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Waking Up - OneRepublic
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
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  1. Los Angeles Times
    75
    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. Billboard.com
    68
    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]
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  4. BBC Music
    Feb 22, 2012
    60
    Second album Waking Up is a set of polished arrangements so middle of the road they make Snow Patrol sound like Animal Collective.
  5. 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]
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  6. The Guardian
    60
    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. Sputnikmusic
    60
    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.
  8. All Music Guide
    50
    OneRepublic adds many production flourishes to their second album Waking Up: sawing strings, children's choirs, minor-key piano, cavernous U2 reverb, long ponderous instrumental sections of piano and orchestra duets, a title track that bears echoes of the Killers.
  9. Slant Magazine
    30
    Ultimately, OneRepublic takes what all of those bands already do and pushes it to an even lower common denominator of slick, disposable melodrama.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Barry
    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!
  2. HMW
    8
    This album is great! Songs to listen to are, Secrets, Good Life, All the Right Moves, and Waking Up. These songs are amazing along as all the rest of the songs on the album. It is much better than their first album. Buy Now!… Full Review »
  3. MusiclyMade
    10
    Full of meaningful lyrics and great musicianship. My top picks for the album are 'Waking Up', 'All the Right Moves', 'Secrets' and 'Missing Persons 1 & 2'.… Full Review »
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