Oh My My, is the title of their latest album since their 2013 release, Native. A 16-song tracklist reminds fans just how unstoppable they are. One Republic feels like an old friend, that you’ve had most of your life. You love them dearly, they are always there for you, and whenever you start to forget or lose touch with them they come right back into your life again, for the better. They make you a better person and an even bigger fan.
This album takes a slight turn down a path we’ve never heard from this talented group. Pulling influences from electronic leaders like M83 and Miike Snow, the boys pull back from their usual rock-alt/pop sound. While listening to the album you find yourself getting lost in it (like you would any other 1R album) but this time the music is more rich and unique. The songs are heavier while the lyrical quality remains as One Republic as ever; beautiful, poetic, and slightly cliche.
Lead singer, Ryan Tedder talked about the album as a whole to officialcharts.com saying, “It’s a very diverse album, but when you start hearing some of these songs, the humanity is there – that’s what took so damn long to make it.” Songs like, “Kids,” “Future Looks Good,” and “Wherever I Go” sound like the band we know and love. Catchy choruses and a thudding array of instruments float through each verse in the most cohesive way. While “Oh My My,” “NbHD,” and “A.I.” make you realize that this band CAN succeed at electronic music. They keep a gentle balance between overboard and juuuust right. Each one still feels like it could be stripped down and played in a coffee shop. The instrumentation is still present, even though the sound has shifted. Tedder’s voice motivates you on “Future Looks Good”, singing “you are, you are the future, and the future looks good.” Which is something he’s been good at; writing lyrics with meaning that most artists can’t do their whole careers. One Republic have kept a close grasp on why they are a band in the first place; for the music.
“Born” is one of the best off the album. A song bound to be played at many future weddings (only if they have good music taste, like me.) The lyrics make you wish you were in love; “Yeah found someone to keep my head up, yeah trading darkness for the dawn, I was born, born to love you.” The chorus is so angelic, it feels as close to heaven as you’ll ever get here on Earth. In a world full of so much disagreement and hate, One Republic manages to sprinkle our souls with pure appreciation and love.
One Republic have once again shot themselves to the top of my list. Just when you think they can’t get any better, they do. Notorious for giving you a big warm hug and reminding you that life is beautiful.
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