Filled with bubbling electronics and light, G-rated club anthems, Ocean Eyes sets its sights on the MySpace generation, targeting the younger siblings of those who bought the Postal Service's Give Up six years earlier. This is computerized pop music, replete with programmed drum loops, digital symphonies, and all the amenities of modern recording software. Only Adam Young's vocals carry a hint of human presence, and his fanciful lyrics -- which turn even the most mundane content (see "Dental Care," a good ol' fashioned ode to oral hygiene) into whimsy -- serve to strengthen the album's escapist appeal. Such syrupy sweetness builds to a feverish pitch throughout the album's 12 tracks, peaking during the viral sensation "Hey Seattle" and its sonic cousin, "On the Wing." Those who don't have a sweet tooth should stay away, but Ocean Eyes will serve as a tasty dessert for those who can stomach it. ~ Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
Every Mushroom Cloud Has A Silver Lining In The Owl City| Posted July 29, 2009
Right at home in 2009, 'Ocean Eyes' is the embodiment of well-done synthpop, and whether or not you like this album all depends on how much synthpop you can take. The main difference between this and other synthpop albums is that underneath the electro exterior lies some of the most quirky lyrics you'll find this year, i.e. "Golf and alcohol don't mix and that's why I don't drink and drive." No doubt about it, frequent collaborator to Adam Young, Matt Thiessen has something to do with this album, and it rubs off on the rest of the album. Musically, Adam Young balances the sugary goodness & the more emotional moments on the album, which are all given a different take with the synthpop sound.
Highlights Include:
Cave In
The Bird and the Worm
Dental Care
Fireflies
The Tip of the Iceberg
Tidal Wave
If you take away one song away from this album, it should be 'Fireflies.' To put it simply, it's one of the most magical songs I've heard in a long while, blending together all the positive elements of Owl City perfectly. It simply works with imaginative lyics, astounding musical qualities, and an undeniable catchiness to it. All of this, and it's still mainstream enough, not to mention its crossover appeal, and I think it could be the underground hit of the year. Upon first listen, you'll fall in love with it, and it'll be in heavy rotation in your brain. It's that good.
Here's the problem with synthpop/autotune, although it adds something different to what would otherwise be generic music, there's only so much you can do with it, so it gets repetitive very easily. What makes Owl City different from every other artist using this technique is the quirky lyrics, and the absolute gold Adam Young drags out of his music. I still feel that synthpop makes for great songs, but not great albums. That's the only thing holding 'Ocean Eyes' down, because it works better if you listen to the songs individually.
Real Score: 4.5
Side Note: I love the album cover, and if you get the iTunes bonus tracks, they fit right at home with the rest of the album, especially 'If My Heart Was A House.'
Stunningly Good!!| Posted June 08, 2011
This is one of the best albums of all time! It has the ability to cheer me up on the worst of days and it makes good days that much brighter. This album doesn't have an ounce of negativity in it so it's music that can be enjoyed without any harmful effects. It also has a great message seen throughout the music. Adam is a young man on fire for God and his music clearly states how passionate he is about his faith.
If you're the bird whenever we pretend it's summer...| Posted April 01, 2011
So, like alot of people, I heard of Owl City from many of my friends. So, one day, I just decided to buy this album, to see what it was like. Honestly, it was ALOT better then I first expected. I quickly fell in love with this album. ;) My favorite songs are "Cave in", "The bird and the worm", and "Fireflies". All great songs, though. I love how they are all so cheery and upbeat. Awesome record - Highly recommended!
Bottled Rainbows| Posted September 03, 2010
The first Owl City song I heard, like many other people, was Fireflies. I had never heard of the band until I saw how popular this song was on iTunes. I fell in love with the whimsical lyrics and catchy music. I soon after bought Vanilla Twilight and Hot Air Balloon. Discovering that the addictiveness of his music was not limited to only a few songs, I quickly became a fan and bought all the music available. I dove in to some of his other projects as well, which are fantastic.
Every song on this CD is lovely, cute, and dreamy. Even in the songs with a sad undertone, Adam keeps his optimistic attitude and cheerful lyrics. In fact, whenever I'm down, almost nothing makes me feel happier than listening to Adam's cheery voice singing about oceans and stars and flying.
This album is clear and refreshing and makes you feel like you're drinking in sunshine. I recommend this to anyone and everyone.
the best| Posted April 06, 2010
owl city is not just an guy singing song to sing he is singing them from what has happened to him he puts his heart in what he does and these songs can make you smile even when you are having a bad day he is the best i love the way he does his job
Extrordinary| Posted January 24, 2010
The mainstream debut album from Owl City really speaks for itself. It's a great synthpop album that is truly one of the better albums of the last year. There is a reason why this album is so popular with both the Christian and secular crowd. I think it speaks to all of us on a different level and you can interpret it however you want. Another interesting tidbit is that this album was co-produced by Relient K frontman Matthew Theissen and he also contributed some vocals work into 4 songs on here. It's a great synthpop album that is both artistically well done and entertaining.
ocean eyes| Posted January 14, 2010
this cd is amazing! owl city is totally changing music...and he's not ruening it. his writing style is so different that it's liek abreath of frsh air to listen to because it's not just the same pop junk everyone else is making. his lyrics are great to. simple and easy to relate to is always good. i just love this album. the best song is probabaly "vanilla twilight." owl city rocks! and mat thiessen's apearence on the album is great to. his voice sounds great on "tidal wave"
Ocean Eyes| Posted January 01, 2010
When you combine Electronica with Powerpop, you get amazing music. Owl City's new Album, Ocean Eyes is just like that. It is actually a one man band. He does amazing music and has a lot of talent, not a lot of people like them, but i don't know why.
I used to hate Electronica, until my Youth Pastor played him in youth group. His latest single, Fireflies has topped the charts.
So if you are looking for a band that has good tunes, just go to Owl City
to add lyrics if not listed.
