HAVING enjoyed James Taylor in my school days the first time around, I was really looking forward to listening to this album. And I was not disappointed.

Admittedly, there were no classics such as Fire and Rain and You've Got a Friend here and it doesn't immediately hook you.

But it grows on you slowly and after listening to it a few times, you find yourself humming along and tapping your feet.

The album is well produced, the arrangements are spot-on and it starts well; I really liked September Grass and October Road.

He has included some jazzy, upbeat songs such as Whenever You're Ready that work well and he seems generally less angst-ridden than I remember.

Taylor's voice has lost none of its distinctiveness, put to use beautifully on the catchy On the 4th of July and my personal favourite Caroline I See You.

Some tracks are a little samey and the inclusion of a cover version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is a mistake.

But the more I listen, the more I find to enjoy.

If you liked James Taylor the first time around, you'll probably like this too.

LM