Three Way Mirror cover

Three Way Mirror

Livingston Taylor · 1978

31 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A melodic blend of folk rock that captures the warmth of personal storytelling with intricate harmonies and light instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Going Round One More Time — This opening track introduces listeners to Taylor's signature sound, featuring playful lyrics about life's cyclical nature and an inviting melody that sets the tone for the album.
  • →
    L.A. Serenade — Capturing the essence of California’s laid-back lifestyle, this song stands out for its vivid imagery and smooth arrangement, making it emblematic of the era.
  • →
    I Will Be in Love With You — This track highlights Taylor's romantic lyricism and showcases his vocal range, combining heartfelt sentiment with an engaging musical backdrop that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with personal storytelling but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are layered with harmonies throughout, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate light instrumentation, such as acoustic guitar and piano, which creates a warm, inviting sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • gentle melodies for quiet afternoons
  • uplifting tunes for casual gatherings
  • introspective vibes for solo listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer complex, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1978, Livingston Taylor had already established himself in the folk rock scene with several albums to his name. 'Three Way Mirror' was his fourth studio album, following 'Liv' from 1973, showcasing a maturation of his sound while maintaining his characteristic charm. This album reflects Taylor's continued exploration of personal themes and relationships, further solidifying his place within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
James Taylor· John Denver· Jim Croce

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Going Round One More Time 2:50
  • 2 L.A. Serenade 2:59
  • 3 Gonna Have a Good Good Time 2:23
  • 4 Train off the Track 3:35
  • 5 I Will Be in Love With You 3:31
  • 6 No Thank You Skycap 2:55
  • 7 I’ll Come Running 3:22
  • 8 Living Without You 4:20
  • 9 Southern Kids 3:02
  • 10 How Much Your Sweet Love Means to Me 2:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata