The album's first cut, the wonderfully romantic "On The 4th Of July," tells the story of how he and his new wife met and fell in love during that Independence Day a few summers ago: "And the smell of the smoke/And the lay of the land/And the feeling of finding one's heart in one's hand/And the tiny tin voice/Of the radio band/Singing "Love must stand"/Love forever and ever must stand." "September Grass" is another great song, about love and the changing seasons, and is one of my favorite cuts. Not all the selections are love songs, however. "Belfast To Boston" addresses the age-old strife in Ireland - a haunting prayer for peace and forgiveness. "Whenever You're Ready" is upbeat jazzy with a Brazilian touch, terrific background horns and the sound of Taylor whistling at the song's close. "Raised Up Family" showcases Taylor's love for vintage soul and "Caroline I See You" is a deeply moving ballad. Taylor's daughter Sally sings background vocals on "Traveling Star" and "Baby Buffalo." "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," a melancholy, unusual arrangement with Larry Goldings on piano, John Pizzarelli on guitar, and Harry Allen on tenor sax, was recorded right after 9/11 and it is the most beautiful version I have ever heard.

James Taylor is one of my favorite musicians of all time. If you like/love/enjoy his music, you will find this CD well worth the price. It's GREAT!
JANA

Nice Addition to Catalogue
Taylor continues with his usual level of quality. As usual playing is good, and the songs are light and melodious. I think that I probably enjoy this album more than his 1997 Hourglass...

With that said, here are a few things to note:

Baby Buffalo very well may be the strongest piece on the album. It's very reminiscent of James' earlier more dolorous stuff. The beginning is pretty interesting though. I got the feeling of being on the side of a hospital bed watching someone passing away. It was pretty intense material in his usual understated style.

But again, it's hard to decide on the best song. There isn't any filler that usually interrupts some of his later albums. I like the mix of flavors on the disc, all with a folk-rock undertone: Appalachian style folk, a little jazz, almost ethereal reflection, Gershwin-type melody, and even an anti-war tune.

It's great music to spend an afternoon with. At least right now, I think this is his best piece of work in some time, maybe even since 1977's J.T. His current contentment runs through the whole CD. It's mature work. So, if you're interested in what JT's doing these days or just want to hear some great music, this is the album to buy.

Another Great Victory for James T
This has got to be my favorite of all JT recordings I own.
James sings about war, love and homelessness, and even about the beauty of the Christmas season. His rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas" is awe inspiring.

GREAT JOB JAMES!!

October Road is an Outstanding CD
This CD is the most outstanding of all JT's CD's yet! I have been a huge fan of James Taylor since the early 1970's. I have many old records, tapes and CD's of his and have seen his work evolve and heard his voice mellow and mature. This CD has been beautifully organized so that one song flows to the next. I seem to grab it to play at work or home whenever I feel stressed or need to feel "centered". It's wonderful. No words can really do it justice. Thanks James and keep up the great work!

Excellent Album
I have wanted to buy this album since I heard JT and the Dixie Chicks duet on CMT. There are few songs that you can instantly love - and October Road is one of them. James, you did it again!
There's a comfortable sense of the familiar to James Taylor's first collection of new songs since 1997's Grammy winner Hourglass; such is the curse of being a decades-spanning cultural icon. But, as on his best work, there's also an almost stealthy sense of musical restlessness that seeps into Taylor's songs here, as he colors some with deft jazz and international influences. The reunion with producer Russ Titelman (they last collaborated on 1976's In the Pocket) seems to have gratifyingly inspired as much gentle reassessment as retrenchment. Longtime Titelman compatriot Ry Cooder guests on the title track, a song whose autumnal comforts fit the Taylor canon and other album tracks like "September Grass," "Baby Buffalo," "My Traveling Star," and "On the Fourth of July" (the story of Taylor's romantic meeting with current wife Kim) like an old slipper. However, "Belfast to Boston" cries for peace in Ireland and elsewhere with some surprising Gaelic flourishes, while "Whenever You're Ready" throws some Brazilian rhythms and jazzy horns into the mix, and Dave Grusin's slick orchestral arrangement turns "Mean Old Man" into an elegant cabaret surprise. A little more of this musical adventure amidst the familiar romantic ballads and paeans to the comfort of home and family--including a gorgeously spare cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"--certainly wouldn't hurt. --Jerry McCulley