OneRepublic

OneRepublic is one  in the seemingly endless stream of  faceless rock bands with one real difference: the writing power of lead singer Ryan Tedder. He wrote the band’s megahit “Apologize,” and when he’s not writing for OneRepublic, he’s penning hits for artists like Leona Lewis (“Bleeding Love”), Beyonce (“Halo”) and Jordin Sparks (“Battlefield”)

So after a long hiatus, OneRepublic returns with “All the Right Moves,” the first single from its new album, “Waking Up,” out Nov. 17.

Here’s the sad truth: The song is catchy in that gauzy, slightly hypnotic way that “Apologize” was, but songs Tedder writes for others are so much interesting than the ones he writes for OneRepublic. Or maybe it’s just that his perfectly pleasant vocals can’t compete to with the ladies’ supersized voices when it comes delivering his words.

The sumptuous video was directed by legendary video director Wayne Isham, who’s handled clips for everyone from Britney to Metallica.  It’s a glorified performance clip that takes place at a masquerade ball. Think “Eyes Wide Shut” with a cameo by a panhandling/pocketpicking  Oliver Twist.

It’s lush, gorgeous and, oh yeah, absolutely nothing happens.

Given the oft-repeated “We’re going down” refrain, stage the ball on the Titanic (there’s even a line about “sinking in the ocean”) or add some drama.  It’s a squandered opportunity or maybe all the budget went for the magnificent costumes.