October Road

Taylor has his favorite honeyed-voice touchstones (the lure of the road, North Carolina, love lost, love found), and they’re all here. Hewing close to the format of ’97’s Grammy-winning Hourglass, Taylor pretty much defines easy listening, and there are (as always) some shining standouts. Here, they’re the tender plea to his new wife, ”Caroline I See You,” and the opener, ”September Grass,” poignant with memories of adolescent lust. In times as unstable as a teen’s hormones, it’s good to know Taylor can still be counted on for solace.