OneRepublic - Artificial Paradise

by Zena Grieg

published: 19 / 12 / 2024

Label: Interscope Records
Format: CD

Spirited, upbeat musical odyssey on ‘best of’ album from Grammy-nominated American alternative rock band OneRepublic

Review

Grammy-nominated American alternative rock band OneRepublic have released their sixth album. ‘Artificial Paradise’ contains nine previously released tracks, all of which were hit singles, the album marking a change in style for the band, blending their trademark pop-rock with electronica. Recurrent themes are love, self-discovery and the duality of life under an at times artificial, false reality. Highlights of this eighteen-track album include: the opener and ethereal title track, setting the scene; the emotive, intense ‘Hurt’; ‘Sink Or Swim’ with its infectious chorus: “Are we gonna sink or swim?/Tides getting’ high, and we might go under”; layered, existential ‘Last Holiday’ with its hypnotic cello and reflective lyrics: ”I’ve seen a lot, but not enough, it’s true/It’s all a maze, our glory days are due…/Love who you love like that’s enough, yeah/And live while you can, but live it up/Press pause and take some moments/Find God before it all ends”; the upbeat, catchy ‘I Ain’t Worried’; the dreamy, introspective ‘Serotonin’; atmospheric, piano-led instrumental ‘Singapore’ with its rich orchestral arrangement; the heartfelt ballad ‘Room For You’; breezy ‘Sunshine’ with its fun animated video; the cinematic ‘Mirage’, performed with Saudi Arabian singer Mishaal Tamer, referencing the video game ‘Assassin’s Creed’; club dance track ‘I Don’t Wanna’ Wait’, a collaboration with French DJ David Guetta; and the closer, Euro 2024 official anthem ‘Fire’. Adventurous, contemporary in its theme, ‘Artificial Paradise’ comes out ahead of a US tour by the band, with additional performances in Brazil, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Mexico.

Track Listing:-

1 Artificial Paradise
2 Hurt
3 Sink or Swim
4 Last Holiday
5 I Ain't Worried
6 Red Light Green Light
7 Serotonin
8 Singapore
9 Room for You
10 Stargazing
11 Entr'acte
12 West Coast
13 Runaway
14 Sunshine
15 Mirage by OneRepublic, Assassin's Creed & Mishaal Tamer
16 Nobody
17 I Don’t Wanna Wait by David Guetta & OneRepublic
18 Fire (Official UEFA EURO 2024 Song) by MEDUZA, OneRepublic & Leony