Album Review: Dan Auerbach - Waiting On A Song

Regardless of whatever else is going on in the world, Dan Auerbach must be having a pretty good time right now.

Having built his own studio in Nashville, Waiting On A Song was conceived by Auerbach and a whole heap of righteous old timers swinging by, including John Prine, Duane "Titan of Twang" Eddy and "some of the greatest musicians who have ever lived," according to Auerbach. Waiting On A Song is perky, highly polished work that's a long way from the bang and clatter of his day job with The Black Keys. No doubt lo-fi purists will pine for The Black Keys recorded-anywhere-but-a-studio early works. They may have a point. Full of homey, feel-good toe-tappers like Shine On Me, Waiting On A Song is like some quality audio wallpaper. It's easy on the ear, but there's not a lot of substance.

There's a bit of variety with the syrupy string-fest of King Of A One Horse Town and the hangdog miserablism of Never In My Wildest Dreams, but by and large it's comfortable dad rock with not a lot of fresh inspiration. Now might be the time to stop partying and get back to work.