October Road - James Taylor
October Road Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The 54-year-old singer-songwriter returns with his first album of new material since 1997's Grammy-winning 'Hourglass.' Russ Titleman produces.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. In some sense, it is true that any of these new songs could fit comfortably among his earlier works. Yet now there is an even more polished grace to the undertakings, as if age and experience have refined and further honed what already was smooth.
  2. A hit album without any obvious hit songs.
  3. An album of rich, subtle melodies, championship-level guitar playing and lyrical depth. [Sep 2002, p.115]
  4. 60
    The details on October Road are exquisite, especially his tricky singing and deft acoustic guitar. [#9, p.155]

See all 10 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. SallyP.
    10
    I agree and I LOVE James Taylor!!!!!!! He is the artist and musician who inspired me to play the guitar!!!
  2. VinceE
    9
    My rating description would sound like I was reviewing a fine wine. JT music is aging to perfection. He is getting richer and fuller in style and sound. As always, he makes a classic song shine anew. Expand
  3. BobJ.
    9
    What a brilliant CD - I knew some of the tracks before the issue of the CD, but was very pleasantly surprised by the final cut.
  4. FW
    8
    Surprisingly fresh and vital. Worth exploring. The cut "Carry Me On My Way" holds an existential poignancy and angst, similar to "Fire And Rain." Taylor hasn't lost the magical qualities that have sustained his musical jorney over the last two decades. Expand

See all 7 User Reviews