Let’s talk Andy Biersack, the lead singer of Black Veil Brides.

Sure, everyone seems to hate everything about him and the band he’s passionate about, and I can tell you, even I don’t like BVB’s older music. In fact, I only began to appreciate the band last year, and even then I only liked the two most recent albums: “Wretched & Divine” and the self titled “Black Veil Brides,” where the band let go of much of their scream-heavy vocals and began focusing on musicality.

So when I saw Biersack released his first solo music video “They Don’t Need To Understand” as Andy Black, I was intrigued. I was disappointed that it took over a year for anything else to come from Andy Black, but hey, releasing the debut digital solo album, “The Shadow Side,” last week is better than Biersack totally abandoning the solo project, though I wouldn’t say it was worth a year of waiting.

For everyone who doesn’t like BVB, let me just tell you that from the beginning, for his first solo venture, Biersack planned to explore sounds he didn’t want to mix with the band he had formed nine years prior. This was probably a wise move as Andy Black’s first album features an almost entirely soulful pop alternative vibe — the total opposite of the Kiss and Motley Crew-inspired “rock’n’roll” BVB prides itself in. So definitely don’t expect to hear too many similarities between BVB and Andy Black as the main thing the two have in common is Biersack’s recognizable voice and passion.

To start his album, Biersack describes his experience as an outcast in a small town with “Homecoming King.” The song definitely sets the tone for the album with lyrical syncopation and who knows how many different instruments working together to powerfully tell his story of watching the popular kids “rise and fall” while feeling like “the invisible man.”

Biersack then transitions to the only track on the album with a music video so far, “We Don’t Have To Dance.” This is probably the song I relate to the most. In my mind, relatability can make or break a song if it’s not catchy. And what’s more catchy and relatable than wanting someone who just doesn’t get it out of your life? Beyond the lyrics and rhythm of the song, though, Biersack showcased his limited vocal ability. After years of screaming for BVB and smoking, Biersack can’t reach most high notes, but he somehow makes it work for him by rhythmically emphasizing the few higher notes he can reach and making full use of his gravely voice in his lower register.

The rest of the album follows this pattern of relatable, catchy and syncopated lyrics with interesting instrumental arrangements. That’s what makes the album just short of spectacular: there aren’t enough stand-out pieces. Yeah, each song has its own unique story and musical tricks, but the album just doesn’t stand out like the most recent releases from some of my favorite musicians — Panic! At The Disco, Fall Out Boy and Shinedown, just to name a few.

I know being a solo artist is new territory for Biersack, and he showed that inexperience in this album. Yes, each song on its own is good, and I like the album’s vibe, but I can see myself getting bored with it quickly, unlike many other artists I find myself drawn to.

Despite the average, I suppose, nature of Biersack’s first Andy Black album, I look forward to seeing where he goes from here. But that may just be because I love Biersack’s voice.