News Digest

How sweet it is: James Taylor hits No.1 47 years after releasing first album

Nearly half a century after his debut, rocker James Taylor has finally reached number one in the US album chart. The 67-year-old singer-songwriter’s new album Before This World sold 98,000 copies, downloads or streaming, according to the Nielsen Music tracking service. Taylor’s first, self-titled album came out in 1968 and although he has had 11 albums enter the top 10, he has never hit the top spot.

As a professional musician and songwriter, I’m really grateful to Taylor Swift for making a stand. I think that, generally speaking, if anyone is making money off of an artist’s music, then the artist should participate, and their share should be the lion’s share. It’s reassuring to see someone like Taylor Swift step up to the plate.

James Taylor

Before This World, Taylor’s first album of new material since 2002, marks a return to his brand of nostalgic, guitar-driven folk rock. His popularity has also been aided by his collaboration several years ago with pop superstar Taylor Swift, who reputedly was named after him. Taylor has long enjoyed a following in liberal circles and has been politically outspoken, especially on the environment.