While there is nothing as instantly catchy as any of the hits that came from their previous record, OneRepublic fans will hear leader Ryan Tedder taking chances and expand his horizons on Waking Up. Whether it is the band incorporating drum loops on Everybody Loves Me or featuring an elaborate string section on All This Time, it is obvious that the group (or Tedder, rather) was eager to branch out beyond two-hit wonder status.
I’m not quite certain that Waking Up will connect with fans the way that their previous record did, but it won’t be for a lack of trying on the group’s part.