Given Taylor's last album, Hourglass, won the Grammy for best pop vocal album in 1997, the veteran singer-songwriter had a lot to live up to on his latest studio release.

Fortunately, he's been nothing if not consistent with his song craftsmanship, vocals and guitar playing over the last 30 years.

With the exception of September Grass and a cover of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, his new album -- in stores Tuesday -- contains all Taylor originals.

With that album title, he is technically two months early, but the songs have not an ounce of rushed feeling about them. Delivering each tune in his usual laid-back, folksy way, the warm-voiced Taylor works once again with producer Russ Titelman, who was also behind the boards on two of his previous classics -- 1975's Gorilla and 1976's In The Pocket.

The collaboration works well, particularly on such simple, stripped-down standouts as September Grass, On The 4th Of July, My Traveling Star, Raised Up Family, Carry Me On My Way and Baby Buffalo.

Guests include guitar legend Ry Cooder, sax player Michael Brecker on the title track, and Taylor's daughter Sally, who sings background vocals on Traveling Star and Baby Buffalo. (More on James Taylor)

Track Listing
1. September Grass
2. October Road
3. On the 4th of July
4. Whenever You're Ready
5. Belfast to Boston
6. Mean Old Man
7. My Traveling Star
8. Raised Up Family
9. Carry Me on My Way
10. Caroline I See You
11. Baby Buffalo
12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas