What makes Connection by OneRepublic notable?

Connection received significant attention upon its release, charting on various Billboard charts and resonating with listeners through its relatable themes. It also showcased a shift towards a more electronic-pop sound that would influence their subsequent releases. Released in 2018, Connection marks OneRepublic's return after a three-year hiatus following the album Oh My My. At this point in their career, the band was seeking to redefine their sound while reconnecting with audiences, reflecting on themes of belonging and communication.

How many songs are on Connection?

Connection has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Connection

OneRepublic · 2018

2 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of pop-rock energy and introspective lyrics, exploring the human need for connection in a disconnected world.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Connection — The title track encapsulates the album’s theme, combining an infectious melody with lyrics that express a yearning for meaningful relationships in a modern context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The song combines familiar pop-rock elements with a catchy chorus but lacks depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The track features a steady, mid-tempo beat with layered vocal harmonies that build throughout the song.
The chorus is repeated multiple times, creating a sense of familiarity and emphasizing the song's theme of connection.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Shows a shift in sound and themes, marking a departure from previous styles.
Themes: digital loneliness· modern relationships
Career context: Released in 2018, Connection marks OneRepublic's return after a three-year hiatus following the album Oh My My. At this point in their career, the band was seeking to redefine their sound while reconnecting with audiences, reflecting on themes of belonging and communication.
Stylistic neighbors: Coldplay· The Fray· Imagine Dragons

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Connection

The bridge introduces a repetition of the phrase emphasizing desperation for genuine interaction amid superficiality.

This structural choice intensifies the emotional impact, mirroring the urgency of the song's message about the importance of authentic connections.