If you're from the Pittsburgh area, chances are that you've heard a Clarks song playing on the local rock station, WDVE.

The band, formed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the late 1980s, has gained a huge following in Pittsburgh with hit songs "Better Off without You," "Born Too Late" and beyond.

So imagine my surprise when I pick up lead singer Scott Blasey's solo CD, Travelin' On, only to find a ballad-heavy slew of mushy tracks. To put it bluntly, these tunes are the antithesis of good, old fashioned Clarks rock 'n roll.

Watch out. Blasey's gone soft.

In a recent interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Blasey said that he took this solo opportunity to write songs that specifically appealed to him. This idea is evident in a track entitled "Sweet Mystery," which is a recollection of his transition from rocker to family man.

"Gone was the feeling I lived for...I'm selling guitars and that tired fantasy for sweet mystery," he croons, presumably about his wife.

This is certainly a departure from Blasey's Clarks career. Case in point: a song called "Chasin' Girls," in which he sings: "I've been chasin' girls/I've been drinkin' beer/I've been gettin' stoned all year."

It's charming that he's finally growing up. Really. It's just too much, too fast for my taste.

The sentimental theme continues with a song about his daughter, entitled "Little Sofia."

It's cool that he's finally getting in touch with his fatherly side. But I mean, he sings about his daughter's "little toes."

Toes are where I draw the line.

Even the title track, "Travelin' On," leaves much to be desired with a dull and repetitive melody. The lyrics of the song are a bit better, as Blasey reminisces about his childhood days in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. "I stood on the backseat when I was just five/by the time I was ten, my daddy let me drive. I'm not staying here/I'll be travelin' on," he recalls.

Despite the numerous weak moments, there are some high points to the album, namely a song called "See You Around." It unmistakably has a Clarks vibe to it and almost made me forget that this was Blasey's solo effort for about three minutes.

"San Antonio" is another fun song, in which Blasey sings about his desire to take a trip to the Texas city. However, although the beat is worthy of toe-tapping and hand-clapping, the hackneyed and juvenile lyrics could use a little help: "Tired of the rain/ The hopelessness and pain/ Tired of the snow/ Think I'm gonna go to San Antonio."

All in all, Blasey's perfect vocals that made the Clarks a hit help to make even the sappiest songs polished and enjoyable.

He just needs to realize that it's not time to retire yet. I'm positive that he has a few good rockin' albums left in him.

Rock on.

Grade: C-