Arts & Culture

As Seen on The Voice – OneRepublic Releases “Native”

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One Republic
Written by Susie Salva – OneRepublic latest studio album, “Native,” proves the band has exceptional  staying power with summertime songs like the mega-hit, “Counting Stars,” taking the first slot in the album that bursts with energy and another rousing 12 song disc- deluxe disc offers two additional tracks.

After a recent stint on the KIIS FM’s Wango Tango concert and appearance on “The Voice” the bands new tunes are substantial as they put forth a new sound slightly more up beat in light of their previous two discs that made them a quite a sensation. Lead singer Ryan Tedder is a force to be reckon with proving again his prolific songwriting expertise.

OneRepublic released their debut set “Dreaming Out Loud” in 2007. The album included the smash single, “Apologize” which shattered digital sales and airplay records worldwide. The band’s sophomore album, 2009s “Waking Up,” produced three singles “All the Right Moves,” “Secrets,” and “Good Life.” OneRepublic released their third studio album, “Native,” in March 2013 where it debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

The set includes hits,“If I Lose Myself,” and “Feel Again,”and “Counting Stars,” which reached #1 at Top 40 radio and was recently featured in a Bud Light commercial that aired during the Super Bowl.

While the CD has been out nearly a year it still deserves to be reviewed as the band’s material zooms up the charts relying on catchy tunes of life, love and heartbreak. Besides it appears that some fans are only now becoming familiar with this fantastic group.

Album transverses into “If I Lose Myself,” tittering on being considered as EDM as “Feel Again,” explains the necessity to be with the one to feel again. “What You Wanted,” describes the longing to feel the will to kill as “I Lived,”   has the universal message about making the most out of life and not let it pass you by.nm

Next up is the psychedelic ‘Light It Up,” which utilizes the technique of modulation to take the song to another level where love acts as a drug. “Can’t Stop,” uses complaints about not being able to stop thinking about us anymore.

“Burning Bridges,” is probably one of the strongest songs on the disc so energetic and melodic that it stays in your head for days on end.

An upbeat view on relationships where he would burn the bridges down anything for love. “Something I Need,” uses repetition with the refrain, “If you only die once I want to die with you,” but the music is upbeat using a marching band and choir to take it to the next level.

“Preacher,” is a captivating tune talking about his grandfather being a Preacher but is not off-putting. One of the best songs on the album it is very sentimental. “Don’t Look Down,” a fair but disappointing outro to a fantastic album.

“Native” is an exceptional album with ups and downs and even the use of the ever presence cello and catchy upbeat Top 40 hits proving their longevity and the use of introspection. No denying OneRepublic is remarkable. They recently performed on June 3rd at the Verizon Amphitheater and June 5th at the Hollywood Bowl with the band the Script.

About the author

Susie Salva