← Back

In the Pocket

by James Taylor

Released: June 17, 1976

Soft rock, R&B

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"In the Pocket" is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released in June 1976. The album features collaborations with several notable artists, including Art Garfunkel, who duetted with Taylor on "A Junkie's Lament" and contributed to "Captain Jim's Drunken Dream," as well as Carly Simon, Stevie Wonder, David Crosby, Linda Ronstadt, and Bonnie Raitt. Recorded between late 1975 and early 1976, In the Pocket is noted for its melodic diversity and polished sound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

In 2008, the album was reissued on Rhino's…

In 2008, the album was reissued on Rhino's budget Flashback label.

It marked his last release under Warner Bros

It marked his last release under Warner Bros.

Records before he signed with Columbia

Records before he signed with Columbia.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

James Taylor - In the Pocket

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

The standout single, "Shower the People," became a Taylor standard and peaked at #22 on the Billboard charts while reaching the top of the Adult Contemporary charts. Despite this success, the album didn't reach the heights of his previous work, Gorilla, peaking at #16 on the Billboard album charts—Taylor's lowest position during the 1970s and since his debut album. However, it eventually received Gold certification from the RIAA and has remained a fan favorite.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"In the Pocket" is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released in June 1976. It marked his last release under Warner Bros. Records before he signed with Columbia. The album features collaborations with several notable artists, including Art Garfunkel, who duetted with Taylor on "A Junkie's Lament" and contributed to "Captain Jim's Drunken Dream," as well as Carly Simon, Stevie Wonder, David Crosby, Linda Ronstadt, and Bonnie Raitt.

Recorded between late 1975 and early 1976, In the Pocket is noted for its melodic diversity and polished sound. The standout single, "Shower the People," became a Taylor standard and peaked at #22 on the Billboard charts while reaching the top of the Adult Contemporary charts. Despite this success, the album didn't reach the heights of his previous work, Gorilla, peaking at #16 on the Billboard album charts—Taylor's lowest position during the 1970s and since his debut album. However, it eventually received Gold certification from the RIAA and has remained a fan favorite. In 2008, the album was reissued on Rhino's budget Flashback label.