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Never Die Young

by James Taylor

Released: January 11, 1988

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

"Never Die Young" is the twelfth studio album by James Taylor, released in 1988, three years after That's Why I'm Here. Cash Box praised the title track, describing its lyrics as "a dazzling string of pearls" that captivate listeners, with a musical feel likened to a warm breeze.

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James Taylor - Never Die Young

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Reception

The album reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA. Its title track peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's only charting single. The publication also highlighted "Baby Boom Baby," noting Taylor's exploration of life's complexities, and called "Sweet Potato Pie" a blend of "smooth yet deceptively deep material." Notably, "Sweet Potato Pie" was later performed as a duet with Ray Charles on Charles' Grammy-winning album Genius Loves Company, further showcasing Taylor's enduring appeal and versatility as an artist.

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The Complete Album Story

"Never Die Young" is the twelfth studio album by James Taylor, released in 1988, three years after That's Why I'm Here. The album reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified Platinum by the RIAA. Its title track peaked at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the album's only charting single.

Cash Box praised the title track, describing its lyrics as "a dazzling string of pearls" that captivate listeners, with a musical feel likened to a warm breeze. The publication also highlighted "Baby Boom Baby," noting Taylor's exploration of life's complexities, and called "Sweet Potato Pie" a blend of "smooth yet deceptively deep material."

Notably, "Sweet Potato Pie" was later performed as a duet with Ray Charles on Charles' Grammy-winning album Genius Loves Company, further showcasing Taylor's enduring appeal and versatility as an artist.