Dreaming Out Loud (Mosley Music/Interscope, Nov. 20) is a breath of fresh air, soaring straight from the Rocky Mountain lungs and instruments of OneRepublic.

The debut album from the Colorado band has been referred to by Rolling Stone as “The Fray x Rob Thomas + ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ rock.” This alternative group is difficult to define or compare, but its music is nothing but easy listening that, at times, borders on droning.

Sure, these boys have composed an album of peaceful harmonies, romantic lyrics and a down-to-earth vibe, but the album lacks depth and originality. The harmonies end up running together by the end of Dreaming, the lyrics are repetitive and the choruses seem to drag along. Bits and pieces of tracks trigger memories of long-forgotten songs composed by other bands, making the listener long for the works of other artists.

Step in Timbaland.

Thanks to him, OneRepublic signed with his record label, Mosley Music, and established credibility as the first ever rock band to join Timbaland’s team. Thanks again, Timbaland, for helping the band make it onto the radio with a remix of their first single “Apologize.” The original version featured on Dreaming Out Loud does not compare to Timbaland’s catchy masterpiece. After all, Timbaland has the power to turn any little ditty into a smash hit; the man has a gift.

OneRepublic is reminiscent of The Fray, Matchbox Twenty, Augustana and Backstreet Boys ballads. Unfortunately for OneRepublic, they have not and will not reach the fame or musical quality of these four groups.

Steady vocals, a piano and a love for Colorado are just about the only things OneRepublic truly has in common with The Fray. The band could have a nice Matchbox Twenty/Augustana vibe going for it in the future. As for now, though, the band is not up to par.

Most of their songs involve lead singer Ryan Tedder softly crooning about young women. As heard on “Won’t Stop,” Tedder sings, “I swear it’s you my heart beats for.” Or, similarly sung, “I need you like a heart needs a beat” on “Apologize.”

Despite the current mainstream sound that OneRepublic is producing, the band might better be able to pull off the Christian-rock sound and may be more suited for that genre.

Right now, the only aspect of their music that they would need to change is the lyrical content. In the meantime, listeners should check out “Mercy,” reflective of The Fray’s sound to the point where the similarities are almost scary.

Another song worthy of a listen or two is “Won’t Stop.” Tedder’s vocals and the melancholy melody threaten to melt hearts.

Listeners should also check out “Apologize”-though, preferably, Timbaland’s remix. The original, like the majority of the album, fails to please.

Timbaland has what could be another very promising project in his hands, should OneRepublic grow from its missteps in Dreaming Out Loud.

If the band does not, however, the members just may have to apologize to Timbaland for failing to live up to expectations that listeners have for Timbaland’s newest pet project.