Dad Loves His Work

Released in March 1981, Dad Loves His Work stands as one of James Taylor's most commercially successful and critically interesting later-period albums. The title itself was a provocative nod to the ultimatum allegedly given by his then-wife Carly Simon regarding his touring schedule and career focus. Sonically, the album moves away from the purely acoustic folk of his 1970s peak toward a more robust, radio-friendly soft rock sound, aided by the slick production of Peter Asher. It features the hit duet 'Her Town Too' (though not listed in this specific track sequence, it defined the era's sound). The album is notable for its lyrical depth, touching on themes of addiction, marital strife, and the loneliness of the road. It concludes with 'That Lonesome Road,' a song that became a staple of his live performances, showcasing his ability to blend secular songwriting with traditional gospel structures. Critics often cite this as the last of his 'classic' era albums before he moved into more sporadic release cycles.