One Republic
Dreaming Out Loud

THE REVIEW

When it comes to life-changing encounters...

Take these One Republic: originating from Colorado Springs, United States, and active since 2004, they released their debut album "Dreaming Out Loud" in November 2007. The breakthrough, however, came when Timbaland released a remix of their "Apologize" as a single, included in his solo project "Shock Value"; the track became a sweeping hit, reaching number one in twenty-two (!) countries. "Dreaming Out Loud" began to soar and sold one and a half million copies worldwide, exponentially increasing interest in the band, although the specialized critics accused them of cloning the sound of piano pop bands like Keane and (especially) Coldplay. An accusation that, however, doesn't quite hold up.

The album is produced by Greg Wells (Mika, Rufus Wainwright, Deftones, The Pipettes), who tries to give the work a sound as little "monochromatic" as possible, succeeding completely; the record consists of twelve potential singles, without being boring or overly suggestive. Almost a miracle.

Of course, it's undeniable that the influence of Chris Martin and company (those of the first two albums) is there, just listen to tracks like "Mercy"; but here each track has a life of its own, thanks also to excellent songwriting (a fundamental skill for a band that wants to make "sugary" rock their flag), starting from the melodically rhythmic crescendo of the opener "Say (All I Need)", already announced by the band as the next single. "Stop And Stare", on the other hand, highlights a remarkable ability to compose potential stadium anthems without causing an attack of diabetes to the listener. An unusual cello enriches the arrangements of some tracks like "All Fall Down", while suspended guitar riffs between pop and rock appear sporadically as in "Tyrant" or surprising folk fascinations in the subtle "Won't Stop". "Apologize" in its "primordial" version is simple and bare, much more charming than Timbaland's tacky remix (still included as a bonus track) by "his omnipresence" Timbaland. Also welcome is the piano and voice melancholy of the lennonian (and conclusive) "Come Home".

"Dreaming Out Loud" is a remarkable debut, which tries to "fight" the flatness now widespread in many other productions of the genre, and succeeds quite well. The production is excellent, the arrangements are spot on, and the whole thing flows effortlessly, inviting another listen once the album is finished, a rare thing these days...

Obviously, diabetics abstain. Forewarned is forearmed...

Key Tracks: "Stop And Stare", "All Fall Down", "Tyrant", "Won't Stop"