Score: 4/5
James Taylor’s long-awaited “Before This World,” released June 6, is reminiscent of his past albums.
Taylor is known for slow, emotional tracks like “Fire & Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and “How Sweet It Is,” and the new album perpetuates that legacy with comprehensive, sentimental songs.
Taylor’s album, his first in 13 years, comprises 13 new songs that tug at the heartstrings even harder than his older music. “Before This World” is a refined, comforting lecture that relates to the heartache of listeners in the way that Taylor has been since the early ’70s.
Called “confessional pop,” this open and honest portrayal of his life’s struggles reaches out to his fans.
Taylor, a 67-year-old singer/songwriter finally achieved that No. 1 album ranking after releasing 17 albums over his 45-year career. “Before This world” earned the distinction, opening at 67,000 sold according to Neilson and Billboard ratings.
Songs on the new album explore Taylor’s life in a romantic and emotional context, but he doesn’t venture far from home base in expressing himself. It’s a calm collection of tales that don’t unearth any new inward findings about
Taylor, rather it reacquaints fans with the artist’s familiar tone and touch.
The album is an inspiring account that is deeply relatable. It feels honest and true and warms the heart like Taylor’s old, familiar hits. Its deep, soulful tones resonate and stimulate some inward searching of our own.