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Flag

by James Taylor

Released: May 01, 1979

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Debut Album.

The Album

"Flag" is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released on May 1, 1979. The album features songs such as "Millworker" and "Brother Trucker," which were part of Taylor's music score for Stephen Schwartz's Broadway musical Working, based on Studs Terkel's book. The album also includes a re-recording of "Rainy Day Man," originally from his debut album.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The cover art features the signal flag "O…

The cover art features the signal flag "O (Oscar)," which indicates "man overboard." Taylor performed three songs from the album—"Up on the Roof," "Millworker," and "Johnnie Comes Back"—on the May 12, 1979 episode of Saturday Night Live.

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Explore the Album

James Taylor - Flag

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Then

Reception

Although the album received mixed reviews, it produced a hit with Taylor's cover of "Up on the Roof," a Gerry Goffin and Carole King composition, marking his last top 40 hit as a solo artist.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

Although the album received mixed reviews, it produced a hit with Taylor's cover of "Up on the Roof," a Gerry Goffin and Carole King composition, marking his last top 40 hit as a solo artist. The album also includes a re-recording of "Rainy Day Man," originally from his debut album.