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Waking Up Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second album for the Grammy-nominated rock band from Colorado.

Top Track

Secrets
I need another story Something to get off my chest My life gets kinda boring Need something that I can confess Till all my sleeves are stained... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Fortunately, on OneRepublic's second album Waking Up, they've internalized a lot of the things that made Timbaland such a compelling producer--that good sounds are paramount, songs should move in odd directions and many different ideas can constitute a hook.
  2. Waking Up boasts enough intertwining pop melodies backed with anthemic vocals to show fans of the 2007 Timbaland-remixed track "Apologize" that OneRepublic can deliver more addictive hooks while still maintaining its own graceful and introspective sound.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    OneRepublic sophomore disc reflects that studio experience with loads of slick synth licks and jucy percussion tricks; it's much more flavorful than the band's Fray-like debut. [20 Nov 2009, p.87]
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    Having cornered the market in MOR pop, he brings these well-honed chops to bear on OneRepublic's second album, throwing up an immaculately mixed cocktail of soft-focused rock, white-bread R&B and heartstrung balladry. [Mar 210, p.107]
  5. As the marginal progression of Waking Up attests, OneRepublic gladly mix things up a little. Unfortunately, whether it be through compromise, confusion or otherwise, they are still to find their consistent sweet spot.
  6. What's indisputable is that every last song is incredibly catchy.... The other side of the coin, though, is their penchant for quivering balladry and bland arrangements that make Maroon 5 sound like Fuck Buttons.
  7. Ultimately, OneRepublic takes what all of those bands already do and pushes it to an even lower common denominator of slick, disposable melodrama.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Nov 24, 2019
    10
    OneRepublic has emerged into the music business with 2007’s platinum album “Dreaming Out Loud”. The album was an awesome kickstarter to theirOneRepublic has emerged into the music business with 2007’s platinum album “Dreaming Out Loud”. The album was an awesome kickstarter to their career. It had two big hits in “Apologize(the Timbaland Remix)” and “Stop and Stare”. Along with two hits, the album had many songs still beloved by fans today. After that, it was important that OneRepublics follow up had to be good. Two years later OneRepublic released their sophomore album “Waking Up” and it was as if they took any flaw from the first album, and made it a strength. “Waking Up” is truly a gem. This album is overflowing with style, personality, and sounds that will have you bopping your head to them long after they’re finished. The album starts off with the song “Made For You”. This song has to be one of OneRepublics most re-listenable songs, with its incredible piano beat and it’s infectious melody. The song ends with a children’s choir which perfectly leads into one of OneRepublics best, “All the Right Moves”. This song is one of OneRepublics biggest hits and for good reason. Everything about this song is music to the ears. “Secrets” is next and this has to be one of my favorite songs ever. The amazing lyrics which are about a man regretting his life of lies and is going to straighten up. The melody which has been playing in my head since I was a child. After that, “Everybody Loves Me” soars onto the track list and dominated its 3 minutes. It’s so catchy, and is something you want to play again and again. “Good Life” is of course one of the bands most known songs. The songs catchy melody, classic whistle, and lyrics about living a good life even when their are ups and downs to life have stayed with me for years. After that “All This Time” is one of the best songs on the album undoubtably. It’s slow melody and romantic lyrics are unforgettable. “Fear” is one of the bands most underrated songs, and “Waking Up” is one of their most unique. “Marchin On” is also awesome. As you can tell, I hold most of the songs on this album very highly. I hope people are not off put by the mediocre Metacritic score, because I really think something is on the album for everybody. I didn’t hear this until years after it’s release, and I was shocked by the number of songs I grew up with and also how many of the other songs on the album we’re just as good. In my opinion, this is the bands third best album(after Native and Oh My My” and putting it third is almost hard. My problems with this album are very minimum, and I hope you give it a try. Expand
  2. Jan 13, 2017
    10
    Waking Up is another great album that no one should ever criticized One Republic's work, they're amazing with they way they think before theyWaking Up is another great album that no one should ever criticized One Republic's work, they're amazing with they way they think before they start playing the instrumental. AMAZING!!!!!!!!! Expand
  3. Jan 29, 2023
    10
    This album is an absolute banger. It has a coldplay-esque atmosphere while maintaining a great degree of individuality. def a pop classic
  4. Apr 18, 2013
    9
    The second studio album by OneRepublic, 'Waking Up' is all about pure music and Tedder's heavenly falsetto adds an unique taste to it. TheThe second studio album by OneRepublic, 'Waking Up' is all about pure music and Tedder's heavenly falsetto adds an unique taste to it. The soothing acoustic flavor along with organic sounds, skip-beat drums and multi-layered synth remains all over the album. So, even if you try to define them with Fray-like chorus, and Maroon 5-like vocal acrobatics, they'll be humble enough to sing, "Don't care if critics ever jump in line/I'm gonna give all my secrets away". Expand
  5. Barry
    Nov 21, 2009
    9
    Solid solid album!great listen and at least 5-7 songs that you will love from it my face is waking up:Dbuy it!
  6. Dec 27, 2013
    8
    OneRepublic had some big shoes to fill after the remix of "Apologize" seemed to conquer the music industry for several months, and theyOneRepublic had some big shoes to fill after the remix of "Apologize" seemed to conquer the music industry for several months, and they delivered with their second album, which was very underrated by critics. Beautiful throughout even when they are not trying to be, the album has no stand-out tracks, because the all but one track is spectacular. Unfortunately, this one track, the title track, almost ruins the vibe of the entire album. Nonetheless, from the singles "All the Right Moves" and "Good Life" to the lesser known gems "Fear" and "Made For You", this album is ultimately too strong to be brought down. Expand
  7. TheMusicCritic
    Dec 2, 2009
    0
    Dreary, boring, dull.

See all 18 User Reviews