OneRepublic releases one final single, “A.I.,” ahead of their fourth studio album, Oh My My. The band receives an assist from Peter Gabriel.

The anticipation is high for Oh My My, the fourth studio album from pop collective OneRepublic.  After releasing singles “Kids” and “Future Looks Good,” OneRepublic returns with one final single, “A.I.” Somehow, Ryan Tedder and company managed to secure a guest appearance from Peter Gabriel.  Wow!

 “A.I.” opens with a quirky synth. From the start, the record keeps the listener interested to see where the band is going musically.  A danceable beat enters, anchoring the production. Like previous OneRepublic singles, the production work is slick AF.  Also like previous singles, “A.I.” sports a catchy chorus:

“Yeah I just want my love automatic
If artificial love makes sense
I just want your love, I’m an addict
Artificial intelligence.”

Peter Gabriel guests on the second verse.  His collaboration continues with Tedder on the following chorus.  The songwriting throughout “A.I.” is a bit questionable. The production, however, seems to be the dominant force, somewhat atoning for lyrical laxness. The enigmatic closing is a nice touch, with Gabriel providing the outro vocals. That said, the conclusion is a bit random and odd.

Final Thoughts

“A.I.” is an interesting record.  The production is exceptional throughout, while the lyrics are…odd. Regardless, this is a record most concerned with sound as opposed to depth or transcendence.  This is no classic, nor is it a single that packs the commercial punch of “Kids” or “Future Looks Great,” but it’s worthy of a couple of spins.

OneRepublic • Oh My My • Mosley Music / Interscope • Release: 10.7.16

Photo Credit: Mosley Music / Interscope