Gleeks can breathe a sigh of relief – Mark Salling’s character Puck hasn’t been written off “Glee.” In fact, Salling has been doing some writing of his own, and will be returning to the ensemble cast of the popular Fox musical series with a new solo album on the shelves.

Before appearing on “Glee,” Salling, a native of Dallas, performed under the pseudonym “Jericho” and released an album entitled “Smoke Signals.” Salling’s second album, “Pipe Dreams,” was released Oct. 25.

Salling released “Pipe Dreams” under his own record label, Pipe Dreams Records, and also wrote and produced each track on the album, which was seven years in the making. The result is an eclectic mix of indie rock mixed with country and folk inspired beats.

But fans of the show be warned: Salling’s sound is completely opposite of the material his character sings on “Glee.” Salling’s first single, “Higher Power,” is a mellow jazz-rock track that sets the feel for the entire album. Salling raps on “Illusions,” a song about making sense of what is presented in the media, yet he also explores a soft rock sound similar to an R.E.M. song with “Willing and Wonderful.”

Still, most of the tracks on “Pipe Dreams” sound a bit too familiar. The lyrics are well thought out, as they should be after seven years, but the direction of the album is all over the place. The album also lacks a radio-friendly mainstream appeal, meaning that many “Glee” fans may be disappointed.

Fans can, however, take solace knowing that “Pipe Dreams” shows that Salling hasn’t given in to the fame he’s received for playing Noah Puckerman on the show. Salling’s popularity will not soar from the album, but his love of music and songwriting comes through loud and clear, resulting in an easy listen for fans of 1990s alternative rock.