Review 1 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

5of 5 Stars

I love how everyone is bashing these guys' "lack of Christianity" on their album. Anyone who thinks this, obviously doesn't understand Christianity. Before I ever knew they were Christians I assumed they were. They love they sing about is not about women, for those of you who say they should sing more about God. The love they sing about is the love of the Lord. The love Christ has for the church. It is pure and beautiful and they put it into words exactly how it was intended.

May 18, 2008 12:54:55

Review 2 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

5of 5 Stars

I'll give this album a fair review.
I don't find Ryan Tedder's songwriting similar to Chris Martin's... Is it just me, but when I'm listening to Coldplay, the song's message always seem to elude me. Just because they're not singing about some 'shawty's booty' or 'crankin' that' does not put them on the same writing style.
I find Coldplay's sound is...'Dreamy'. Like a mess of thoughts wrapped in a melody (in a good way).

The album is very good i must say. All the songs are good enough to be singles and do well in the charts. Although i have to point out the band's lack of upbeat-ness. It would be nice if they did more 'fun' songs like in their gigs and concerts.

But hey, I haven't listened to a whole album like this since Beyonce's Dangerously In Love, and no, i'm not afraid to say i bought that album.
Over-all, the album is very much worth listening to. There are no signs of 'filler tracks' at all.

And considering how Coldplay themselves disappointed us fans with 'Violet Hill' (Sorry guys, the song doesn't work for me.) I'm watchin' these guys instead.

May 3, 2008 03:00:28

Review 3 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

3of 5 Stars

In Rolling Stone’s November 29th issue, southern California pop-rockers OneRepublic were tagged as one of their Top 10 Artists to Watch. The group has received most of their attention with “Apologize,” their latest single which hit radio waves after being remixed by hip-hop producer Timbaland.
Though the band certainly appreciates the exposure that Timbaland has helped to give them, it’s a wonder that the group’s mainstream alternative style did not find its own way into DJ’s hands. The Los Angeles quintet shows shades of Coldplay (in “Tyrant”), Maroon 5 (“Come Home”), The Fray (“All We Are”), and Matchbox Twenty (“Mercy”) on their recently released album “Dreaming Out Loud.”
Elements of each of the pop heavyweights are present in OneRepublic’s music. Ryan Tedder’s style as a singer/pianist/guitarist can be likened to the Fray’s Isaac Slade, while his lyrics draw comparisons with the emotional sides of Adam Levine (Maroon 5) and Chris Martin (Coldplay). The music, sometimes airy and echoing, is similar to Coldplay and Matchbox Twenty’s.
Tedder’s dynamic vocals, however, help to give OneRepublic distinctiveness.
Having a history as a lyricist for various artists, Tedder brings his best to “Dreaming Out Loud.” The songs are geared toward the heavy-hearted, and his passionate and rangy voice is perfect for it. On “Apologize” Tedder delivers a tragic lines that stand out from the rest of the album:
I’d take another chance, take a fall, take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat, but it’s nothin’ new (yeah)
I loved you with a fire red, now it’s turning blue, and you say
‘Sorry’ like the angel heaven let me think was you, but I’m afraid…
The mood and power of “Apologize” is echoed throughout the record, and Tedder never fails to convey the weight of emotion in his songs.
Alternating between R&B drumming and other beat styles also set OneRepublic apart from other pop artists. Drummer Eddie Fisher supplies driving, bass-drum-heavy rhythms during “Say (All I Need)”, “Apologize” and “Goodbye, Apathy,” while operating under different modes for the rest of the album. The folksy “Won’t Stop” displays grassroots brush drumming behind acoustic and slide guitars. Other tracks, such as “Mercy” and “Tyrant,” are explosive and punching.
OneRepublic also boasts a bassist/cellist Brent Kutzle. Though his instruments usually play in the background, Kutzle shares the spotlight in “Apologize” and “All Fall Down.” His cello helps build the tracks’ intros and support their melodies.
Though OneRepublic fits the mold of other pop contemporaries, they are a unique band for Tedder’s rangy voice, Fisher’s versatile drumming and Kutzle’s string work. Guitarists Drew Brown and Zach Filkins are solid and steady compliments to their fellow members.
Tedder and Co. have produced a strong album in “Dreaming Out Loud,” filling it with sensitive strings, kind keys, and love lyrics. Tedder’s passionate cries tug at the heart over waves of piano, guitar and cello—an emotional atmosphere that appeals to the tender side of listeners. Audiences will find that once they listen to OneRepublic, they’ll want to keep on “dreaming.”

Dec 13, 2007 18:43:15

Review 4 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

2of 5 Stars

I think the album would've been decent if it didn't scream 90's Backstreet Boys pop. "Apologize" is popular for a reason: Timbaland's behind it. That guy can put baby sounds to a beat and make it interesting. One Republic should stick to a more accessible platform in the mainstream Christian industry. In an industry where songs like "Crank that Soulja boy" can garner mass appeal - psychologists have now traced the ADHD epidemic to those lyrics actually - we must remember that success is often becoming the quickest symptom of someone utterly talentless. Not to say One Republic doesn't have strengths, but their dreams aren't interesting enough. Fantasize more often fellas. Please?

Dec 3, 2007 19:31:23

Review 5 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

5of 5 Stars

I don't know what Rob Sheffield is talking about, but considering how off the mark he is on alot of his reviews (save maybe Radiohead- which is easy to gauge), one could almost assume he didn't listen to this album, but rather skipped from track to track, skimming the first 30 seconds of each song and, realizing the songs were catchy, hated it.
I came across these guys on the internet, shortly after their song blew up on every format of radio. After buying the album I can honestly say it is nothing short of AMAZING. Heartfelt lyrics, inescapable melodies, and the lead singer's voice is unlike any other band I've heard out there. One incredible song after another ("Say", "Stop & Stare", "All Fall Down").
I do not understand WHAT it is about groups or bands with any level of accessibility or commercial appeal that makes critics feel they have to "hate" on the album. It is absolutely ignorant. I am truly excited for OneRepublic, however, for everyone knows if the critics dump on something, then the public masses will probably embrace it with open arms. These guys know how to write songs, and after reading their bio and understanding where these songs come from, I am only "more" of a fan. But beware fans of the critically acclaimed indie-alt-rock inaccessible bands that few people have heard of, u might hate how memorable these guys are.

Buy the album, judge for yourself, these guys are amazing- there's a reason they have the #1 song in the history of radio, but I guess that means they suck? yeah. That makes sense.

-A

Nov 30, 2007 10:20:50

Review 6 of 6

No Screen Name writes:

2of 5 Stars

This album is ready-made for the folks who still get their music from Top-40 radio. Do they still exist? This is music designed to appeal to everyone, and therefore does so for nobody. If these are indeed Christian boys, I hope their music gets more interesting before they get to heaven, or Jesus is going to be pissed!

Nov 29, 2007 07:44:26