Blender magazine has named James Taylor the #1 “wuss” ever. According to the magazine, J.T. is accused of initiating “an era of confessional, listen-to-my-troubles singer/songwriters” and turning “self-examination into a hallmark of the baby-boom generation.”
J.T.? A “wuss”? You’ve got to be kidding me!
James Taylor is about the least wussiest guitar master and stud singer ever. At a time when real wusses followed the crowd and protested, J.T. was original, authentic, and refreshing (“Sweet Baby James,” “Fire and Rain”) even when covering someone else’s tunes (“Up on a Roof,” “You’ve Got a Friend”). While the pop culture honored everyone and everything it could blame for issues and guilt, J.T. wrote and sang with personal responsibility (“I Will Not Life For You,” “Millworker”). When cheesy singers sang cheesier fake love songs, James wrote steamrollin’ lyrics like “I’d like to roll all over you.” When lead singers had to lose their sound in studio effects and headbanging bands, J.T. opened concerts solo with his ax and a plain spotlight; while others donned costumes, J.T. sang in a t-shirt, jeans, and the occasional collared shirt.
In other words, he brought the music–the words and the passion–and not much else. And years later, while the cheesier guys have faded, J.T. is still a musical force and his lyrics have transcended a generation.
I would hope a spiritual person is clear on the difference between a “wuss” and, well, whatever the opposite of a “wuss” is. My #1 vote for the #1 Wuss is the Blender editor who gave J.T. the title. His career, I suspect, will land somewhere between chopped and puree, while J.T. continues to entertain audiences full of non-wusses who gladly pay for the privilege.
posted July 14, 2006 at 2:21 pm
I loved this article. It probably does take an insecure person to so denigrate another like this! “Biggest wuss ever”. Pullleeeeeze.>
posted July 14, 2006 at 6:20 pm
I am right with you on this. How can anyone in their right mind call James Taylor a wuss? Have they really listened to his music? Way to go! Sarah>
posted July 21, 2006 at 5:36 pm
JT is the MAN! definately not a wuss! I saw him in concert several years ago, and it was one of the most memorable and beautiful experiences! I cannot stress what a genius he is!>
posted July 22, 2006 at 4:55 pm
When I was younger, I only knew him as Carly Simon’s husband. (I told you I was young then.
) But after listening to a lot of his stuff, I really enjoy his intelligent lyrics, which are in such short supply in music these days. (Where I live, radio is dominated by Country, Christian Pop, BritneyPop, and that crap that’s passing for R+B today.) I especially like the songs “Enough To Be On Your Way” and “Look Up From Your Life” from “Hourglass”. Haven’t heard “October Road”. Anyone out there who has, let me know if it’s any good. Thanks.>
posted July 25, 2006 at 4:49 pm
TO Anonymous Also: “October Road” is certainly pleasant, and decent, but not genius or timeless. “Carry Me On My Way” is my fav, and understated prayer in JT style; “Belfast to Boston” and “Whenever You’re Ready” are best other contributions. Studio album, though, and I like him better live!>
posted July 25, 2006 at 9:06 pm
To Doug Howe: Thank You for the response and review. It sounds pretty much like I thought it would. I haven’t had the chance to see him live, but I believe his shows have been on PBS during pledge drives, so between that and the Country Music Television show “Crossroads” he did with the Dixie Chicks, I’ll have to keep an eye out for them. (which is the only possible way I’d ever watch CMT, by the way.
) Thank You again, Doug.>
posted July 30, 2006 at 8:30 am
I’ve seen him in concert 7 times,I loved him then as I do now. So glad he’s still around and making music,he’s sensitive and strong,which is why he appeals to the masses..all I can say is “thanks,you’ve made my life more enjoyable and you have given me a great deal of pleasure”…with big ,warm hugggggsssssssssssssss>