OneRepublic created a radio hit when they worked with producer Timbaland on the remix for their song “Apologize.” They have created a big fan following on MySpace, yet some critics don’t seem to have anything good to say about their debut album, “Dreaming Out Loud.”

“Dreaming Out Loud” was released Nov. 20, 2007, and was voted the second worst album of 2007 by Entertainment Weekly. Rolling Stone Magazine gave the album a two out of five star rating and some music critics have also said that lead singer, Ryan Tedder, is just mimicking the lead singer of another popular rock band, Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

All I have to ask is, what where they thinking? I have to disagree with the negative reviews the band has received because I happen to think that “Dreaming Out Loud” is a very good album.

Lead singer Ryan Tedder, a producer himself, started the band in 2003 with high school friend, Zack Filkins. OneRepublic first gained popularity through, of course, none other than good old MySpace.

While their first hit single broke them into the music industry their debut album will, in my opinion, keep them around for awhile. OneRepublic’s debut album is filled with several piano-infused ballads such as “Come Home,” “Tyrant” and “All We Are.” These songs have a perfect combination of smoothly piano melodies, smooth lyrics and beautifully soft vocals.

“Dreaming Out Loud” is the type of album you can listen to when you just want to sit back and relax and slip into the melancholy melodies of the tracks. Unlike some records this is one where you won’t be distracted by over the top poppy, dance tracks and can really enjoy and appreciate the honestly of Tedder’s lyrics.

My grade for this album is a solid B, but don’t take my review or the review of Rolling Stone as the final say. I say to give the album a listen to and decide for yourself if the critics are right. Whatever you decide, it can’t hurt to explore something new. That is the beauty of music, there is always something to new to discover.