Overall the album fails to bring anything new to the table, instead it relies on solid lyrics and American rock principles. In the same vein as The Fray this pop-rock five-piece just make good music. A guilty pleasure some may say.
On the first listen the whole record moved by in the blink of an eye, which may or may not be a good thing. The opener 'Say (All I Need)' is as anthemic as the album want's to be, which on first listen bodes well, but then the album never really gets there. The first few tracks are all a prelude to Apologize though, which in itself is a extraordinary track. With more depth and feeling than the remix, this track is sure to be a favourite at the live shows. The rest of the album flows well and will not disappoint, but at the same time, it wont make you sit up and listen. The only real highlight at the tail end of the album is 'Prodigal', a stripped down ballad which turns into a crescendo of significant impact. The closer 'Come Home', which is a heartfelt ode to a loved one whom he is constantly fighting for, rounds out an album which is a prickly one to pin down. So let's sum this up.
One Republic certainly have a talent for making music, and to be fair, this is their first attempt. Ryan Tedder is one of the lucky few who can express their sentimental, heartfelt side and not look like a total idiot. Keep an eye on him as he will no doubt make more waves in the future (after penning/producing Leona Lewis' number one single in the UK, 'Bleeding Love'). In the end 'Dreaming Out Loud' wants to be something, but it just can't find it's way there.
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