REVIEW: Owl City-Ocean Eyes
Owl City is a one man synthpop/electronica band from Minnesota who started in the basement of musician Adam Young in 2007. Ocean Eyes is the first major release.
I actually just got a hold of this CD a few minutes ago and now I’m reviewing it cause, well, I like it. You may have heard the song “Fireflies” on the radio at some point and quite frankly it‘s not unlike the rest of the CD. I’m not saying that as a bad thing though; the rest of this album is definitely a well produced and catchy as all hell. A fun little romp in Pop-Land that doesn't overstay its welcome or makes you regret liking it, albeit a little cheese here and there.
Now…this is some synthpop that’s HEAVY on the Pop. Enchanting, whimsical melodies using synthesizers in a dance club manner? Check. Happy-Go-Lucky lyrics delivered in a tone that says “I‘m gonna keep this smile on AAAAAAAAALLLLL DAY”? Check. Song titles like “Vanilla Twilight” and “If My Heart Was a House”, where you can feel the sap sticking to you from just how sickeningly sweet they are? Check.
But honestly, this is some really GOOD synthpop. The melodies are very well done and this is one of those rare times when voice enhancing is used not as a crutch for poor singing or as a patronizing club of over saturation being beaten over the heads of people who should know better than to listen to crap like that. Everything from the vocal dubs to the little nuances in the beats enhances the music and adds to your enjoyment, layering together in just the right spots and with enough hooks that are good enough that you can tell this wasn't just slapped together by some committee.
If you’re someone who is not a fan of this type of poppy electronic music, then this isn‘t too likely to turn you around. There’s no real deepness to the lyrics (even though the way they‘re done is very pretty) and it’s safe to say that this is the kind of stuff that’d be played on rotation at WalMart cause it’s the safest you could possibly get without becoming stupid or childish.
If you’re like me, though, and can appreciate a good bit of sugary and feel good pop from time to time, then you'll find this a very enjoyable and laid back album.
Best Songs-Cave In, The Bird and the Worm, Umbrella Beach, Fireflies, Vanilla Twilight
Worst Songs-Meteor Shower
Final Rating-
7/10
a few songs if you'd like to give this a listen
YouTube - Cave In - Owl City
YouTube - ‪Hello Seattle - Owl City (NEW OCEAN EYES VERSION!!!)‬‎
YouTube - ‪Umbrella Beach - Owl City‬‎
YouTube - ‪The Bird and The Worm - Owl City‬‎