There is nothing like the raw simplicity of a new artist's initial work, and this album is no exception. Little wonder that APPLE and Peter Asher saw the genius that is James Taylor back in London in '68. And thank God for that!
James' talent is attested to by his musical longevity and the respect he is given by other perhaps bigger-selling artists.
It is often said that genius comes from pain. James' debut solo effort whilst on heroin & coming to terms with an unfathomable world is ... well ... simply fabulous and the versions of 'Carolina In My Mind' and 'Something In The way she Moves', to my mind, are far superior here to the later slicker versions he did.
Sure, this talented musician went on to write several more great hits as he "matured" into the mellower performer & writer he is today, but for me, this beats the lot! A must-have!

A magical album - ethereal. I bought the record when it first came out (one of the first Apple releases) - it seemed magical then. Probably hadn't heard it for almost 20 years, so I wasn't sure if it was just great in my memory. Just got a CD, and am very happy to say that it still sounds great. Definitely one of my all-time favorites. It takes me to another place.

James Taylor's self titled debut album, put out by The Beatles' Apple Records in 1968, is decent.

One might be detracted from the classical feel to it, but it does contain some good tunes including the original versions of "Carolina In My Mind", and "Something In The Way She Moves".

Other standouts include, "Knocking Around The Zoo", "Taking It In", and "Brighten Your Night With My Day".

Bottom line, a decent debut but James Taylor would eventually etch his niche into the world of "singer-songwriters" with his next album, Sweet Baby James.