ONEREPUBLIC
In putting together a new album, the goal of the pop-rock group OneRepublic has constantly been one that is simple and daunting all at once: Making it better than the last one.
Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. But as far as lead vocalist Ryan Tedder is concerned, the band has managed to accomplish just that with its forthcoming, still untitled fourth album, which he described as “perhaps the best collection of songs” he and his bandmates have ever assembled.
“We always try to come up with the greatest album of our lives. So, once the time to create album No. 5 comes, the aim then is to beat No. 4—that’s just the way I am wired. And I think the same is true for most artists,” Tedder told the Inquirer in an interview during the band’s recent visit to Manila for the MTV Music Evolution show.
“Art is malleable. What’s great for one person could be lousy for another,” added the 37-year-old musician, who’s also a prolific songwriter who had penned hits for such artists as Adele, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
Formed in 2002, OneRepublic—also composed of guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, drummer Eddie Fisher and bassist Brent Kutzle—is known for its soaring pop-rock anthems with catchy melodies. On its third album, the atmospheric “Native,” the group stayed faithful to its signature sound, while adding touches of folk and gospel music.
The new album—whose lead single is the sprightly “Wherever I Go”—will feature tracks that feel like “improved continuations” of those in “Native,” Tedder said. But the rest will definitely sport a new sheen—“a complete departure” from the previous sound.
“We’re very much aware of the fans we’ve made, but we also want to attract new ones. This album was two years in the making and is a combination of our best musical pursuits—and five people’s different tastes. That’s why it’ll have something for everyone,” he said.
OneRepublic isn’t too big on collaborations, but the Grammy-nominated group behind the hits, “Apologize” and “Counting Stars,” seem to have embraced the idea this time, and has confirmed that its fourth studio record will feature acts that include The XX, Pharrell Williams, Peter Gabriel and Cassius.
LEAD vocalist Ryan Tedder
“Collaborations are perceived as an ‘insurance,’ and is born out of an attempt to reach a specific audience that wouldn’t normally latch onto your music,” pointed out Brown. “For us, however, they’re more about the selfish excitement of working with people we love and respect.”
As Tedder earlier stressed, musical excellence can be subjective. So, while “Native” was generally well-received by the critics, the acclaimed singer-songwriter does not have such expectations for the new album. Yes, getting raves sure beats being panned, but they wouldn’t be losing sleep, either way.
“We’ve never been a critical praise-oriented band—that was never our goal,” Brown said. “We’d rather endear ourselves to the fans. That means more to us.”
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph