Following 2000’s Waltzie EP, former member of Raleigh’s own Whiskeytown, Caitlin Cary has released her first full-length solo album on Yep Roc, a tiny North Carolina label out of Chapel Hill.

Cary spent most of her time as a violinist and backing vocalist for the infamously volatile “alt/country” act Whiskeytown. Now she steps out onto her own as a solid songwriter with a keen ear for a catchy melody, eking out just under a dozen more tunes in genre that is so often littered with clichés.

While a solo effort, While You Weren’t Looking reads more like a collaborative effort, including eleven songs written by Cary (who plays neither guitar or piano) and one or more co-writers.

One of those collaborators includes current “it-boy” and former Whiskeytown front-man Ryan Adams, whose writing input aids Cary on two of the albums finest cuts. But it’s former Whiskeytown multi-instrumentalist Mike Daly who makes the biggest contribution to the record, appearing on most every song–playing, writing or both.

Melding pop appeal with traditional country sensibilities, Cary sounds surprisingly fresh while securely attached to part of the down-home sound that made her last band famous.

“Too Many Keys” bravely mixes Emmy Lou Harris style melodies with saxophone accompaniment that would sound at home on any early 60s Motown hit.

“Shallow Heart, Shallow Water” in its sweeping melodies and beautiful hooks seems as radio-friendly as much of the Whiskeytown catalogue, with just enough twang to be lumped in the ever-expanding “country” genre.

“Please Don’t Hurry Your Heart,” one of the pieces co-written by Adams, features vocals that sound incredibly seasoned for Cary, who has spent so little time behind the microphone.

While You Weren’t Looking does experience its share of freshman pitfalls, with filler songs like “What Will You Do?” that sound tired and less than exciting, to put it nicely.

Thad Cockrell makes a particularly weak vocal appearance on “Thick Walls Down,” an otherwise catchy little tune. Much of the record’s weaknesses might be blamed on Cary’s reliance on collaboration due to her ability to contribute little musically.

Emerging as a notable contemporary country songwriter, Cary seems to be quickly getting used to her spot in the driver’s seat. A more active role in the musical accompaniment, which is the only occasional lag of the record, might be the next move for the former NC State teaching assistant.

Even so, While You Weren’t Looking is quite an auspicious debut for Cary who, apparently, was held back too long by the talented but possibly strangling hand of songwriting giant Ryan Adams, who seems much happier on his own these days anyway.

But then again, so does Cary.