Todd Carey's Watching, Waiting is an album that will get the listener's toes tapping (possibly so much that he or she may be asked to leave the study den because the person's dancing is too much of a distraction). From catchy melodies to a talented singer, the album has a lot going for it.
The first few songs are a little rough. Although ""Ain't Got Love"" is enjoyable, ""Back Off Baby"" and ""Friday Night"" leave something to be desired. These two tracks have an annoying boy-band sound that just doesn't work for the rest of the album.
""Friday Night"" can be forgiven because many songs about the weekend end up being cheesy dance music, but ""Back Off Baby"" seems like something a 12-year-old boy would tell the girl who has a crush on him. It's somewhat surprising Carey doesn't mention the girl having cooties.
However, the album makes up for any immaturity with songs like ""Elaine"" or ""Goodbye to Another One,"" which have a little more adult sound and lyrical style.
The first few songs on the disc have a great pop sound, but Carey excels when he plays with a more classic style.
The album on the whole could be compared to John Mayer or Jason Mraz, with a heavy use of acoustic guitar and great melodies. Many of the other tracks are ballads or easy-going folk rock, which suits Carey much better than becoming another cheesy pop singer.
Besides having great melodies, many of the songs are relatable. The single ""Watching, Waiting"" for which the album is titled, portrays a crush. Many people have had that person who ""Every engine that I hear on the side of the road / Sends me in a spin of excited hope."" The simple idea behind this song, and many others on the album, is what makes it so endearing. Carey tells a story with each song, and listeners are sure to feel the emotion that Carey has poured into the album.
If there are any complaints to be made—besides the rough intro—it would almost have to be that the album flows together too well. Only after several plays do songs finally start to stand out. They follow each other so well that it is hard to tell where one ends and the next begins.
While a nice flow is important, it causes this album to struggle somewhat. It is hard for each song to grab the listener's attention from the previous song.
Overall, Todd Carey has put out quite an enjoyable album. It is easy-going folk rock that many people will love listening to. Pick up your copy to annoy your study den with.
