Grammy-nominated pop-rock group OneRepublic is back with a brand new song called “West Coast” which follows the release of their Clifford The Big Red Dog soundtrack song, “Sunshine” last year.
Here below are my initial reactions to the track plus the official music video.
“West Coast” by OneRepublic
“West Coast” was originally going to be part of their Human album but was shelved in place of the eventual hit song, “Run.” 🌊
Thankfully, the band didn’t forget about the song and have now positioned it on their upcoming sixth studio album which is going to be titled, Never Ending Summer — release date TBD. A brand new tour under the same name is also confirmed. They’re bringing the hit Christian contemporary rock group NEEDTOBREATHE with them on the road. See tour dates here. 🙌🏽🙌🏽
0:02 – I love how the song starts off with the strings – viola and violins as we see lead singer, Ryan Tedder drive the golden convertible. 🎧
0:13 The scene is transitioned into Tedder on headphones in a dark backdrop room listening to music on his Windows Surface tablet. #sponsorplugalert 🎧
0:21 He selects the darkest image in a visual search listing surrounded by sunnier results. 📱☁️
0:26 The lyrics here paint a picture of one facing dark times for an extended period of time. (Examples: An ongoing pandemic, fears of the future, a bitter divorce or breakup, etc.) ⛈️
0:38 Swiping the tablet brings a rotation of better and brighter images to brighten your day. A longing for better days (pun intended – #iykyk 😏)
0:41 The video transitions into a sunnier backdrop with Tedder donning shades as he walks on. 🌞🕶️
0:55 Just picture yourself on the beach or boardwalk soaking in that good ol’ Vitamin D, having the time of your life with your friends and fam! ☀️
1:14 Haha the surfer dude just vibing out even though the video isn’t really in at the actual Cali coastline. 🏄
1:28 Tedder marks down his cruising route on that tablet! Doesn’t this inspire you to plan your next road trip itinerary? 🚗🗺️
1:44 Save up and spend your money on the dream trip you deserve! 🤑
2:00 Now we’re transported into the woods as Tedder bumps into…BIGFOOT!?!?⁉️⁉️ LOL! Nice plaid guys! 😎
2:25 This dizzying moment is surreal. The culmination towards the bridge section of the song is cathartic. 🌀😵💫
2:50 Back to the tablet we see words such as “Big Finale,” “Sasquatch,” and “UFO?” Hmm, what could come next? 🤔
2:52 … A DANCE PARTY of course with a starry bright backdrop!!! 🕺 💃
3:11 Cue the dancing alien! 👽
3:16 Oh no, they’re abducting Ryan up, up, and away as the alien claps to end the song! 👽👏👏🛸
Did You Know? The song interpolates U2’s 2017 song, “Summer of Love” which coincidentally was produced by OneRepublic’s Tedder and Brent Kutzle (bassist/cellist)!! Feel free to compare the choruses of the two tracks.
Did You Know? The song is in partnership with the Visit California tourism group.
Did You Know? The same guy who directed the “Run” music video also directed this video. His name is none other than Tomás Whitmore!
Overall, “West Coast” is a feel-good anthem that will have you dancing off your couch! I love the added background vocals which amplify the song’s powerful lyrics. Expect the positive vibes to continue and be the central theme in their next record!
Thanks for reading my thoughts in this week’s New Music Friday post! I hope you enjoyed the pick of the week as much as I did! Will you be seeing them on tour this year? Comment below with your thoughts, give a like, and follow me to get notified when the next post goes live!
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Stay safe, and happy listening!
Philip's Music Corner 