Track Listing:

1. Say (All I Need)
2. Mercy
3. Stop And Stare
4. Apologize
5. Goodbye, Apathy
6. All Fall Down
7. Tyrant
8. Prodigal
9. Won't Stop
10. All We Are
11. Someone To Save You
12. Come Home

Album Review:

Dreaming Out Loud is the debut album from the pop-rock quintet OneRepublic. The album's Executive Producer is Timbaland, who clearly contributed to its sound, and ultimately its success.

The first thing that jumps out at me on this record is the production. The sounds on this album are tight and crisp, but never overdone. It's easy to hear how Timbaland influenced the sound of this album. What's really interesting is how well... how seamlessly his production style translates from the hip-hop and pop genres to pop-rock. That's not to detract from the producing efforts of Greg Wells and Ryan Tedder. This is easy one of the best produced rock albums I've heard in a while.

The song-writing is very strong as well. The songs focus not so much on hooks and grooves, but melodies and ambience. Being a pop-rock album, the primary focus of the songs is the vocal performance of Ryan Tedder. Tedder is solid vocalist with good range and a strong pitch-sense.

The lyrics are also well-crafted. They're not just words used to fill space. The lyrics seem to have deeper meaning and can evoke more of an emotional response by the listener.

Overall, Dreaming Out Loud is very enjoyable to listen to. The album has already spawned two hits with "Apologize", and "Stop and Stare", and the young and talented OneRepublic is just getting started.

Type 3 Rating:

 
| 02.25.2008 | Review by Kristen Pierson |