Credit: Found On Internet

Released: 30th October
Label: Independiente

We may as well start by stating the obvious, Ben Taylor sounds a LOT like his dad, the leading light of American Seventies folk-pop, James Taylor.

I tested the theory by listening to an album by each of them back-to-back and the similarity in vocal style and their use of muted musical accompaniment to showcase their distinctive husky voices is eerie.

BUT if James Taylor isn’t your thing, don’t be put off because it is not completely a case of like father like son. If anything, Taylor junior is more sophisticated and edgier than his old man.

And whereas James Taylor’s vocals often had a metallic nasal tone, Ben Taylor conjures a warmth on his second album Another Run Around The Sun.

There must end the comparisons to a musical era that was, quite frankly, at its peak when Ben was still a twinkle in his father’s eye.

Judged on its own terms, Another Run Around The Sun is a collection of lilting acoustic melodies which rely heavily on Taylor’s vocal capabilities.

Opening track Nothing I Can Do stands out as it weaves picked guitar lines with Taylor’s strong melody. There are moments when Taylor locks into his groove on Digest and Surround Me while Someday Soon has the dubious hallmarks of 70s soft pop.

With contributions from Ben’s sister and fellow songwriter Sally and his mother, Carly Simon, lending a section of one her own compositions, the quality of the album is consistent – just don’t expect Taylor to burst into some new-wave, new-rave beats any time soon because the needle has very much been set to mellow.

I listened to the album lying spread-eagled on the living-room floor as Autumn’s chill closed in – you couldn’t go far wrong by doing the same.

7/10

Click Here to read Ben’s own thoughts on Another Run Around The Sun read his exclusive interview for Music Towers in the features section.