"West Coast" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by OneRepublic | ||||
from the album Artificial Paradise | ||||
Written | 2015 | |||
Released | February 25, 2022 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:12 | |||
Label | ||||
Composer(s) | ||||
Lyricist(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
OneRepublic singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"West Coast" on YouTube |
"West Coast" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic, released as a single on February 25, 2022, through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records. The song was written by band's lead singer Ryan Tedder, who composed and produced it with bandmate Brent Kutzle, Noel Zancanella, Justin Tranter, and producing duo Mattman & Robin. A fan favorite since a demo snippet was shared publicly, "West Coast" was originally intended for the band's fourth and later fifth studio albums, Oh My My (2016) and Human (2021), but it was postponed due to the band's ambitions to meet expectations. It was later included as the main inspiration and second single from the band's sixth studio album Artificial Paradise (2024).
Inspired by the sunshine pop aesthetic of the Beach Boys and the Mamas & the Papas, "West Coast" is an alternative pop and electropop tribute to 1960s California, with lyrics about embracing a newfound sense of freedom and seeking "the Californian dream". The song received critical acclaim from music critics, who praised Tedder's vocals, production values, lyrics, and deemed it a perfect addition to the summer season.
An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Thomas Whitmore, premiered on February 25 as well. It features Tedder cruising up the coast in a Cadillac convertible as he plans a space-themed dance party. The video was also used to promote tourism in collaboration with Visit California, as well as the new generation of Microsoft Surface devices. OneRepublic performed the song on television shows, and it was part of the setlist for the band's Never Ending Summer Tour (2022).
In 2015, while OneRepublic was undertaking their Native Tour and recording for their fourth album, Oh My My (2016), the band shared a short snippet of one of the project's future songs, called "West Coast". [1] During the same period, the band's lead singer and singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder was working with U2 on their 2017 album, Songs of Experience , and at one of the recording sessions, Tedder played "West Coast" to U2, who used a melody line and the first phrase of the chorus to create the single "Summer of Love". [2] [3]
Tedder later reworked the song for OneRepublic's fifth studio album, Human , saying in 2020 that the track "it's like [The Mamas and the Papas] – California Dreamin' and [The Beach Boys], but with drums that are like [Gorillaz]. It's the craziest, coolest about-face 'here comes the summer'". [4] The song ended up being dropped from Human after the album was postponed due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. [5] Talking about that, Tedder said that "The reason it hasn’t come out yet is because it’s such a unique sound, it's so different than all the normal OneRepublic stuff… we decided to make a whole album that made sense for “West Coast” and that's the album that we’ve been working on for the last four months... "West Coast" is one of the key singles on that album and the sound of that album we’re slightly switching up to match with “West Coast,” because we think the song is so good". [6] That album would be revealed to be Artificial Paradise released on July 12, 2024.
"West Coast" is an alternative pop [7] and electropop song, [2] with influences of from the sound of bands the Beach Boys, the Mamas & the Papas and Gorillaz. [8] OneRepublic's lead singer Ryan Tedder wrote the lyrics to "West Coast" in 2015. [2] He later produced it and composed the song's melody with bandmate bassist/cellist Brent Kutzle, Noel Zancanella, Justin Tranter, producing duo Mattman & Robin (Robin Fredriksson and Mattias Larsson) and John Nathaniel. [9]
The song was officially released for digital download and streaming on February 25, 2022. [10] Universal Music Group sent "West Coast" to Italian radio stations on March 18, 2022. [11] The song was also released for digital download on OneRepublic's website the same day. Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records released it to the US hot adult contemporary radio on April 11. [12] In collaboration with Visit California, OneRepublic used "West Coast" to promote tourism in California. [13]
"West Coast" received widespread acclaim from music critics for the song's production and Tedder's vocals. [14] Joshua Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media gave 4.5 of 5 stars and wrote that song's melody is "a lot of heart, soul, inspiration, and purpose", also praising the lyrics and production, saying "we have that summery, breezy, pop atmosphere- a likeable song that speaks about being wild and free, and also speaks about having a good time". [15] Kristin Smith of Plugged In (publication) compared "West Coast" melody with Adele's 2013 single "Skyfall", "except with a much faster beat and nowhere near as depressing", also pointing Tedder's songwriting, "this song is all about running from the blues that comes from a breakup, while also fleeing the winter blahs to find much warmer days–both figuratively and literally". [7]
Emily Harris of Global Music Group wrote that Tedder's vocals in bridge have similarities with "Skyfall", adding "'West Coast' is brimming with confidence. Additionally, OneRepublic don't hold back with their high quality oozing out of every facet of their production. Also, while the band’s typical pop sound is audible in the mix, each member of the group manages to bring fresh new components to the forefront; including a string section in the prelude and a soulful groove that emerges as the track goes". [16] Il Post appreciated the inspiration from the 1960s music scene in the song, writing that the band managed to capture "the summer and dreamy atmospheres". [2]
The band performed "West Coast" for the first time during The Today Show on March 4, 2022. [17] On March 8, OneRepublic performed it on The Late Late Show with James Corden . [18] The band performed the song for the third time on Good Morning America (GMA) held on July 15, 2022, at Times Square Studios in Manhattan. [19] The song was also a regular part of band setlist for the Never Ending Summer Tour.
Chart (2022) | Peak position |
---|---|
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [20] | 6 |
San Marino (SMRRTV Top 50) [21] | 13 |
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) [22] | 65 |
US Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [23] | 36 |
US Adult Pop Airplay ( Billboard ) [24] | 18 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Austria (IFPI Austria) [25] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
Italy (FIMI) [26] | Gold | 50,000‡ |
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [27] | Gold | 10,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | February 25, 2022 | [28] | ||
Italy | March 18, 2022 | Radio airplay | Universal | [11] |
United States | April 11, 2022 | Hot adult contemporary radio |
| [29] |
OneRepublic is an American pop rock band formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2002. The lineup currently consists of Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins, Drew Brown, Brent Kutzle, Eddie Fisher (drums), and Brian Willett.
Ryan Benjamin Tedder is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the co-founder, frontman and lead vocalist for the pop rock band OneRepublic, while also serving as a prolific contributor—by songwriting and production—to material for other artists since the mid-2000s. He has amassed credits on albums and singles for acts including U2, Beyoncé, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, MØ, One Direction, Sugababes, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Adele, Logic, Paul McCartney, Blackpink, Twice, Bastille, Lil Nas X, Anitta, Lisa, and Tate McRae.
Dreaming Out Loud is the debut studio album by American pop rock band OneRepublic. The album was released on November 20, 2007, by Interscope Records. The album was recorded between 2004 and 2007 and it was produced by Greg Wells, with two songs produced by OneRepublic’s lead singer Ryan Tedder, and was engineered and mixed by Joe Zook. The album followed two years of massive success on Myspace; the band had appeared in Myspace Music's Top Artists since early 2006, with over 28 million total song plays counted.
Brent Michael Kutzle is an American musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, record producer, and film composer originating from Fountain Valley, California. He is the bassist and cellist for the pop rock band OneRepublic.
"Say (All I Need)" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic. It is the third single released from their debut album Dreaming Out Loud and follows the global success of their previous top ten singles, "Apologize" and "Stop and Stare". OneRepublic vocalist Ryan Tedder has commented that "Say (All I Need") is his "favorite track on the album." All five members of the band, Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins, Drew Brown, Eddie Fisher and Brent Kutzle share writing and composing credits on the song. The single was released in the UK on June 2, 2008 and features their Live Lounge cover of Duffy's single "Mercy". The single was released on June 24, 2008 in the United States.
Waking Up is the second studio album by American pop rock band OneRepublic, released through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records on November 13, 2009, in Germany and on November 17 in United States. Written and produced largely by lead singer Ryan Tedder while the band was promoting their 2007 debut album in 2008–2009, Waking Up features additional songwriting credits from bandmates Brent Kutzle, Drew Brown, Eddie Fisher, and producer Noel Zancanella. Tedder produced all the eleven songs on the standard edition, four by himself, as the band's effort at the album's concept, which revolves around waking up after nights of bad dreams.
"Good Life" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic, taken from their second studio album, Waking Up (2009). The song was written by group members Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, and Eddie Fisher along with group associate Noel Zancanella. It was produced by Tedder, with co-production by Kutzle and Zancanella.
"The Fighter" is a song by American rap rock band Gym Class Heroes, from their fifth studio album The Papercut Chronicles II. The song features vocals from American singer-songwriter and record producer Ryan Tedder of the band OneRepublic, and was released as the third and final single from the album on November 8, 2011. It was featured in the season finale of 90210 season 4 and the Cathay Pacific television commercial for the 2013 Hong Kong Sevens, as well as the background music of the introduction video of F1 2014.
"Feel Again" is a song recorded by American rock band OneRepublic for their third studio album Native (2013). It was released as the lead single from the album on August 3, 2012. It was written and produced by Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, Drew Brown and Noel Zancanella.
Native is the third studio album by American pop band OneRepublic. It was released on March 22, 2013 through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records in Germany and Ireland, March 25 worldwide except North America, and March 26 in North America. The album was originally planned to be released at the end of 2012 with the lead single being "Feel Again", which was released on August 27, 2012. However, due to the album not being completed at the time, it was pushed back to early 2013.
"Counting Stars" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic from their third studio album, Native (2013). The song was written by lead singer Ryan Tedder, and produced by Tedder and Noel Zancanella. It was released as the album's second single on June 14, 2013.
"Love Runs Out" is a song recorded by American pop rock band OneRepublic for the 2014 reissue of their third studio album Native (2013). It was produced by Ryan Tedder, who co-wrote the song with Brent Kutzle, Drew Brown, Zach Filkins, and Eddie Fisher. The song was digitally released in Australia on April 14, 2014, and was serviced to contemporary hit radio in the United States on May 6 as the fourth overall single from the album.
"Wherever I Go" is a song recorded by American pop rock band OneRepublic. It was released on May 13, 2016 through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records as OneRepublic's first single after a long period of focus on the band's Native Tour, which had been extended in May 2014, resulting in the band's longest period of new releases. The song was revealed and released at the end of a week of teasers, as the lead single from the band's fourth studio album Oh My My (2016). It was written and produced by lead singer Ryan Tedder, bassist/cellist Brent Kutzle and producer Noel Zancanella. The song was recorded at Revolution Studio, Toronto, Ontario, and Ritz-Carlton, Moscow, Russia, with additional recording at Neptune Valley and Waterloo Studios, Los Angeles in 2015. "Wherever I Go" is a funk rock, synth-pop and new wave music, featuring piano lines and a funk-driven rhythm, with lyrics on obsessive love.
Oh My My is the fourth studio album by American pop rock band OneRepublic. It was released on October 7, 2016, through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records, three years after the release of the band's third studio album, Native (2013). Due to Native's success with the tracks "Counting Stars" and "Love Runs Out", Oh My My incorporates some elements of their electronic production. Ryan Tedder, the band's lead singer, songwriter and producer, focused on lyrics about optimism, love, and overcoming past traumas.
"No Vacancy" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic. It was released as a single via digital download on April 28, 2017. It was written by band members Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, Drew Brown, and Zach Filkins, as well as Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen from the Norwegian production and songwriting duo Stargate. The song was co-produced by Stargate and Tedder.
"Connection" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic. The song was released as a single via digital download on June 26, 2018. It was written by band members Ryan Tedder, Brent Kutzle, as well as Zach Skelton, Noel Zancanella and Jacob Kasher.
"Didn't I" is a song by American band OneRepublic, released as the third single from their fifth studio album Human through Interscope Records on March 13, 2020. It was co-written by frontman Ryan Tedder with bassist Brent Kutzle, Zach Skelton, James Abrahart and Kyrre "Kygo" Gørvell-Dahll.
"Better Days" is a song by American band OneRepublic, taken from their fifth studio album Human. It was released as the fourth single from that album through Interscope Records on March 25, 2020. It was co-written by frontman Ryan Tedder with bassist Brent Kutzle, John Nathaniel and Tyler Spry. The song was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Sunshine" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic. The song was released on November 10, 2021, through Interscope Records and Mosley Music Group. The band's frontman Ryan Tedder and bassist Brent Kutzle wrote the song with Casey Smith, Noel Zancanella Tyler Spry and Zach Skelton, while Tedder and Kutzle also produced it with Spry and Simon Oscroft. It is the lead single from the band's sixth studio album Artificial Paradise (2024).
Artificial Paradise is the sixth studio album by American pop rock band OneRepublic, released on July 12, 2024, through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records. It follows their fifth studio album Human (2021), and includes the singles "Sunshine", "West Coast", "I Ain't Worried", "Runaway", "Mirage" with Mishaal Tamer, "I Don't Wanna Wait" with David Guetta, "Nobody", and "Fire " with Meduza and Leony. The latter three were only included on the deluxe edition of the album. "Hurt" was released following the album's announcement. The album is the last of the band's contract with Interscope.