Waiting on a Song
by Dan Auerbach
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2017
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. American Songwriter
    Jun 2, 2017
    60
    Even though this is unlikely to appeal to hard core Black Keys or Arcs fans, the songwriting effort (the sweet, sensitive “Never In My Wildest Dreams” could have come from Burt Bacharach’s pen) and detailed creativity of the arrangements is impressive.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jun 2, 2017
    60
    It’s a perfectly pleasant ride to go along with him on, too, and given that ‘Turn Blue’ sounded a tired effort pretty much from the get go, this return to his roots will hopefully bode well for the band when they eventually reconvene.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 1, 2017
    60
    “Shine On Me” sounds like a George Harrison out-take, while the kitschy-corny “Livin’ In Sin” (“Your touch is electrical/I’m so susceptible”) recalls The Beach Boys circa 15 Big Ones. But there are threads of sly invention woven throughout, most notably the unusual alliance of dobro slide and Bacharach horns that lifts “Wildest Dreams”.
  5. Consequence
    May 30, 2017
    58
    Although it features a few radio-ready summer moments, Waiting on a Song never quite rises to the heights reached by its famous collaborators or canon-approved inspirations.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. MissMac
    Jun 29, 2017
    6
    A real tale of two halves, I struggled to like the album in entirety but there are some cracking tracks. This will definitely appeal to theA real tale of two halves, I struggled to like the album in entirety but there are some cracking tracks. This will definitely appeal to the masses and there is definitely something for everyone in here. I enjoy being taken on a journey with an album but this didn't feel like that. More a collection of songs from a variety of genre influences.… Full Review »
  2. ns156
    Jun 4, 2017
    7
    Dan left his bluesy/garage rock roots behind on this one, focusing on all his other influences instead. As such, it feels less like a cohesiveDan left his bluesy/garage rock roots behind on this one, focusing on all his other influences instead. As such, it feels less like a cohesive album and more a collection of 10 singles. This, however, means it's full of earworms, and is a perfect summertime driving album. While the lyrics might not be the most interesting in the world, the production is flawless and is a total clinic in the art.

    It's not going to change your life, but that was never the point of it in the first place. Much like its totally organic sound and writing process with an army of rock, country, and folk artists working with Auerbach, it's a tribute to music and songwriting itself; it's about having fun making music. If the more pretentious sect could take life less seriously on occasion, they'd get the point.    … Full Review »
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