Let’s be honest: everyone likes OneRepublic. Even if you say you don’t, you still kinda do. They’ve been around since 2002, and we’ve all grown up hearing songs like “Apologize,” “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets,” and “Good Life” on the radio. In recent years, “Counting Stars” became a huge hit as well. They’re that band that sings so many songs you don’t know the name of but know all the words to. They’re that band you’ll probably still sing along with even in 10 years. Personally, I really like their music.
After a three and a half-year hiatus, OneRepublic finally released a new album on October 7th this year: Oh My My. The album contains 16 new songs and debuted at number three on US Billboard 200!
Although I haven’t really had the opportunity to fully listen to the album or each song in-depth, I like it. It’s different and definitely a new approach on the group’s perspective as they’ve somewhat strayed from their pop rock genre and a little more into the electropop/new wave style. This is a new sound for the band, and they’re getting mixed reviews about it. Some loyal fans are saying that they’ve gone too far and are not in keeping with their relatable music everyone can sing along to, while other dedicated fans are saying that they’re happy as long as they have more OneRepublic content – regardless of its unfamiliarity.
My favorite tracks thus far are “Fingertips,” “Let’s Hurt Tonight,” and “Dream.” I would say that the best thing about this album is that it applies to everyone; whether you like guitar ballads, exciting dance songs, or synth tracks, there’s at least one song on this album for you. I know for sure that if they have a tour for this record, I will most definitely be attending.
I’ll admit it: it’s not my favorite of their albums. I’ve developed a love for “Dreaming Out Loud” from their 2007 years, and I have little hope that another record of theirs can replace my adoration for that one. That being said, it’s not bad. In fact, I think it’s good. These guys really do have a lot of musical talent and I both respect and admire them as performers and musicians. They’ve worked incredibly hard on this album and I know that their new sound was intentional. I’m sure that as I get more time to really listen to the lyrics and music within each song that I’ll like it more, I just need to adapt to the change.
If you like OneRepublic, or really just like music overall, you should go listen to it. You may be pleasantly surprised.