By: Ashton Newton
Entertainment Editor

In the past, it was difficult not to associate Dan Auerbach with The Black Keys, where he serves as lead guitarist and vocalist. Even in his first solo album, 2009’s “Keep It Hid,” Auerbach’s sound was comparable to the sound of The Black Keys.

In Auerbach’s upcoming album, “Waiting on a Song,” he sets himself apart from The Black Keys by giving a more pop-heavy, dream-like album that is perfectly upbeat and just in time for Summer.

The title track, “Waiting on a Song,” starts the album off with a sound that feels similar to 70’s country music. It’s catchy and relies heavily on simple lyrics and twangy guitar. It feels different from the summery-pop-vibe that Auerbach tries to evoke with the rest of the album, but is a good song nonetheless.

If this album is playing around with surf-rock sounds, “Malibu Man” dives right into the ocean: mildly distorted, dreamy vocals and a soft guitar that sounds like it’s taken right out of “Surfin’ U.S.A.” “Malibu Man” finds Auerbach settling into the sound that makes “Waiting on a Song” great.

One song on the 10-track album that stands out the most is “Shine on Me.” Not only is the song instantly danceable, it features guitar and vocals reminiscent of surf rock. The song is both memorable and catchy. With simple lyrics and upbeat music, “Shine on Me” is the perfect tune to listen to with the windows down.

In this generally upbeat album, Auerbach isn’t afraid to slow things down. “Never in My Wildest Dreams” starts off with a single acoustic guitar and Auerbach’s soft vocals. The chorus adds percussion and some soft horn instruments, making this song slow, but still toe-tapping. The lyrics are emotional and find Auerbach at his most heartfelt.

Through the 10 songs on “Waiting on a Song,” Dan Auerbach finds a dreamy, surf-rock sound that sets the album miles apart from anything done with The Black Keys. Upbeat, heartfelt and a ton of fun, “Waiting on a Song” is a fantastic album and perfect for summer.

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu