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James Taylor Popular Song Ranking [2026]
He is a singer-songwriter from the United States, and with his cover of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” Taylor won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, while songwriter King won Song of the Year.
Here is a collection of some of his popular songs.
James Taylor Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
You’ve Got A FriendJames Taylor1rank/position
It’s a famous classic written and composed by the one and only Carole King.
Many artists have covered it.
The message—“If you’ll just call my name, I’ll be there right away, because we’re friends”—is carried by beautiful vocals and the sound of the piano.
It makes you reflect on the presence of friends, and savor just how precious they are.
Something In The Way She MovesJames Taylor2rank/position
A song included on James Taylor’s debut album released through the Beatles’ Apple Records.
It’s well known that George Harrison directly borrowed this song’s title (the opening line) when writing “Something.”
September GrassJames Taylor3rank/position
James Taylor, a quintessential American singer-songwriter, has left behind a wealth of beloved classics and hit songs that continue to be cherished by many.
While he helped lead the singer-songwriter boom of the 1970s, he’s also known as a master of the acoustic guitar.
Here in Japan, too, countless listeners have admired his warm vocals and the expressive tones of his acoustic playing.
In that spirit, I’d like to introduce “September Grass,” a perfect song to savor in September that beautifully showcases Taylor’s voice and acoustic guitar.
The track opens his 15th album, October Road, released in 2002, and carries a nostalgic, bittersweet feel—evoking the sense of lying in a grassy field in September, after summer has ended, recalling the faint memories of a distant romance.
It feels like more than just a seasonal transition; it suggests a metaphor for life, moving from summer to autumn, and then sensing the approach of winter.
As the lyrics suggest, if you enjoy a drink, try listening to this song with a glass of apple wine in hand!
Sweet Baby JamesJames Taylor4rank/position
A gentle, lullaby-like song that tells the story of a young cowboy spending a lonely night in a valley.
It was James Taylor’s first single, released by Warner Bros.
Records.
The Dixie Chicks covered the song with Taylor at the September 2005 “Making” concert in honor of many victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Your smileJames Taylor5rank/position
“Whenever I see your smiling face I have to smile myself — 君の笑顔を見るたびに、僕も笑ってしまう.” That opening phrase gives lyrics that seem to convey a man's kindness.
It is followed by “Because I live you,” and doesn’t it feel like that phrase could be used somewhere?
Fire & RainJames Taylor6rank/position
James Taylor is a quintessential American singer-songwriter who helped lead the singer-songwriter boom of the 1970s.
His gentle voice and the sound of his acoustic guitar have continued to soothe the hearts of many.
Released in February 1970, this song was written based on Taylor’s personal experiences, chronicling hardships in his life such as a friend’s suicide and his struggle with drug dependency.
Its calm melody and deeply moving lyrics strike a chord with listeners and evoke empathy.
Reaching No.
3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became a turning point in Taylor’s career.
It’s a profoundly resonant masterpiece—highly recommended for listening alone on a quiet night.
Fire and RainJames Taylor7rank/position
This is a timeless song whose warm vocals from American singer James Taylor and the gentle resonance of his acoustic guitar sink deep into the heart.
The lyrics honestly recount painful life experiences—parting with a childhood friend, struggles with drug addiction, and setbacks in his music career—and evoke profound empathy in listeners.
Released in August 1970 as a track from the album Sweet Baby James, it became a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the Billboard charts.
It has continued to be cherished across generations, with uses such as its appearance in the animated series The Simpsons and a duet with Taylor Swift.
Its soothing melody and profound lyrics offer comfort and support to those seeking healing for the soul.