Happy NMF — July 12, 2024! 1R6 aka Artificial Paradise by Grammy-nominated pop-rock band OneRepublic is officially out today! Here below are my first reactions to the newest tracks. Note: I’ve also enclosed links to my initial reactions to the previously released singles from the past couple of years. Enjoy!
“Artificial Paradise”
What an amazing way to kick off the new era! Get your seatbelts on, we’re in for a musical journey that will transcend time and space!!! Those strings are totally to die for! Agreed?
“Hurt”
Check out my coverage of this track, right here. This was the final promotional single (released last week) before the album came out. I anticipate an official music video will eventually get released.
“Sink or Swim”
Life is filled with ups and downs. This song makes you want to chase your dreams and dwell less on the little things in life. Fear is what ruins your life. So take the chance and do something you’ve always wanted to do!
“Last Holiday”
I love the live acoustic performance feel of this track as it starts with some applause. Lead vocalist Ryan Tedder slowly builds the song up which delves into the ideal way of living life. Enjoy every minute of it and don’t be afraid to pause at times when you need to. Reflect and move on. Appreciate the little things, and surround yourselves with the people you love. There’s boundless potential in your own life. It’s what YOU make of it that defines it.
“I Ain’t Worried”
Recall their hit soundtrack song for 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, here. The song has crossed the 300 million views mark as of press time.
“Red Light Green Light”
Here’s a song for singletons looking for a lover that they can call their own. I love the vibes on this track. It’s carefree and comforting to hear.
“Serotonin”
This has some dreamy lofi vibes but also some midtempo positive feels despite the lyrics talking about days when you’re feeling low and just want to lay low away from the spotlight. That’s okay! Take the time to regroup and reset in life and you’ll come back stronger and better than ever. “Serotonin” is a reassurance anthem that everything will be all right in the long run.
“Singapore”
No lyrics available
What a nice instrumental-only track! You will experience goosebumps from this one for sure!! Close your eyes and immerse yourself in whatever is going on in your mind/imagination.
“Room for You”
We’ve got a nice serving of humble pie in this song. Be grateful for what you have in life. Yes, it’s not always going to be sunshine and puppy dogs but together with the people you love, you will get through it.
You won’t always have everything you desire but love and appreciation for your lover or friend is limitless.
“Stargazing”
This positive track is for those who like to ponder what the future will hold while also appreciating all the cool accomplishments that one has collected so far in one’s lifetime. There’s still a lot to experience and you won’t turn back on the dreams/plans you have set for the days, months, and years to come.
“Entr’acte”
No lyrics available
Once again we’ve come upon another instrumental song. I would love to see them do a full record of only instrumentals one day. But for now, we get to appreciate the second one of this album.
I thought this one was beautiful, somewhat sad but also serious and cinematic! If you wholeheartedly love to hear strings, then you’re in luck, they are very prominent on this track.
“West Coast”
“West Coast” came out two years ago and made the final cut for AP’s tracklist. It’s cool to know now that the instrumentals at the start are actually what transitions from the end of “Entr’acte.”
The music video has accumulated over 16 million views so far at the time of this post.
“Runaway”
Refresh your memories of this amazing “seize your day” anthem, here. This track was originally released last year and is a great addition to their sixth LP.
“Sunshine”
Be elated with this bright exuberant single from nearly three years ago! My original post about this song can be found right here. Glad they put this one onto AP as well!
“Mirage” (for Assassin’s Creed Mirage with Mishaal Tamer)
This one remains a cool video game collaboration! I love to see both worlds clashing together. It has garnered nearly 9 million views on YouTube!
**BONUS TRACKS**
“Nobody” (from Kaiju No. 8)
The music video was released 12 days ago and has already amassed 1.5 million+ vieww!
You can read about my thoughts, here.
“I Don’t Wanna Wait” (with David Guetta)
Shared my initial thoughts about this banger, here. This still ranks as the best party song on the album. The music video has 28 million views so far on YouTube.
“Fire (Official UEFA Euro 2024 Song)” (with Meduza and Leony)
A star-studded global collaboration that will get listeners and soccer fans excited! I wrote about this track, here.
You can follow the band and find the latest news and tour information here.
Thanks for reading my album spotlight post on OneRepublic’s “Artificial Paradise.” Feel free to comment, subscribe & share the link on your socials.
‘Til next time stay safe, and happy listening!