Gorilla - JAMES TAYLOR***

Mexico/Music/How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)/Wandering/Gorilla/You Make It Easy/I Was A Fool To Care/ Lighthouse/Angry Blues/Love Songs/Sarah Maria

For the reasons given by the last reviewer Gorilla is a disappointing release compared with the best James Taylor albums. The cover of How Sweet It Is was a No. 5 US hit single. (US:6)

“Gorilla offers a bunch of quiet, seemingly simple JT songs that manage without overproduction. One of his better albums.”

“This record does nothing to correct my impression that behind Taylor's warm, smooth vocals and pleasant guitar playing, there isn't much interesting musically here. Lyrically, there are some interesting moments though.”

“With a voice as clear as a bell, James Taylor's Gorilla is a great listen in virtually every cut. From his vibrant Mexico, to his beautifully structured harmonies in Lighthouse, and the unique title cut, this album has the intimate feel that only truly gifted musicians can achieve.”

“Like most of JT's work, this album contains easy listening soft rock. It marked a change of direction for him in that it lacks the introspective, personal quality of his earlier albums. Still, it contains some very good music, backed up by some of the greatest musicians around. Like always, it has JT's beautifully sweet voice and laid back six string acoustic guitar.”

“James Taylor knows how to use his soft country rock talents to the very best of his abilities, and this LP shows those talents admirably.”

“There is something really smooth and seductive about the songs on this album. How Sweet It Is was the big hit on here, but every track is solid to great also. Some of the songs don't knock you out immediately, but with repeated listens they seep into your soul and stick in your head. Which, to me, is the mark of great music.”

“I was very familiar with Mexico but less so with the title track and other songs from this album. Maybe it's because I love Sweet Baby James and Mud Slide so much, and compared them to Gorilla so I was a little disappointed in this release.”