OneRepublic's "Artificial Paradise": A Deep Dive with Ryan Tedder

OneRepublic's sixth album, *Artificial Paradise*, arrived in July 2024, marking the culmination of a journey that began in 2022 with the surprise hit "I Ain't Worried," featured in *Top Gun: Maverick*. The album showcases the band's evolving sound, blending pop-rock anthems with introspective ballads.

*Artificial Paradise

is also a milestone for OneRepublic, as it signifies the end of their contract with Interscope Records. For frontman Ryan Tedder, this marks a new chapter filled with creative ambition: "I've never been more motivated to write the best material of my life than this very moment," he asserts. "I'm taking it as a challenge... I also want to tap back into some deeper material with the band."

Tedder's songwriting and production career has paralleled OneRepublic's success, having penned hits for Beyoncé, Adele, Taylor Swift, and numerous other pop stars. GRAMMY.com sat down with Tedder to reflect on some of his most notable collaborations and delve into the creative process behind OneRepublic's biggest tracks:

OneRepublic - "Apologize" (2007)

Tedder wrote "Apologize" in 2004, a time of financial hardship and personal struggles. He refused to let the song go to another artist, holding it close as a deeply personal reflection of past relationships. It was the song that defined OneRepublic's sound, ultimately leading him to abandon his solo aspirations and form the band. "Every night that we do it," he says, "I look out at the crowd and look at the band, and I'm like, *Wow. This is the song that got us here.*"

Beyoncé - "Halo" (2008)

While recovering from an Achilles injury, Tedder, in a rare moment of free time, wrote "Halo" with fellow songwriter Evan Bogart. The song's angelic melody and uplifting message became a global phenomenon. Tedder's experience working with Beyoncé highlights her enigmatic work process: "I didn't get a response, which I've now learned is very, very typical of her. I did Miley Cyrus and Beyoncé 'II MOST WANTED' — I didn't know that was coming out 'til five days before it came out. And when I did 'XO', I found out that 'XO' was coming out 12 hours before it came out. That's how she operates."

OneRepublic - "Good Life" (2009)

"Good Life" was an eleventh-hour addition to OneRepublic's album *Waking Up*. The song's signature whistle melody, initially met with hesitation from the band, became a defining element of the track, capturing the band's unique blend of happy melancholy.

Adele - "Rumour Has It" (2011)

Tedder's collaboration with Adele on "Rumour Has It" saw him step beyond his typical ballad-writing territory. He intentionally created a complex piano bridge, challenging Adele and the production team to create a musically daring track. Adele's one-take recording of the entire song impressed Tedder, and the song ultimately became a testament to her raw talent and his ability to push creative boundaries.

OneRepublic - "Counting Stars" (2013)

The song's iconic chord progression came to Tedder in a flash of inspiration while working on Beyoncé's self-titled album. He initially envisioned it for Beyoncé but ultimately recognized its unique quality and potential for OneRepublic. "Counting Stars" became a global anthem, showcasing the band's ability to create music that resonated on a universal level.

Taylor Swift - "Welcome to New York" (2014)

Tedder's second session with Taylor Swift produced "Welcome to New York," a song that captured the energy and excitement of Swift's new chapter in the city. Tedder recounts how Swift's songwriting prowess and creative drive left him in awe: "If she had, like, three more hours in the day, she would just figure out what we do and she would do it. And she wouldn't need any of us."

Jonas Brothers - "Sucker" (2019)

After a creative slump, Tedder wrote "Sucker" for the Jonas Brothers, marking their return to the music scene. The song became a global hit, showcasing the brothers' reemergence and solidifying their comeback.

OneRepublic - "I Ain't Worried" (2022)

"I Ain't Worried," the soundtrack to *Top Gun: Maverick*, was born out of a Zoom meeting with Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer during the pandemic lockdown. Tedder was tasked with creating a song that perfectly captured the scene's energy and visual aesthetic. The track became a summer anthem, exceeding expectations and proving Tedder's ability to deliver on creative briefs.

Tate McRae - "Greedy" (2023)

Tedder encouraged Tate McRae to embrace her dancing talent, pushing her beyond her typical mid-tempo sound to create the upbeat and dynamic "Greedy." McRae's dedication to perfection and her insistence on multiple revisions before settling on a final version reflect her meticulous approach to crafting music.

OneRepublic - "Last Holiday" (2024)

This heartfelt ballad is a personal favorite of Tedder's from *Artificial Paradise*. It encompasses the band's sound, blending poignant lyrics with a soaring chorus. "Last Holiday" encapsulates the essence of OneRepublic's music, showcasing their ability to create music that moves listeners on both an emotional and sonic level.

*Artificial Paradise

marks a significant milestone for OneRepublic and Ryan Tedder. The album showcases their evolving sound, their ability to create anthems that resonate globally, and Tedder's continued dominance as a songwriter and producer in the music industry. As Tedder embarks on a new chapter with OneRepublic, his creative energy and passion for music promises to continue shaping the landscape of pop music for years to come.