OneRepublic - 'All The Right Moves'
Growing up in Essex, you learn to dance in a certain way. For some reason Essex boys dance like over-confident, robotic, American R&B stars. If you're looking for an example: think Olly Murs from X-factor fame (but slightly less coordinated).
Now, dancing this way is fine in the Essex clubs, but this New Year's Eve I was invited to a country village hall, in the back of beyond, near my girlfriend's home village. After a few 'shandies' the Essex moves were out in full force and everyone was looking at me like I was diseased. My problem, along with OneRepublic's is that I had all the right moves, but in all the wrong places.
(. Don't they look pleased to be in a music video.)
In theory this track should be a sure fire winner, it's got a catchy pop hook, with a rock/pop backing, mixed with this kind of building orchestral feel, but it's parts never add up to anything impactful. The brief piano solo feels like it should be at the beginning rather than the bridge and the song builds so quickly in the first 45 seconds you feel there's nowhere left to go. It's like they wrote one verse and chorus, then got bored and decided to copy and paste till they could pass it off as a full song.
The melody is quite addictive and it does keep ringing around in your head, but because it never escalates I find my mind drifting into songs it sounds similar to. It's a bit like Michael Jackson's 'They Don't Really Care About Us', but without the punch or TATU's 'All The Things She Said', but without the girl-on-girl kissing. Basically, it's missing the edge that takes it above mediocrity. You keep waiting and waiting for something to happen but nothing does.
Ryan Tedder has an incredible voice but it's definitely more suited to an R&B backing, hence why 'Apologise' has been more successful than anything else he's done. His normal use of falsetto may work well in other tracks, but he needs a bit of gravel or force for this song to match the production behind him.
I read recently that Ryan aims to keep the songs he does for other people and the music he does with his band entirely separate, which begs the question: Why would he do this? That stuff is good. This, unfortunately, is not.
Download: Out now
CD Released:Jan 11th
´óÏó´«Ã½ Music page
(Grant Black)
Page 1 of 2
Comment number 1.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:I think it's safe to say we can discard OneRepublic to the 'one hit wonder' pile, they should say hello to Alphabeat when they get there.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:I didn't think I'd heard this song until I clicked to watch the video and I've heard it many times. I didn't know it was OneRepublic who sang it though!
I've heard this song loads but just never paid attention... It's really not very good is it?
I disagree about the Piano solo though. It's a welcome break from the monotonous repetition of "All the right friends in all the right places, All the right friends in all the right places, All the right friends in all the right places, All the right friends in all the right places".
Yes, I know those aren't the only words but, C'mon, that's what it sounds like.
What ever happened to Alphabeat?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:What happened to Alphabeat? They only had one good song that's what happened.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:"Tatu's All the things YOU said "
What !!!!
Come on , for a song that launched the Russian lipstick L ladies , that may have promoted " girl on girl kissing " , let's get the song title right !
It was called ALL THE THINGS SHE SAID , and was a number 1 in 2003 .
The word SHE , is the most important word in the entire song .
Sheeeesh .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:"I think we can safely discard OneRepulic to the one hit wonder pile ! "
If we are gonna use Chartblog to be negative about bands , let's at least get our facts right !
This is peoples careers that we are discussing , after all .
Apologise was a top 10 hit , as was Stop and Stare , which has had nearly 15 million hits on You tube .
Having 2 top ten hits , does not warrant one hit wonder status.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:"I think it's safe to say we can discard One Republic to the one hit wonder status . They can say hello to Alphabeat when they get there . "
What !
Alphabeat one hit wonders ?
They have had 4 top twenty hits .
Yep 4 !!!
Fascination
10,000 Nights
Boyfriend
The Spell
That's 4 , NOT 1 !!
I am not an Alphabeat fan , but being factually incorrect about them is not positively spirited as we discuss bands careers.
By the way , their next single Hole in my Heart is out on February 22nd .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:I see your point but really when I said one hit wonder I kind of meant it in the sense of having one good song.
Spirit's angry today!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:Yeah, I agree with Harry on this one, Spirit.
You can release a good few songs but still be a one hit wonder.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 9th Jan 2010, CurtainJerker wrote:Yeah, but 10,000 Nights and Fascination were both good songs, so suck it.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)
Comment number 10.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:Really? I didn't think 10,000 Nights was that good a song.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 10)
Comment number 11.
At 9th Jan 2010, flatknees wrote:naa not 10k nights but boyfriend is awesome.. many a hazy pre-drinking session has had that track involved..
i usually think of a one hit wonder as a band with one song that is clearly miles ahead of the rest... a mediocre to poor album in tow
e.g. -The Automatic (i actually like everything they have done since 'monster')
Complain about this comment (Comment number 11)
Comment number 12.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:That's how I feel about Alphabeat, Fascination was a brilliant pop song but everything else they've done is mediocre in my opinion.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 12)
Comment number 13.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Surely the term " one hit wonder " means as only having 1 hit .
If we class a hit as being a top 20 single , then :
One Republic have had 2 , and Alphabeat have had 4 .
Just because people can only remember 1 song ,or only think one song is good does NOT warrant one hit wonder status . That's like someone saying Eminem is a one hit wonder because they only like Stan !
We can debate all day about which songs are good or bad , and we could NEVER agree ,as everyone's taste and experiences are different.
The fact is Alphabeat have had FOUR hits .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 13)
Comment number 14.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:I think 'Stop and Stare' is a fantastic track. Possibly better than 'Appologise'. Sadly the same can't be said for this song. I find the corus annoying, his voice annoying and the piano solo annoying. It's like he stuck it in, incase we forgot he plays the piano. Pretty much in agreement with the review.
Are they a one hit wonder? I think thats probably fair to say. Even though I think 'Stop and Stare' was amazing, it didnt reach the dizzying heights of 'Appologise'. I imagine them to be bigger in America though?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 14)
Comment number 15.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:OH , AND LET'S EXPLODE the Automatic as being a one hit wonder !!
Puh - lease !!!!
My favourite song by them is Steve McQueen , which was their second top 20 hit !!
"I was a teenage Steve McQueen
My best performance..... ESCAPING ! "
Brilliant !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 15)
Comment number 16.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:Alphabeat are (actually were, 'The Spell' was a shocking track) brilliant. 10000 nights and girlfriend are both great. Not as good as Fascination, but they were hits and I wouldn't say Alphabeat are one hit wonders.
'All the things she said' is a fantastic track!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 16)
Comment number 17.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:I wish I hadn't said it now. 'sigh'
Complain about this comment (Comment number 17)
Comment number 18.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:Spirit, I think it's safe to say most people would class The Automatics as one hit wonders even if Steve McQueen did get into the top 20.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 18)
Comment number 19.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:Well, I thought Steve McQueen was by The Wombats.
One Hit Wonder!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 19)
Comment number 20.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:Exactly! You wouldn't try to describe The Automatics as 'that band who did Steve McQueen', you'd describe them as 'that band who did Monster' and then sing the chorus to them very badly.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 20)
Comment number 21.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:IS IT A MONSTA IS IT A MONSTAAAAA
Complain about this comment (Comment number 21)
Comment number 22.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:'Steve McQueen' was brilliant. I don't know why it wasnt bigger :(
'Monster' on the other hand, was a massive pile of poo.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 22)
Comment number 23.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Please , please !!!
One Republic are not one hit wonders .
1) Apologise hit number 1 for 5 months in the US , AND HIT number 3 in the UK .
2) Stop and stare has sold 2 million copies worldwide , hit number 1 in the uk airplay chart , and number 4 in the uk singles chart .
LOVE to all !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 23)
Comment number 24.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:Sorry Spirit as much as I love 'Steve McQueen'. The Automatic were a one hit wonder.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 24)
Comment number 25.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Look the facts don't lie !
Steve McQueen by The Automatic hit number 16 in the UK charts .
This IS a hit !!
And a fantastic song !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 25)
Comment number 26.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:OK the problem here is the definition of "one hit wonder "
One hit wonder means as only having ONE hit .
The Automatic have had 4 top 40 singles , 2 of which went top 20 !
So deciding on what you class as a hit , The Automatic are either 2 hit wonders or 4 hit wonders !!
LOL
Complain about this comment (Comment number 26)
Comment number 27.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:If we go by the facts then there's barely any one hit wonders because everyone's second single or lead single from a second album gets somewhere on the back of a big hit.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 27)
Comment number 28.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:definition of one hit wonder: A one-hit wonder is a person or act known mainly for only a single success. Not sure if it's any good as it came from wikipedia, doesn't really help anyway because of the use of the word 'mainly'.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 28)
Comment number 29.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:OK here are 3 real ONE HIT WONDERS .
ANDREAS JOHNSON - Who can remember that wonderful single in 2000 called Glorious ? His next single only got to number 41 !
3 OF A KIND - BABYCAKES
This was a number 1 single in 2004 , can't recall another hit since !
GARY JULES - Mad WORLD
Along with Mike Andrews this was a number 1 in 2003 , he has not had another top 20 single in the uk since then.
These are REAL one hit wonders .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 29)
Comment number 30.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:I dont class anything outside of the top ten as a "hit" really.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 30)
Comment number 31.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:I don't class songs that only read number 16 as hits.
They have to be in the top ten for me, or even the top five if I'm being picky. Number one ideally.
I have a feeling that 'All The Right Moves' might be the last we hear from OneRepublic. Yes, I read up there somewhere that they have another single due for release in February but I don't think it will chart highly at all. After that, Ryan will be back to writing the same songs for Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson (That was just mean!)
Complain about this comment (Comment number 31)
Comment number 32.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:So HARRY , the fact that me and others can name you other top 20 hits for One Republic , Alphabeat and The Automatic , will you now acknowledge , that NONE of these are one hit wonders ?
Is this a rhetorical question ?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 32)
Comment number 33.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:I think we will hear from them again.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 33)
Comment number 34.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:No I will not stand down because your idea of a hit is different to mine, it's all just a matter of opinion.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 34)
Comment number 35.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:The word "hit " is entirely relative to the artist that is releasing the song .
The Guiness BOOK of Hit Singles class a hit , as being inside the top 75 !
We could go on all day ( and night ) about what is a hit .
Some bands never get inside the top 40 in their recording careers , so a number 39 song , to them is a hit , some artists consider it a disaster if a certain song does not hit number 1 !
Radio 1 consider the charts to be a top 40 , hence the rundown AND THE CHART SHOW !
So again entirely relative.
A number 16 song to me is a hit , especially as I could list thousands of acts who have NEVER had a top 20 single ! And would LOVE to have one , or are dropped by record companies if they don't have one !
This can be a business , after all !
It's entirely relative.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 35)
Comment number 36.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:Let's have a vote:
Everyone say what number they think a song should chart below to be classed as a Hit.
This is a democracy after all.
I say 10.
What do you say?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 36)
Comment number 37.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:You lot are tough !
Only calling top ten songs , hits ?
Wow , you should all work for record companies .
You would put the fear of God into all your acts !!!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 37)
Comment number 38.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:I'd love to work for a record company... *sigh*
Complain about this comment (Comment number 38)
Comment number 39.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:I would love to see you tell Gallows that their next single has got to be a top ten hit !!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 39)
Comment number 40.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Acording to your rules MGMT have never had a hit in the UK !
lol
Complain about this comment (Comment number 40)
Comment number 41.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Nor Empire of the Sun !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 41)
Comment number 42.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:It's different genre's though, isn't it?
The Top 40 are the pop charts and this is where OneRepublic would fall. (I'd say, anyway)
MGMT, Gallows and Empire of the Sun are different genre's. I wouldn't necessarily categorise them as pop.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 42)
Comment number 43.
At 9th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:I'd say top 15 classes as a hit in the sense of one hit wonders, but if I was working for a record company I would be very happy to keep an act who had a top 40 single outside of the top 15. Especially if they were as good as Empire Of The Sun or MGMT
Complain about this comment (Comment number 43)
Comment number 44.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:"The top 40 are the pop charts "
How did Rage Against the Machine get to number 1 then ?
Punk songs have gone top ten , rap songs top ten , a crazy frog got to number 1 .Iron Maiden got to number 1 .
Music encapsulates loads of different styles , that is what makes it great !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 44)
Comment number 45.
At 9th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:Well, we all know how Rage got to number one...
Spirit, I'm going to call it quits. I can't argue about music with you. Yee Know Too Much!
Speaking of Rap Music; I think I'll listen to Jay Z Feat. Empire of the Sun.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 45)
Comment number 46.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:HAHAHAHAHAHAH !
" Top 15 , classes as a hit in terms of one hit wonders "
You are surely just saying this because Steve McQueen got to number 16 !
lol
Talk about making up the rules as u go along. :)
Complain about this comment (Comment number 46)
Comment number 47.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Yeah , but you know loads of stuff I don't know .
You have heard songs I have not , and had experiences that I haven't.
No person is right or wrong , the most important thing is that we all love music here , which clearly , everyone does !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 47)
Comment number 48.
At 9th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:Bands tend to be more about the albums. The amazing 'Oracle Spectacular' sold over 300000 copies in the UK. The singles are more a vehicle to promote the album, with radio play etc. Thats how Paolo keeps bouncin his album back up the charts. The singles dont chart well, but people go out and buy the album after hearing them on the radio.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 48)
Comment number 49.
At 9th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Sorry getting carried away , number 47 is for Danny .
I love Harry , but it was post 1 , that led us here .
Brilliant debate .
Cheers Harry !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 49)
Comment number 50.
At 9th Jan 2010, kingshleppy wrote:I'm so sick of people giving OneRepublic a hard time. Honestly, I think they're one of the best bands to erupt into the scene in the last few years. Apologize, Stop and Stare, Say (All I Need), I loved all of these tracks!I also love All the Right Moves, it's such a charging song; it makes you feel something other pop songs don't. That's what I love about OneRepublic. Their new album is pretty much amazing too, kind of like Coldplays Viva La Vida album...anyway be nice ti them please because I dont want them to go away!!!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 50)
Comment number 51.
At 9th Jan 2010, kingshleppy wrote:*to.....My passion for music sometimes overrides my passion for correct spelling!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 51)
Comment number 52.
At 9th Jan 2010, CurtainJerker wrote:A genuine LOL at how the comments section for the new OneRepublic song has turned into a debate as to whether or not Alphabeat and The Automatic are one-hit wonders.
For the record, I tend towards Spirit's view. Not sure what the cut-off is in terms of success for a follow-up to be deemed a second "hit", and it might be relative to the success of the original hit. Eg if your first song goes to number one, and then your follow-ups peak at 17 and 19, are you a one-hit wonder? Not sure, but probably not. However, if your follow-up peaks at 35 and then drops out of the top 40 in the second week,and you never chart again, I'd say you're a one-hit wonder.
I've already made my thoughts clear re Alphabeat, and I don't consider The Automatic one-hit wonders either (Recover and Steve McQueen). Harry's right that a lot of artists can get playlisted and chart with another single on the back of one success, which you might not like, but I still think that means they're not one-hit wonders. Those are comparatively rare.
Did Haddaway have another hit after What Is Love?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 52)
Comment number 53.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:yes .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 53)
Comment number 54.
At 10th Jan 2010, Sam Fowler wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 54)
Comment number 55.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Oh , just for Curtains , because he's good looking , has a sexy accent , a love of music and oozes charisma from every pore...
Haddaway's hits...
WHAT IS LOVE ? - 2
LIFE - 6
I MISS YOU - 9
ROCK MY HEART - 9
FLY AWAY - 20
Enjoy .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 55)
Comment number 56.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Going back to ONE REPUBLIC , as Apologise got to number 3 , and Stop and Stare got to number 4 , they are DEFINITELY NOT one hit wonders .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 56)
Comment number 57.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:As soon as someone mentions The Automatic , apart from getting horribly drunk with them , I think of Steve McQueen , Recover , Raoul , then maybe Monster as singles .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 57)
Comment number 58.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:OH , and having their first number 1 later tonight , will be either SIDNEY SAMSON or IYAZ ......
Just saying . . . .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 58)
Comment number 59.
At 10th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:In responce to Spirit's comment 57 - That's because your a fan of the Automatics, likewise if you were a fan of say Sandi Thom or Nena (looked them up on wikipedia and I'm pretty sure they're one hit wonders)you could probably name lots of their songs. The fact is if you asked a random person on the street who the Automatics were they'd 9/10 times either, not know who they were or remember they did Monster. That to me is a one hit wonder.
Anyway I can't be bothered to continue this debate anymore because your not going to change my mind and I'm not going to change your's.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 59)
Comment number 60.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:The thing is , we are discussing music on Chart blog .
The people that read our posts , are probably not random people in the street , but fans of music .
A lot of us ,clearly know our stuff and feel passionately about certain songs or bands .
The danger is , when some people make negative or damaging comments about acts people like ,then this is going to provoke some people to champion their act.
We all can't like the same things , and yes there are times when people will diss certain acts with no constructive reasoning for this . This will undoubtedly result in a friendly heated debate . (hopefully )
I always think , it's best to always say what you LIKE about an act or song . If you are gonna be dismissive ,then do it with wit ,knowledge , integrity , charm or sage like reasoning . If not , prepare for fireworks.
There WILL be someone out there reading who likes them .
We will have to agree to dis- agree , but as a fan of music , The Automatic will never be one hit wonders . Steve McQueen came 3 singles after Monster , and hit the top twenty . I can't help it , if some people don't know this song . It's a stormer !!!!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 60)
Comment number 61.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Oh and they are called The Automatic .
And what ever you do , do NOT challenge them to a drinking contest .
You WILL lose !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 61)
Comment number 62.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:NENA - 99 RED BALLOONS
Definitely a one hit wonder !
Their next single got to number 70 !
I agree on this Harry !!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 62)
Comment number 63.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Just had to watch The Automatic's video for Steve McQueen on you tube again .
What a fantastic song !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 63)
Comment number 64.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:OK , bringing this post back to ONE REPUBLIC , and the fact that Apologise and Stop and Stare both went top 5 , can we all agree that they are efinitely NOT one - hit wonders ?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 64)
Comment number 65.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:* Definitely not one hit wonders .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 65)
Comment number 66.
At 10th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:Okay technically they're not one hit wonders but in my eyes they will always be one hit wonders.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 66)
Comment number 67.
At 10th Jan 2010, CurtainJerker wrote:Phew. I'm glad that's charisma that's oozing out of my pores. I thought I was going to need some kind of lotion.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 67)
Comment number 68.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:It tasted like charisma . . .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 68)
Comment number 69.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Out of interest Harry , Apologise was number 3 and Stop and Stare was number 4 , which one for you , was their one hit wonder ?
I am guessing Apologise as it was their first one....
Complain about this comment (Comment number 69)
Comment number 70.
At 10th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:Apologise would have to be the hit as that is still played a lot nowadays.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 70)
Comment number 71.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Well , I still hear Stop and Stare a lot , and it did sell over 100,000 copies in the UK , AND 2 million copies worldwide .
So for you to be right , we will have to do that Will Smith thing in Men In Black , and erase it from the memory of everyone on Chart blog , and in the country.
Stop and stare ?
Move away , nothing to see here !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 71)
Comment number 72.
At 10th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:Goodness me, this post just gets longer and longer!
Apologise is also their stand out track from me. Ace production from Timbaland.
Were these songs ever reviewed on the ChartBlog? I'm interested to see how they scored.
Fraser?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 72)
Comment number 73.
At 10th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:/blogs/chartblog/2008/03/onerepublic_stop_and_stare.shtml
Very interesting review and comments.
/blogs/chartblog/2007/10/timbaland_pts_one_republic_apo.shtml
Complain about this comment (Comment number 73)
Comment number 74.
At 10th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:Fraser right, the ending to Stop And Stare and Apologise both sound like the ending to In My Place though I assume a lot of songs have that ending, many of which were probably written before coldplay.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 74)
Comment number 75.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Thanks Liam , in my view , those "reviews " , are not what I would call reviews of songs , and I can quite understand the reactions and swearing at the reviewer by the Chartblog readers .
It's one thing writing intelligently and with knowing wink , and another to write like you haven't heard a song properly , understand it's appeal or value the act that have written it, and then appear to critisise their fans . That Apologise "review " is painful to read .
Thankfully , it's fair to say that Chartblog "reviews " have improved considerably since then .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 75)
Comment number 76.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Apologise has had in total , nearly 50 MILLION hits on You Tube , and in my view is a fantastic single .
It also contains one of my favourite opening lines from ANY song , of the last 5 years....
" I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground . "
This can convey many different things , but the use of imagery in the first verse is tragically vivid of a dying relationship .
" You tell me that you need me
And then you go and cut me down. "
Yep , good stuff .
It's not just all about that huge chorus ...
Complain about this comment (Comment number 76)
Comment number 77.
At 10th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:And how much did you contribute to that 50 million, Spirit?
I'm fairly surprised that Stop and Stare was rated higher than Apologise since Apologise is the more well known one. Athough, as Spirit has said, it's not a proper review. I think it would have scored higher had Fraser had his sensible head on.
Cheers for digging them out, Liam - It was googling I couldn't be bothered with!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 77)
Comment number 78.
At 10th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:How many did I contribute to that 50 million ?
Just the one , just now , when I wanted to remind myself just how brilliant that opening line was .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 78)
Comment number 79.
At 10th Jan 2010, dennisjunior1 wrote:Grant:
Love the new One Republic (new) CD....
~Dennis Junior~
Complain about this comment (Comment number 79)
Comment number 80.
At 10th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:I'm sorry Spirit, gotta disagree with you. You know me, never one to keep quiet.
/blogs/chartblog/2008/03/onerepublic_stop_and_stare.shtml
Absolutely top notch, fantastic review. Without a doubt. I laughed and at the same time agreed with the review. He is right. I actually really like "Stop and Stare", but agree with basically every point in the review. It is unoriginal and repetative. Nothing wrong with familarity in your life of course, but sometimes you just have to accept that stuff you like, you like because it's a known format. It is a good, but boring song.
This review was obviously written off the back of a pile of criticism of his review of 'Appologise' (more on that later). So it has to be read in that context. Fraser obviously wants to give this song 2 stars or something. Instead he writes a cutting review, hidden with back handed compliments, and then 5 stars it for a giggle.
Is it just me that thought that it was a brilliant review?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 80)
Comment number 81.
At 10th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:/blogs/chartblog/2007/10/timbaland_pts_one_republic_apo.shtml
This review on the other hand, not amazing. It's witty, but doesn't really comment on the song much. If another couple of paragraphs had been written towards the end, explaining why it was rated as such, it would have been/gone down better. I did like the little lead up though.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 81)
Comment number 82.
At 10th Jan 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:Sooo has the Chartblog got better? I'm not sure? I do love reading the reviews, but I have always done so. I think it's wrong to say it didn't used to be good though.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 82)
Comment number 83.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 83)
Comment number 84.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 84)
Comment number 85.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Apologise spent 5 months at number 1 in America !
Complain about this comment (Comment number 85)
Comment number 86.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Ok , everyone read Frasers review of Apologise , at 81 in Liam's post , and read the resulting comments .
It makes for incredible reading..
Then come back here and then comment on whether the reviews and commenters on Chart blog have improved or not .
Can't wait to read your comments...
Complain about this comment (Comment number 86)
Comment number 87.
At 11th Jan 2010, CurtainJerker wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 87)
Comment number 88.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Yep the moderators are being tough at the mo , I am trying to prove how both reviews and commenters have improved consideerably on Chart blog .
This is a GOOD thing .
After Fraser's "review " of Apologise , where the song is not reviewed , and digs are made at Timbaland , some of the resulting comments are about Fraser...
"pathetic excuse for a person "
"pig ignorant "
" c**p hot at being a waste of space "
"you're ridiculous "
"shut up and get lost ! "
He is also called another word , that is far too insulting to repeat here .
Ok Apologise went on to be a HUGE International hit , and to many is a great song , and some may understand after reading the "review " , why all those comments were made .
What I am trying to say , is that now the reviews , e,g Plan B , are much more informed , discuss the song , and thus the commenters have responded positively , and there is more of a togetherness and love of music because of this.
Hope this one got through , I am trying to be positive after all .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 88)
Comment number 89.
At 11th Jan 2010, CurtainJerker wrote:I tried to make this point in my last post, but it might not reappear. All those comments prove, Spirit, is that a couple of OneRepublic fanbabies heard about Fraser taking the mick out of their band and came on here to cry. It happens sometimes, and it doesn't mean that their petty tantrums ought to be taken seriously.
The reviews are entertaining, and all the more so for provoking the fanbabies into crying. They need to grow a set and deal with the fact that some people, including not-entirely-obscure single reviewers, are going to think their band's music is bland and derivative.
And frankly, I'm disgusted that a comment like "shut up and get lost" gets through the mods. I for one am outraged.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 89)
Comment number 90.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:Yes , some of the language was totally base , I cannot believe it got through back in 2007 .
The One Republic fans were annoyed , because here to them was a brilliant song , that was not even getting mentioned.
I think there were Timbaland fans getting defensive too.
I can understand that due to the lack of a review of the One Republic song , and the fact of how successful it became , and how the lyrics , production and superb resounding chorus melody were not even mentioned , that fans of music , who want to see a good song being reviewed , would get upset .
I do understand this . I do not agree with the use of language that was used towards Fraser or the venom used in the attacks. He was only spending the whole review saying that the song did not sound like Timbaland . I am not sure he realised that it was a One Republic song , that was only produced by Timbaland .
I think that is why the "pig headed ignorant " comment came from.
In Frasers defence it was Timbaland PRESENTS One Republic , which may have been confusing back then .
But people will be passionate about songs and bands , is that not why we are all here ?
Are people allowed to champion and like bands or songs ?
Can you imagine Fraser reviewing Valentine by Delays , not for once mentioning the song , but spending 200 words discussing Timbaland !
What would your response be ?
Surely a song review MUST review the song ?
This is what I like . I read Chartblog for vocational purposes and like to gain as much information as possible about songs and guage peoples reactions to songs , which is why I like an in depth review that gives insight . It is the resulting comments that are extremely useful too . This is why I like a good song review .
When Fraser does this , I believe he can be absolutely fantastic , and one of the best around . His reviews have improved enormously since then , as have the people who comment on Chartblog .
In fact , I love it here ....
Complain about this comment (Comment number 90)
Comment number 91.
At 11th Jan 2010, thranjax wrote:The Guinness Book of Hit Singles defines a one hit wonder as a number one hit and nothing else ever. So most of them are charity singles and unusual duos.
But I agree there is a more general meaning of a band who is really only remembered for one song. I mean, Buggles had more than one hit, but what do you remember about them?
I am a pedant though, so one hit wonder means one hit as far as I am concerned.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 91)
Comment number 92.
At 11th Jan 2010, thranjax wrote:Fraser and his reviews have certainly improved over the two years since. The original Apologise review was terribly lax. The comments made were also, however inexcusably rude.
Ironically, of course, it's too late to apologise.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 92)
Comment number 93.
At 11th Jan 2010, thranjax wrote:Having said that Fraser has got better, etc, I notice that despite Spirit's comment at 4 he hasn't corrected the review from You to She. I don't think they read the blog anymore.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 93)
Comment number 94.
At 11th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:The comments remind me of a ruder version of the Mika Fan club from december.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 94)
Comment number 95.
At 11th Jan 2010, CurtainJerker wrote:MIKA! THAT'S who it was! I was trying to remember. The similarities are striking.
However, at least Mika manageed to muster up more than three people in his defence. Where were those 50 million YouTube viewers when their band needed them, eh?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 95)
Comment number 96.
At 11th Jan 2010, Daniel wrote:It also kinda reminds me of when CurtainJerker's (I think it was you) posts were being reported and removed by Pink and Black Eyed Peas fanbabies when he was slagging them off.
Gotta love a fanboy!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 96)
Comment number 97.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:See that's the point , entirely .
The original review of Apologise gave no credit to the appeal of the song , that it would eventually yield 50 MILLION hits on You tube !
The lovers of the song could hear the appeal of the song , and became justifiably annoyed when an "expert " did not even mention the song , or it's potential ,future international impact .
I don't condone their use of language , but as music fans , who could hear a really good song. I do understand their frustration .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 97)
Comment number 98.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:You can call them Fanboys or Fanbabies or whatever , the facts were , the lax and inadequate review led them to justifiably be frustrated .
And history has in some way , proved them right as 50 million hits on You Tube prove that to lots of people , Apologise is a really good song , that deserved a detailed review .
Complain about this comment (Comment number 98)
Comment number 99.
At 11th Jan 2010, spirit wrote:At 93 , thank you Thranjax , given the controversial nature of Tatu's number 1 single ALL THE THINGS SHE SAID , surely the word "SHE " , is the most important word in the songs title !
How can someone get this wrong ?
Alternative song titles...
Good Romance
99 SOLUTIONS
It's NOT a sin !
I wish I was a Trom -boner with flowers in my Hair.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 99)
Comment number 100.
At 11th Jan 2010, harrythedog10 wrote:100!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 100)
Page 1 of 2