Guest Author - Lisa Shea

James Taylor certainly deserves his Greatest Hits album. The smooth voice and guitar work stand out on every song. What makes the album even more fantastic is the collection of talented musicians who join him for these songs.

"Fire and Rain" has got to be my favorite. It's not your classic top-hit song. It's quiet, it's sad, it sort of hopeless. It really sounds like James is at the end of his rope, having lost his last chance. "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend - but I always thought that I'd see you again."

Some of the other songs are more upbeat - the "Shower the People" and "How Sweet it Is" are both much more encouraging about life. You've got "Carolina in my Mind" - anybody who has wandered the rolling hills and gorgeous coastlines of this area can truly relate.

I'm a fan of Carole King, and I really like this version of "You've Got a Friend". James' voice is so quiet and soothing, you really get a sense that he'll be there for you.

Perfect for an evening by the fire, sipping that glass of wine.

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