• Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Aug 13, 2002
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic 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. 80
    Carefully written, elegantly performed, and generously emotional, it's another work by an artist still at his creative peak.
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    An album of rich, subtle melodies, championship-level guitar playing and lyrical depth. [Sep 2002, p.115]
  4. A hit album without any obvious hit songs.
  5. Taylor sounds assuredly relaxed and content.
  6. Hewing close to the format of '97's Grammy-winning Hourglass, Taylor pretty much defines easy listening, and there are (as always) some shining standouts.
  7. Uncut
    70
    The melodic facility and phrasing are as elegant as we have come to expect. [Sep 2002, p.118]
  8. Though a few more lively tunes would've been welcome, October Road marks the return of an artist who is as creatively vital as ever.
  9. Blender
    60
    The details on October Road are exquisite, especially his tricky singing and deft acoustic guitar. [#9, p.155]
  10. Mojo
    60
    It's ever so nice, except for the nagging feeling that a disembodied voice is about to say, "I'm going to count backwards from five and, when I snap my fingers, you will wake up and remember none of this." [Sep 2002, p.106]

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. VinceE
    Nov 12, 2005
    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 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. Full Review »
  2. SallyP.
    Oct 9, 2002
    10
    I agree and I LOVE James Taylor!!!!!!! He is the artist and musician who inspired me to play the guitar!!!
  3. FW
    Sep 6, 2002
    8
    Surprisingly fresh and vital. Worth exploring. The cut "Carry Me On My Way" holds an existential poignancy and angst, similar to "Fire And 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. Full Review »