One Republic Evolves with ‘Native.’

With their third full-length record Native, OneRepublic firmly establish themselves as one of the most versatile alternative pop/rock bands today. The collection has radio hits, irresistible hooks, and memorable melodies, all necessary to stay in the public eye and pay the bills. However, they remain true to their signature sound while expanding their listener base with their most mass-appeal collection yet.

Native starts with “Counting Stars,” a memorable track that has dominated radio for several months. Lead singer Ryan Tedder masters the vocals on this jam. He can reach high and low notes effortlessly with his vocal range. “Love Runs Out” continues OneRepublic’s pop power with a distinct beat and danceable keyboard rhythm complemented by another of Tedder’s incredible vocal hooks. Their album ends with the spirited and lighthearted track “Life In Color,” which adds new zest to their pop-rock sound.

There is a noticeable difference between this colorful sound and the album’s tracks like “Light It Up,” which emphasize the band’s trademark style. With distorted guitar riffs and vocals, this track is more like old-school OneRepublic, with an alt-rock vibe. Ingeniously used to highlight their incredible variety, it is placed in the middle of the album and is quite a change of pace from the earlier tracks.

“Counting Stars” was not Native’s only mainstream hit; “If I Lose Myself” and “Feel Again” gained popularity for their atmospheric moods as well. It is a new sound for OneRepublic, but they don’t seem to have any problems with it. This sound is quite different from their previous works, yet it still captures the upbeat nature of their music. This is a testament to the band’s versatility and musical creativity.

This style is used with even more original methods as well. With sharp acoustic guitar riffs and a slow tempo build, “I Lived” conveys an adventurous feeling, supplemented by soothing vocal hooks. Native’s liberating track “Can’t Stop” works entirely oppositely. This track supplies a relaxed atmosphere with a slow and groovy beat while the falsetto vocals surprise and enhance. OneRepublic’s talents are on display in these memorable moments on this album.

OneRepublic’s message is evident in Native. The band is versatile, unique, and here to stay. As new indie/alternative rock bands flood the scene, these seasoned veterans stand out by upgrading their sound while maintaining their styles.