Never Die Young

One of his most underrated albums, still cannot believe it was released back in 1988, because it has a timeless quality that still sounds as fresh today as it did back then. Never Die Young is one of his best tunes from this era, and the musicianship and songwriting, production; it’s all top-notch, in fact, it’s superb. Forget that JT’s songs and style are “similar” to other albums, his passion is evident in this album, it is anything but a throwaway or a resting on his laurels. There is not one song on this CD that I would skip through. Taylor blends folk, jazz, country, blues, R&B, blues, and rock and roll in a great package; very few artists and composers can accomplish this. First of May, in particular takes a Latin turn, and is a great way to bookend the opening tune. Get it, you won’t reqret it!

This album doesn't get the recognition it deserves in my point of view. Its ashame because all the songs are originals by James Taylor himself or co-written by him. I don't have to skip any tracks on this album.

There are some great songs here that simply suffer from overproduction -- too much keyboards, too much electric guitar, too much studio stuff. Never Die Young is soooo much better on One Man Band, with just acoustic guitar and piano, and just about everything here would benefit from stripping several layers of studio-applied veneer off these songs.

What a maroon! I just read all of these JT reviews. Definitely angry about something. Anyways, don't listen to them. JT is just a rare joy. Always has been - always will.

I still remember seeing JT on Saturday Night Live when I was a kid singing Sweet Potato Pie. It' why I bought this albumn when I got older. One of my favorite cd's to this day. Every few years I come back to it.

The more I listen to this album, the more I appreciate what James put into it. What I love about this well-crafted work is it's lasting quality. How many of us have a loquacious friend like 'T-Bone' or a long-lost 'Baby Boom Baby' who keeps us wondering.....? Valentine's Day is pure fun with language and 'Runaway Boy' is just pure fun. I highly recommend quiet time, a glass of wine and a good listen to 'Never Die Young'. In fact, I think I'll do just that.

This is a superb album specifically the title track, the ultimate love song. ITunes makes it sound like the collection is dull...quite the contrary. Taylor is a fantastic writer and this album is no exception. Love "Valentine's Day" too!! Enjoy!

The "commercial" review service cited on iTunes can't seem to get past sneering at James Taylor for the "sameness" of his music from album to album, but this is a very shallow way to approach his music. Taylor's musicianship is impeccable, and his appreciation for jazz chording and phrasing is underappreciated. Listen, for example, to what's churning under the simple melodic surface (in terms of chord progressions) in "First Of May," and to the way the band drops slick syncopated beats on "Sweet Potato Pie." And "Sun On The Moon" is a hoot. Download this album and enjoy!