Sometimes, when you’re trying to get where you’re going, you have to shoot past that place so that when you split the difference, you’re right where you want to be. “Wasting Time” the debut album by Daniel McConeghy, seems to be a super quick culmination of Daniel’s musical career, from bedroom troubadour to indie pop icon. Considering he hasn’t quite reached 20 yet!
This album has it all – great songwriting and deep lyrics that run the spectrum of joyous insightful to downright painful, a funky groove and in perfect tune with classic contemporary pop/rock, solid vocal melodies and a seriously tight sound production.
As for the songs themselves, every one is a gem, some even sparkling diamonds. Daniel sets it all up by opening with “Someday,” which generates the albums positiveness right off the cuff, while simultaneously setting the uplifting tones that pervade much of the album. And there’s the sound of real guitars, both acoustic and electric. A good sign of things to come.
Next comes “Waiting On My Rocket,” a sort of autobiographical groovy jam, with an eye on the future. On “Dancing On 17th,” Daniel moves his attention to relationships, with a beautiful musical portrait of being in love, intimately described with a maturity beyond his years. Along with “Into Your Arms,” “Dive In,” “Stay The Same,” and “Leave This Town,” this is one of the absolute standout tracks on the album.
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“Wasting Time” is one the most beautifully crafted mainstream pop indie albums I’ve heard in a while. Daniel McConeghy is truly an outstanding young artist who takes his songwriting seriously. His words are chosen with such care and the emotions they evoke will just blow the listener away.
Some songs like “Someday,” will make your heart ache with pain and despair. It’s like emotional virtual reality. You’ll find yourself frequently shaking your head in awe at how Daniel is able to communicate story after story with an intelligence and clarity that many accomplished songwriters twice his age are unable to achieve.
“Wasting Time” is almost completely flawless and totally addictive. I’ve found it hard to listen to much else for the past few days. Get this album and listen to it, maybe while driving in your car late in the evening. Daniel McConeghy will either give you the reassurance that you’re not the only person in the world without someone or something to hold onto, or make you thankful for what you already have, and hold on even tighter…while dreaming about tomorrow.
Daniel McConeghy – photo by Jamie Gellings Photography
ALBUM CREDITS:
All songs written by Daniel McConeghy (except “Without You”, co-written with Stephen Campbell.)
Daniel McConeghy – Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitars
Joe Howard – Drums, Organ, and Synth Keys
Kenny Zabler – Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, and Programming
Cory A. Baker – Electric Guitars and Acoustic Guitars
Paul Thompson – Bass
Kevin Flood – Background Vocals
Recorded at Full Spectrum Studios
Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Cory A. Baker
Artwork, Design, and Photography by Jamie Gellings Media
Produced by Cory A. Baker, Kenny Zabler, and Joseph B. Howard II
OFFICIAL WEBSITES:
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