New Music Tuesday: Nate Ruess, James Taylor And More

By Michael Cerio

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Welcome to New Music Tuesday. One of the last before it goes extinct.

Last week it became official that the music industry will shift to a global release day of Friday beginning July 10th. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the move hopes to "reduce the risk of piracy by narrowing the gap between release days in different countries" and "creates the opportunity to re-ignite excitement and a sense of occasion around the release of new music."

Essentially, it's less easy to steal it if we all get it at the same time. Unfortunately though, it's also more likely to get lost in the shuffle of a weekend.

But until then it's still here to get us through a Tuesday, and there's a lot to focus on today.

Nate Ruess – Grand Romantic

Nate Ruess has built an industry on singing heartfelt tales of the emotions and entanglements of love. First with his band The Format, and more recently with the band Fun, Ruess' third incarnation is the solo album Grand Romantic. Here he works his piano through a string of alluring, often epic ballads for anyone into wearing it on your sleeve.

James Taylor – Before This World

James Taylor returns with an album of new material today for the first time in 13 years. Before This World still sports the trademark smooth voice of Taylor, but features a few surprises. "Angels Of Fenway" is a love letter to the Boston Red Sox, while on "Far Afghanistan" he puts himself in the shoes of a solider. Overall, the results are soulful and in many cases ready for the Prairie Home Companion stage.

Heartless Bastards – Restless Ones

Erika Wennerstrom snarls and slides across Heartless Bastards new album Restless Ones. The singer howls against the crunch of guitars and snares, and wins. She's a rockstar. This collection of country tinged songs are gritty and barroom ready.

Ryn Weaver – The Fool

Speaking of voices, Ryn Weaver does vocal gymnastics across her debut album The Fool. Seriously, look out for Ryn Weaver. She has people like Charli XCX and Passion Pit's Michael Angelakos in her corner, and is following a Lorde-like path on her way to being quite a big deal. It was just last year that the internet first took notice of Weaver, and here we are today with a batch of confident strong pop songs.

Also out this week is the relaunch of Hilary Duff with Breathe In. Breathe Out., Hudson Mohawke moves beyond Hip Hop with Lantern, and power-pop from Walk Off The Earth with Sing It All Away.