OneRepublic Has All the Right Moves on Waking Up by Reg Seeton
For
anyone who was eagerly awaiting the second OneRepublic
album, Waking Up, let me start by saying there's
a reason why OneRepublic had the biggest radio airplay
hit in the history of Top 40 radio in North America
in 2007 with the Timbaland remixed "Apologize".
It's called talent. And with Waking Up, the follow
up to Dreaming Out Loud, it's a talent that should
keep OneRepublic in the music scene for years
to come if the band continues to experiment, take
risks and evolve in the same manner as the tracks
of Waking Up unfold.
Although I wasn't surprised by the mainstream success OneRepublic enjoyed with Apologize, I was blown away by how quickly OneRepublic landed in the airplay record books alongside some of the most legendary bands and artists of all time. I mean, think about that for a second and then think about all of the bands and artists that have ever cracked the Top 40. It's almost incomprehensible. Not to take anything away from OneRepublic for the success, but it's an amazing feat for a new band. So the question for me going into Waking Up was: Does OneRepublic have what it takes to use that airplay record as a foundation to future greatness? Coming out of Waking Up, the answer is yes, with a only one major caveat.
In terms of relatable diversity on Waking Up, OneRepublic incorporates obvious stylistic hints of Coldplay, The Beatles and U2 but also weaves in symphonic, orchestral layers within a largely piano based Emo foundation. At the same time, experimental electric layers of blues similar to Beck can be found within "Everybody Loves Me" while other tracks like "Made for You" offer delicate operatic shadows of Meatloaf set to George Harrison style snare. Supported by violin and xylophone, "Missing Person 1 & 2" reveals a depth not found on Dreaming Out Loud, as Tedder and crew expose their vulnerability of feeling lost in the world while "Good Life" provides an upbeat Celtic balance by finding happiness in a foreign land. What soon becomes evident when listening to Waking Up is the band's self confidence and willingness to expose themselves creatively to explore new territory.
The
title track, "Waking Up", brings back memories
of U2 and the haunting vocal self confidence
of Bono, as Ryan Tedder auditions for the world
that he has the chops to pick up where Bono
eventually leaves off if he chooses. Although
great, "Waking Up" feels more like homage than
a new direction given the rest of the album.
Where Waking Up finds its true power is in the
romantically powerful "All the Right Moves",
"Secrets", the upbeat call to action "Marchin
On" and sure to be OneRepublic staple "All This
Time", which echoes the stripped away piano
sincerity of '60s and '70s ballad anthems. Interestingly,
the eclectic "Fear" offers OneRepublic fans
a cerebral trip into the music alone as the
unconventional orchestral track conjures up
a slew of ethereal cloud like imagery.
There's no doubt OneRepublic fans will fall
madly in love with Waking Up. Almost the entire
album has mainstream hit potential and stands
as a stellar, mature follow up to Dreaming Out
Loud. Although OneRepublic has another hit album
on their hands within a mainstream Top 40 wheelhouse,
which does show the band's creative diversity
to explore and experiment, tracks like "Waking
Up" punctuate that OneRepublic has the potential
of a U2 or Coldplay if only they don't let the
Top 40 market define them.
As mentioned earlier, the one caveat I have is that the musical influences on the band are obvious on Waking Up. Luckily those influences don't overshadow the bulk of the tracks and their talent and potential takes center stage. If OneRepublic can find a way to take even more risks in the future and not be afraid to kick away the influences, Waking Up is only a quarter of what we'll see from OneRepublic on the next album.
I think 95% of this review is spot on.
I'm very happy they took risks & decided to experiment more on this album and the experimenting shows they have alot of potential.
I hope radio willl take a chance & starts picking this up more.
Also agree they could be a huge band the likes of Coldplay.
Only thing I disagree with is comparing Ryan to Bono.
I've seen 1R in concert alot, & also U2 last month.
Ryan is a great lead singer & interesting/fun performer but he cant compare to Bono.
abindenver – Denver, CO
November 19, 2009 - 01:05
Subject: Waking Up Review
Thank you -- this is one of the more intelligent reviews of Waking Up that I've read! At least, your observations of the musical influences in Waking Up were nearly identical to mine! I agree, the influences are very evident. But in the end I don't think it takes away from Ryan's amazing voice, and the wonderful use of the band's instruments in the songs. All the songs are put together very well and very pleasing to listen to. If they choose to pay a little homage to U2, so be it. But they are still distinctive songs that sound like OneRepublic. I think that "All this Time" sounds a little like "People Get Ready." Anyway, I always like to read something that mirrors my thoughts a little.... :-)
For
anyone who was eagerly awaiting the second OneRepublic
album, Waking Up, let me start by saying there's
a reason why OneRepublic had the biggest radio airplay
hit in the history of Top 40 radio in North America
in 2007 with the Timbaland remixed "Apologize".
It's called talent. And with Waking Up, the follow
up to Dreaming Out Loud, it's a talent that should
keep OneRepublic in the music scene for years
to come if the band continues to experiment, take
risks and evolve in the same manner as the tracks
of Waking Up unfold.
The
title track, "Waking Up", brings back memories
of U2 and the haunting vocal self confidence
of Bono, as Ryan Tedder auditions for the world
that he has the chops to pick up where Bono
eventually leaves off if he chooses. Although
great, "Waking Up" feels more like homage than
a new direction given the rest of the album.
Where Waking Up finds its true power is in the
romantically powerful "All the Right Moves",
"Secrets", the upbeat call to action "Marchin
On" and sure to be OneRepublic staple "All This
Time", which echoes the stripped away piano
sincerity of '60s and '70s ballad anthems. Interestingly,
the eclectic "Fear" offers OneRepublic fans
a cerebral trip into the music alone as the
unconventional orchestral track conjures up
a slew of ethereal cloud like imagery.