CD Review

Somehow Todd Carey is still a relatively unknown singer-songwriter, so it’s rather appropriate that he’s titled his latest release, Watching Waiting. With undeniable song hooks, a lively range that reflects his sunny optimism, and most importantly – a real way with a six string, Carey is a versatile live talent that can rock his way to pop stardom with just a couple of lucky breaks.

Produced by Marshall Altman (Marc Broussard, Matt Nathanson, Brooke Fraser), Watching Waiting triumphs on Carey’s vocal emotion. Though his range of influences run from Stevie Wonder to Jason Mraz, once again Carey is found most closely aligned to John Mayer. In the catchy “Elaine” and “Falling From Grace,” his atmospheric lead guitar gives the album a sense of immediacy. The standout track, the R&B flavored “Friday Night,” is a radio hit in waiting with its celebratory beats. And one to never take himself too seriously, “King of Cliché’,” lets Carey’s true lightheartedness shine. Watching Waiting might lend itself to the same young audience that flocks to Mayer, but there are a hell of a lot of them, and for an artist of equal talent, that’s not a bad thing.