"Hourglass" is the fourteenth studio album by James Taylor, released in 1997. It marked his return after a six-year hiatus since New Moon Shine and achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard 200. This was Taylor's first Top 10 album in sixteen years, and it featured the adult contemporary hit "Little More Time With You."
The album won Taylor his first Grammy since JT, receiving the award for Best Pop Album in 1998, while producer Frank Filipetti was recognized with a Grammy for Best Engineered Album. Notably, the recording process involved early digital technology, using a Yamaha O2R mixer and Tascam DA-88 multitrack recorders, which was relatively uncommon for major label recordings at the time.
Hourglass is characterized by its introspective lyrics, reflecting on Taylor's troubled past and family dynamics. The track "Jump Up Behind Me" honors his father's support during difficult times, while "Enough to Be On Your Way" touches on the impact of his brother Alex's alcoholism-related death. Additionally, the themes of the album were influenced by Taylor's divorce from actress Kathryn Walker in 1996.
Rolling Stone described the album as embodying "disbelief," with Taylor himself calling it "spirituals for agnostics," highlighting its exploration of complex emotional and spiritual landscapes. The album was dedicated to Don Grolnick, a key collaborator who passed away during its recording sessions.
