in North Carolina. He wrote this while he was recording in London and thinking of home. The homesickness is so strong that it’s hard not to find it relatable.

6. Mexico (1975)

Graham Nash and David Crosby provided backing vocals and like most of JT’s hits, we’d love to sing along to this.

5. Country Road (1971)

Inspired by the street that’s adjacent to the facility where JT received treatment for his depression, it was a huge hit for him.

4. Copperline (1991)

Yet another nostalgic and wistful tune, this definitely makes us long for those simpler days.

3. Fire and Rain (1970)

One of his most famous and enduring songs, he wrote it after learning that his childhood friend committed suicide. He also sang of loneliness and depression.

2. Secret O’Life (1977)

There’s no JT top 10 list that doesn’t have this on the top 5. It’s a masterpiece.

1. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight (1972)

While it didn’t crack the top 10, it clearly showed James Taylor at his best.