OneRepublic

Have you ever found a new band (on iTunes, MySpace, or somewhere else) that you LOVE and you become a bit...obsessed with?

Last week, I was browsing iTunes and randomly looking for some new music. (Does anyone else do that by the way?) Lo and behold, I stumbled onto this band called OneRepublic. Well, not exactly stumbled. I'm sure you've all heard of the song "Apologize" by Timbaland. iTunes (and everywhere else), says that the song is by "Timbaland (feat. OneRepublic)."

Well I like a good beat, and I've heard some of Timbaland's music before (like "The Way I Are"). But I had never heard of OneRepublic. So, I looked them up.

Their music is INCREDIBLE. And their lyrics are even better! The first thing I noticed was the lead singer Ryan Tedder's unique and captivating vocals. I've never heard anything like it. Secondly, OneRepublic is definitely a rock band, but I couldn't get over the tight, hip-hop-esque beat in much of their music.

But it was the lyrics that stunned me the most. They were actually, like, positive! With songs titles like "Mercy," "Prodigal," and "Someone to Save You," I got the feeling I was listening to a Christian band in disguise. So I dug deeper.

The next step was obviously Wikipedia, where I found out that Tedder grew up in a family of pastors and missionaries. He met Zach Filkins (back-up vocals and guitar) when they attended Colorado Springs Christian High School together. Tedder even studied at Oral Roberts University. I have a personal opinion that everyone from Colorado Springs is a Christian, haha. But besides that, it's obvious that these guys are believers!

Whether you're into the faith thing or not, OneRepublic is definitely a band to look into. Tedder was a producer with Timbaland before he started his own band. He co-wrote and produced "Bleeding Love" performed by Leona Lewis, wrote and produced "Do It Well" performed by Jennifer Lopez, and co-wrote and produced Natasha Bedingfield's "Love Like This." He's also written and produced singles for Ludacris, Hilary Duff, Christina Millian, Tupac, Marie Digby, Clay Aiken, Jesse McCartney, Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, The Pussycat Dolls, Jennifer Hudson, and Rihanna.

OneRepublic is the real deal! You've probably heard a popular song of theirs called "Stop and Stare" on the radio, as well as "Apologize" which Ryan Tedder actually wrote and produced. (Did I mention that?)

I have their songs on repeat on my iPod, and I can't wait for their new album. Seriously, check them out. If they come to DC, I'm there!

Website, MySpace, Wiki, Wiki on Ryan Tedder, Article on OneRepublic

 

Comments

[Kari Fox]

OneRepublic is to die for! I went several weeks listening to their CD on repeat, and I might just start again. I love everything about them. I had no idea how amazing Tedder was, Thanks for the info Josh you just made me like them even more. I can't wait for the next album and wont stop listening to this one till the next one comes out!

OneRepublic is a must listen to band!

[Whitney]

OneRepublic really is amazing! You're right - their lyrics are incredible and the music itself is very catchy.

Thanks for putting them on my radar.

[Emily]

I LOOOOVE Stop and Stare. They play it at work all the time.
This was like a research paper :p haha you win at writing.

[laura]

I appreciate your introducing me to new music. Sounds good to me.

[Kayla]

Welll I just thought I would just say that One Republic was supposed to come to my school at the end of last year for their college tour....BUT at the last minute....someone in the band got injured and had to cancel at the last minute.....

I just thought I would throw that out there...