Watch Dog (album)

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Watch Dog is the debut solo album by American singer-songwriter Jules Shear, released in 1983 by EMI America and produced by Todd Rundgren. Recorded at Utopia Sound in Lake Hill, New York, the album runs 46:44 and features the single “Whispering Your Name,” issued in May 1983. Neither the album nor the single found commercial success at the time.

A notable highlight is “All Through the Night,” which Cyndi Lauper recorded for her 1983 debut album, She's So Unusual, and released as a single that reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1984. In 1994, Alison Moyet covered “Whispering Your Name” on Essex, reaching No. 18 on the UK Singles Chart.

Critics praised Shear’s songwriting. Billboard described the album as intelligent, economical, and personal, continuing his strong writing. Cash Box called it his most focused pop effort to date, with songs carrying his distinctive style. Some reviews noted Beatle-like influences and a varied musical approach. In a retrospective view, AllMusic highlighted a mature, eclectic mix and named “All Through the Night,” “Whispering Your Name,” and “Longest Drink” as standout tracks. All songs were written by Jules Shear.