Dreaming Out Loud One Republic Los Angeles-based rock band One Republic earned themselves some serious radio play after teaming up with Timbaland to produce breakthrough hit Apologise.

Since then, the band has achieved chart success once again with their latest single, Stop and Stare.

There has been plenty of hype surrounding the band, which is not surprising considering Apologise spent 13 weeks in the top ten.

However, most of the remaining tracks on Dreaming Out Loud lack that edge that the band's hit singles seem to possess.

Lead singer and songwriter Ryan Tedder has an outstanding range to his voice but the same can't really be said for his song list. Tedder has a very pure sound, but at the same time, very ordinary.

This band sounds a bit like Shayne Ward plus a backing of angst and whining, with track six, All Fall Down, being a perfect example. It's not surprising to learn Tedder's material has been used on American teen dramas like The O.C.

Although some of the tracks are given a kick with the help of powerful guitar sounds and crashing drumbeats, this is about all that can justify One Republic as a rock band. Everything else about their sound is essentially pop.

Timbaland's collaboration Apologise can perhaps be explained by a desire to incorporate a complete contrast of vocal sounds.

RATING: ** Kirsty JONES