Album: Flag

Introduction
"Flag" is the ninth album by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, launched in 1979. It was a considerable album as it marked Taylor's first step away from his mellow folk-rock sound of the 1970s to a more diverse design. Throughout the album, Taylor checks out various categories and tune structures, all while keeping his signature psychological and introspective lyrics.

Production and Release
"Flag" was recorded in late 1978 and early 1979 at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles, California. Peter Asher, a long-time collaborator of Taylor, produced the album. It was released on May 1, 1979, by Columbia Records, the label Taylor had joined after leaving Warner Brothers.

Musical Style and Themes
"Flag" showcases Taylor's ability to explore different musical designs. The album includes aspects of rock, pop, jazz, and blues, showing a departure from the common acoustic sound Taylor was known for in the 70s. This variety can be attributed to the inclusion of a number of accomplished session artists, such as Danny Kortchmar, Steve Gadd, and Dr. Clarence McDonald.

Lyrically, the album consists of introspective and delicate themes, as Taylor addresses a variety of topics - his fight with dependency, love, and nostalgia. He discuss these subjects with raw honesty and vulnerability, producing a psychological experience for the listener. The tune "Millworker", initially from the Broadway musical "Working", informs the story of a factory worker caught in a dull life. This tune, in addition to other tracks like "Rainy Day Man" and "Sleep Come Free Me", further showcases Taylor's ability to integrate storytelling elements in his lyrics.

Business Success and Critical Reception
Upon its release, "Flag" debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, ultimately peaking at number 5. The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in July 1979, attesting to its business success. Two songs from the album gained significant popularity during this era as well. "Up on the Roof", a cover of the Carole King and Gerry Goffin classic, reached number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Millworker" has become one of Taylor's the majority of precious songs among fans.

Critics typically got "Flag" favorably, applauding the diversity of musical designs and the maturation of Taylor's songwriting. Nevertheless, some critics argued that the experimentation, while admirable, resulted in an album that did not have continuity and focus. However, the album showed Taylor's development as an artist and his resilience in dealing with hard topics through his music.

Legacy
Since its release, "Flag" has remained a vital album in James Taylor's discography. Though it might not have been as commercially effective as his earlier works, the album demonstrated his willingness to experiment and progress as an artist. The album likewise marked the beginning of his long-lasting partnership with The Section, a group of elite session musicians that would support Taylor throughout his profession.

In conclusion, "Flag" is an important addition to James Taylor's discography, showcasing his evolution as an artist and reflecting the psychological depth of his songwriting. Its exploration of varying musical categories and themes, combined with the sincere expression of life experiences and feelings, made it an album that resonated with many fans and solidified Taylor's renowned location in music history.