OneRepublic going up

When a band from nowhere drops an overspun mega-hit like “Apologize,” they often fall off the map, or at the very least, produce a woefully inadequate followup.

Fortunately for OneRepublic, this is not the case. This sophomore album, “Waking Up,” shows some musical progression on the whole. The band seems to have taken some cues from working with Timbaland previously.

The album’s title track is a galloping guitar riff set against cello and organ, while the vocals evoke memories of U2 early in the decade or Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”.

Some of the songs, like “Marchin On” and “Secrets,” have an almost military feel. They churn forward with purpose and concrete melodies. “Secrets” has all the makings of a hit.

Progress is noticeable though; hooks are varied and creativity is evident. OneRepublic has not fallen off the map and it wouldn’t be surprising too see the next album be a breakthrough for the group.