Review
Alright, get ready to ride the wave with OneRepublic's "Native"! This 2013 gem is their third studio album, and it's a stellar showcase of what these guys do best—bringing you addictive, feel-good pop-rock anthems. Originally slated for 2012, it made a splash in early 2013 with its unique blend of gospel, blues, folk, electronic, and pop-rock vibes.
Leading off with "Feel Again," you get a sweet, uplifting gospel-rock vibe that sets the tone. "If I Lose Myself" follows with epic build-up vibes, echoing their breakout hit "Apologize." But it’s "Counting Stars" that really launched this album into the stratosphere—topping the charts in the UK and hitting number two in the US. This track’s got hooks that grab you and a killer video to match, making it one of their biggest hits.
Throughout the album, Ryan Tedder's vocal range is on full display. He nails it on blistering tracks like "Can't Stop," and brings the heat on "Burning Bridges" with its epic melodies. Plus, they've got some genre-bending tracks like the country-touched "Something I Need" and the Motown-vibed "Love Runs Out" that really show off the band's chops.
Critics had good things to say, too, praising the strong, memorable tracks. "Native" peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and snagged a gold certification, making it OneRepublic’s highest-charting album at the time. Thanks to its well-crafted mix of genres and accessible yet impactful tunes, it’s a solid standout in their lineup. Hang ten, and give it a listen! 🌊🎶 - Derek
