It's unfair to criticize One Republic for the formulaic sound of their walloping ballads – it was frontman/songwriting-production ninja Ryan Tedder, who, as much as anyone else in pop, helped establish that formula. Native is catchy and predictable: big melodies, inspirational lyrics, production that sits between pop and rock and dance. The main problem is also the main asset: Tedder himself, a song savant who's a boring and characterless singer. 

“More Than a Feeling”

Boston mastermind Tom Scholz was as surprised by anyone when he sent his unsolicited demo to record labels and got back a positive response. Scholz said, “I couldn’t believe it. Nobody knew who we were, so I wouldn’t even say we were struggling. It was groveling.” Part of the credit for the interest must go to the anthemic rock number "More Than a Feeling." Inspired by the Left Banke's 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," Scholz worked on the song for five years in his basement studio before it was released on this album.