Be'o vs Onerepublic: Which 'Counting Stars' Track Is Trending Online?
By Chloe Bennett
The story of OneRepublic's hit began during a high-stakes 2012 writing retreat. While staying in the Hamptons to co-write material with Beyoncé, frontman Ryan Tedder found himself waiting in an adjacent studio space. Rather than sitting idle, Tedder initiated an experimental session that would yield the anchor of the Native album tracklist.
Tedder aimed to merge two disparate sonic worlds: the raw, stomping acoustic atmosphere of indie-folk bands like Mumford & Sons and the driving four-on-the-floor energy of electronic club music. The Ryan Tedder songwriting process kicked off with a brisk, syncopated acoustic progression played on a vintage guitar. Tedder laid down vocal harmonies inspired by Southern gospel, layering rhythmic snaps, communal claps, and a walking bassline underneath. The final mix, tracked alongside producer Noel Zancanella, elevated folk instruments into an undeniable stadium track.
Lyrically, the track bypassed standard love tropes. The deeper pop-rock anthem meaning confronted economic anxiety, creative fatigue, and the hollow pursuit of material wealth. Lines like "Take that money, watch it burn / Sing in the river the lessons are learned" resonated with a generation navigating post-recession financial strain, elevating the song into a universal rallying cry.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
