Customer Reviews

Dreaming Out Loud

5 star:		(77)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Colorado rock band, OneRepublic, releases their stellar debut album "Dreaming Out Loud." As Timbaland's special project, OneRepublic has become a recent rising success with their #1 hit "Apologize" becoming the biggest radio hit in history. "Dreaming Out Loud" is a common rock album with strong, meaningful lyrics and superior artistic production similar to that of The Fray's "How to Save a Life."

The album starts out with "(Say) All I Need" a very good rock ballad with heavy Imogen Heap-like production and soaring heartfelt vocals. The album continues with "Stop & Stare," OneRepublic's next official single. OneRepublic sings "Stop and stare. I think I'm moving, but I go nowhere. Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared. But I've become what I can't be." The album persists with strongly produced and well sung songs. The album comes to an end with the #1 hit "Apologize," featuring Timbaland. The songs on "Dreaming Out Loud" are perfectly mixed, written, and sung.

With not a bad track to be found on the entire album, OneRepublic's new album, "Dreaming Out Loud" is a solid debut fully living up to the success of their massive #1 hit "Apologize."

Download: Stop & Stare, Tyrant, Prodigal, All We Are, Apologize

4.5/5 stars

I first heard the song *Apologize* on "So You Think You Can Dance" last season... the 2 dancers that performed to it were mesmerizing and this song stayed with me after the show. Later I heard it on the radio but it wasn't the version that I had fell in love with it was a mix by Timbaland then all of a sudden EVERYONE is listening to them. I was glad that these artists got the exposure because that was just one of the good songs on this CD.

I finally purchased the CD yesterday... am Happy to report/review this is a solid CD at least 5 good songs that I liked enough to burn onto my hard drive at work to listen to. I would say about (to me) 2 different tempo variations. Nice music for a long drive or if you are like me and just like to have something playing in the background for cooking or while gardening this is perfect for that as well.

I have a listmania list titled "So You think You Can Dance & Grey'a Anatomy" music if you are interested in like artists that have this sound.

Respectfully Reviewed

If you haven't heard the Timbaland infused `Apologize' yet then obviously you don't listen to the radio (or watch TV since the new `Atonement' plugs have got the infectious chorus running through each steamy scene) and if that is the case then you're missing out on what the buzz is all about. Yes, `Apologize' may very well be the best pop song released this past year, maybe even years before it. It's strong and appealing to all genres. It has a strong rock soul with a great hip-hop flare and a beautiful message reminiscent of something you hear out of the mouth of Sarah McLachlan. Ryan Tedder and company are much more than a one hit wonder though. With their debut studio album `Dreaming Out Loud' they prove that they are here to make a name for themselves.

I had found myself a copy of their self produced album `Drowning in the Sea of Life' shortly after hearing `Apologize' for the first time and I must say that I was very happy to see the majority of that album appear here as well just remastered and polished up.

The first of these remastered tracks is `Mercy', a classic pop-rock track that is truly infectious and the definition of catchy. It's probably one of the best tracks to point to in order to single out the type of band OneRepublic really is at the core. There are two versions of the radio hit `Apologize' on the bill here, the original version that no one heard (of course it's not as rough as the `original' original) and the Timbaland remix. The two aren't all that different but in all honesty Timbaland's beats really elevate it beyond average rock track into infamy. This song will be remembered for years to come, even if the band isn't.

The second single of the album is `Stop & Stare', a catchy rock ballad that delivers despite not being as strong as some others here. It's a nice song, but nothing spectacular. I much prefer `Tyrant' although I liked the original raw version I heard off of `Drowning in the Sea of Life'. They polished it up a little too much for my taste, but it still delivers so I can't complain too much. `Tyrant' is one of their darker songs and it shows not only in lyrical weight but also in musicianship. `Goodbye, Apathy' is one of their deeper songs. Tedder has a way of pouring his heart out that makes you find yourself within his words; this way they cut much deeper.

I remember when I heard the rough version of `All We Are' and I thought it was brilliant. It's not a magnificent song musically but when you put it in its place you see that it is really a perfect pop-rock track and this polished remastered version is even better; way better. The piano laden verses create a stronger mood and make this one of the highlights of the album. I never was a fan of `Someone to Save You' and I'm still not. It just doesn't fit with the rest of the album to me. My favorite track of off `Drowning in the Sea of Life' is still by far my favorite track on `Dreaming Out Loud'; `Prodigal'. The song is just so moving and emotional for me. As Ryan's words leave his mouth and grace my ear I'm brought to this place that I can only dream music would take me. It's magical.

There are four tracks that are brand new, the opening U2 inspired `Say (All I Need)', the catchy `All Fall Down', the acoustic heavy `Won't Stop' and the somber `Come Home'. Of the four the opening and closing tracks are by far the greater. `Say' gets the album off to a great start and was a delight to hear. You can tell there was a heavy U2 influence but OneRepublic always manages to make each track their own. `Come Home' is far less catchy but far more moving. Like `Prodigal' and `Apologize' this is one of those tracks that takes me somewhere beautiful. `All Fall Down' is decent but nothing special and `Won't Stop' feels a bit too long, and that chorus gets under my skin just a tad.

In the end this album is definitely worth the money. OneRepublic have already made a big name for themselves with just one word (that word would be `apologize' for any who weren't paying attention here) but with their debut studio effort they prove that they are determined to stick around for quite a while. I, for one, hope they do.

MySpace phenoms OneRepublic give it their all on their Interscope release `Dreaming Out Loud.' The LA-based band, which was introduced to the general public by Timbaland through his remix of the band's hit single "Apologize," succeeds in proving they are much more than a novelty act.

OneRepublic kick off their debut major release with the U2-sounding "Say (All I Need)," which boasts a big-budget production value and lead singer Ryan Tedder displays his falsetto better than anyone in recent memory. The most emotional song on `Loud' is without question "Come Home," as Tedder tells the story of relationships, focusing on one between himself and the one he loves. But the underlying message is transferable to almost any situation in which the struggle for love to win the battle is present.

Besides the two versions of "Apologize," which are lyrical and production masterpieces, `Loud' includes a slew of worthy follow-up singles like "All We Are," "Prodigal," "Mercy," and most notably second single "Stop & Stare." What makes these tracks rise above other bands' works are without question the lyrics. Almost anyone who has an alright voice and can play piano can produce something that sounds good, but if the lyrics don't mesh, the result is something underwhelming. OneRepublic's promotion of solid values and ability to focus on positive subjects help them connect with the listener and sets them apart from other bands that are big at the moment.

OneRepublic show an edgier side in tracks like the up-tempo "Tyrant" and the riotous "Someone to Save You," but they still retain the positive message present in the album's previous tracks. In "You," Tedder sings of saving his friend and takes part in a rousing, soulful final chorus.

The lowest point on `Loud' is "Won't Stop," and that's only because it is boring. Another lackluster song is "Goodbye Apathy," which includes a very repetitive chorus.

Needless to say, OneRepublic easily prove they are not just "The Fray of 2007" on `Dreaming Out Loud.' Their ability to offer both up-tempo radio anthems and heartfelt, moving ballads put them on an elite playing field. One they should be around to play on for years to come.

OneRepublic made waves with their hit single "Apologize" as a remix produced by Timbaland. Some could argue that if it wasn't for Timbaland remixing the song, they wouldn't be popular. Even if that's so, their debut album "Dreaming Out Loud" Is a great listen from beginning to finish. The best songs are clearly the hits "Apologize" and "Stop And Stare." Every song is good and well-written. They're a very likeable band that has fans of all ages and backgrounds. If you liked the hit singles from this album you'll like the rest like me. I highly reccomend this album, one of 2007's best!

If you have ANY doubts about buying this album....DONT HESITATE! I absolutly love every single song on the CD! I can almost count on one hand how many albums I have that I can say that about. They are an awsome group. It's one of those albums you can put on and just let play, sit back and enjoy! I almost didn't buy the album, espically after buying Timberland's CD since their breakout song "Apologize" is on his album as well. But that is actually a remix. On OneRepublic's album is the original version, which I actually like better! I am VERY happy that I decided to pick up this album. AWSOME! You won't be disapointed!

even before i knew exactly who they were. I knew that when i heard "Apoligize" on Timbaland's Shock Value cd that i was loving One Republic. I just kept hoping it would catch on and become a smash like it did for me. It has done that and thrust One Republic right into the forefront. They really take advantage of it on the album as well. With just every song on Dreaming Out Loud being a potential radio hit. It's hard to choose favorites and what not.

I wont say that and will just tell you that you really need to check out this new cd by One Republic. The lyrics, the music, the vocals (are so passionate and heartfelt especially on Apologize) that you can't help but feel what Ryan is singing about. He's also an excellent writer, believe he wrote all the songs on the cd and was already an hit making writer for various artists like J-Lo (Do It Well) and many others.

One Republic is one of those band's that you can't help fall in love with and route for. They have a lot going for them on this cd and if i had to bet. I would say you will be hearing a lot more from them in the years to come. Excellent purchase and value (1 song) that i didnt really like that much "Won't Stop" other than that its a smash from beginning to end.

Timbaland obviously has a good ear for talented musicians today. We have all heard Apologise on our radios and know the pure beauty of the breathy vocals that are gracing the airwaves.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that One Republic are destined to be a one hit wonder. Their album Dreaming Out Loud is full of the same sweet melodies and tasteful lyrics as Apologise. With smooth production and intelligent tastes, they have triumphed with their debut album - it's well worth a listen.

With singer Ryan Tedder following in the breathy vocal stylings of Chris Martin of Coldplay fame, the band following the musical essence of acts like Snow Patrol and the industry smarts of their mentor Timbaland, it will be hard for them to go too wrong.

Dreaming Out Loud plays very nicely at a dinner party or when just reclining back with a nice red and good book. The sounds are anything but obnoxious. They can, at times, disappear and play unnoticed if you are not consciously listening directly it. When it comes to relaxing background music, this one is a perfect choice.

The album has both the original and Timbaland versions of Apologise. The magic doesn't end there - Stop And Stare, Say and the title track Dreaming Out Loud are all stand out tracks.

If you're hesitant to put this one on your `to buy' list, at least put it on your `to listen' list.

Usually when you're looking through reviews online there are so many mixed messages and you're wondering who to actually listen to. (Well at least that's how I am.) Maybe this will help some.. This is an absolutely amazing CD, every song is great, a little different from the one before it but they flow nicely together. (Not one of those cds were u wish you'd just downloaded two songs and skipped the actual purchase itself.) I think the only people who felt negatively toward this album were those that didn't understand that the Apologize Remix they may have heard on the radio is not what this CD mainly consists of.

I have this cd on in my car all of the time and everytime someone new is in my car they ask "Who is this... they're really good!" and then they're surprised when they hear One Republic's CD is so different from the Timbaland Remix (Don't get me wrong I love that song as well, the CD is just a little more chill.) Lots of my friends have gone out and bought the cd after hearing it in my car and they've all been glad they bought it too.

'Dreaming Out Loud' is an interesting debut for OneRepublic. While it proves that Ryan Tedder's songwriting scope is not limited to hit singles for divas, it does not prove that he can come up with an entire album's worth of consistent, cohesive songs. A deliberate, dark track here and there is fine, but 13 of them in a row is a bit much. His voice is downright impressive, but would be put to much better use on tracks that aren't so damn dark and lethargic. Here's hoping his next effort contains some central theme that keeps things moving.

Standout tracks: Come Home, Stop and Stare, Apologize