Legendary singer‑songwriter James Taylor recently shared his personal list of favorite songs from his long and iconic career — and instantly sparked a huge fan reaction online. The 77‑year‑old music legend sat down on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and, pulling a small notebook from his pocket, revealed the five songs from his own catalog he holds closest to his heart.

Taylor’s selections weren’t just casual mentions — he explained why each track means something unique to him, bringing personal memories, musical praise, and deep meaning into a list that spans decades of classic songwriting. But while fans welcomed the list with excitement, many couldn’t help but point out one massive song missing from his top picks — a track they say defined his career.

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The Five Songs James Taylor Picked

Here are the songs James Taylor personally named as his favorites:

  1. “Mean Old Man” – A tune Taylor says earned praise from music legend Paul McCartney.

  2. “Millworker” – A song Bruce Springsteen once singled out as special.

  3. “Sweet Baby James” – A deeply nostalgic song from his breakthrough 1970 album of the same name.

  4. “The Frozen Man” – A fan‑favorite praised by Bob Dylan himself.

  5. “Carolina in My Mind” – A beloved ode to his roots.

These five picks reflect both personal moments and artistic pride from across his career — from early classics to later works that shaped his legacy.

Why Fans Think He Missed the Biggest Song of All

Immediately after the list was shared online, fans noticed a glaring omission: “Fire and Rain” — arguably Taylor’s most famous and universally loved song — was not on his list.

Released in 1970, “Fire and Rain” was James Taylor’s breakthrough hit and remains one of the most well‑known songs of his entire career. It’s widely celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless melody, and is often featured near the top of fan‑generated lists of his best work.

Social media lit up with reactions from fans who pointed out the absence, saying things like “Of course he forgot ‘Fire and Rain!’” and “That’s the song I expected at #1.” Others suggested that Taylor might have simply wanted his list to spotlight songs that are meaningful to him personally, rather than those that were his biggest commercial hits.

What This Reveals About the Artist

James Taylor isn’t just picking songs based on chart success — he’s selecting songs that carry emotional weight for him, personally and creatively. His list includes songs that touched other artists, associated with meaningful moments, or represent stories he’s proud of telling.

This distinction explains why a fan favorite like “Fire and Rain” might be conspicuously absent: artistry versus popularity. Many artists with long careers tend to view their own work differently from how listeners do — choosing pieces tied to personal experiences, collaborations, or unique journeys rather than simply their biggest hits.

Top 5 Songs James Taylor Named (His Picks)

  • Mean Old Man – appreciated for external praise from Paul McCartney.

  • Millworker – notable story and artistic depth.

  • Sweet Baby James – classic heartfelt piece.

  • The Frozen Man – artist‑approved favorite.

  • Carolina In My Mind – deeply personal track.