← Back

That's Why I'm Here

by James Taylor

Released: October 11, 1985

Soft rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

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

The Album

Overall, That's Why I'm Here reflects Taylor's continued evolution as an artist, combining personal narratives with his signature sound. "That's Why I'm Here" is the eleventh studio album by James Taylor, released in 1985, four years after Dad Loves His Work. The album features a cover of Buddy Holly's "Everyday" and includes contributions from notable artists like Don Henley, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, and Deniece Williams.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

AllMusic and the Encyclopedia of Popular Music offered…

AllMusic and the Encyclopedia of Popular Music offered varying ratings, while MusicHound gave it a modest 2/5.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

James Taylor - That's Why I'm Here

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

The track "Only One" reached number 6 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and number 3 in Canada, while "My Romance" was omitted from the LP and cassette versions. Billboard highlighted the album's autobiographical nature, mentioning that Taylor's calm delivery and light rock melodies conceal more complex themes. The album received mixed reviews.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"That's Why I'm Here" is the eleventh studio album by James Taylor, released in 1985, four years after Dad Loves His Work. The album features a cover of Buddy Holly's "Everyday" and includes contributions from notable artists like Don Henley, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, and Deniece Williams. The track "Only One" reached number 6 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and number 3 in Canada, while "My Romance" was omitted from the LP and cassette versions.

The album received mixed reviews. AllMusic and the Encyclopedia of Popular Music offered varying ratings, while MusicHound gave it a modest 2/5. Rolling Stone provided a favorable review, noting that "Only One" showcases Taylor's pure voice and melodic sense, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Billboard highlighted the album's autobiographical nature, mentioning that Taylor's calm delivery and light rock melodies conceal more complex themes.

Overall, That's Why I'm Here reflects Taylor's continued evolution as an artist, combining personal narratives with his signature sound.