Owl City is like Nine Inch Nails. It's a band with a live line-up, but the studio work is essentially one person writing, arranging, playing instruments and singing. So not really a band. But who cares... Ultimately, it's the music we're interested in anyway. Not the band photos. Owl City is actually Adam Young. A guy from Minnesota. And he's big on homonyms. Lyrically and musically one of the first things you notice is how upbeat and positive the material is. That's probably the main reason I'm into them right now. I've got so many negative influences in my life. Owl City keeps me in a more uplifted head space.
My niece, Danielle, calls their music magical. Probably because of the chimes and light bell sounds he often uses. Not to mention most of the subject matter is rather ethereal, dream-like. He tells stories in his songs. Stories that often sound like something he dreamed the night before. The opening track, 'Cave In' seems to set the tone right away. The song is about getting away from pressure and taking time to relax. The cave in he refers to is actually a breakdown of sorts. He needs to get out of the cavern or he'll cave in. There's a lot of meaning in his music and it's often complex no matter how simple it appears to be. You have some lilting starlight sounds on this number. The real intensity comes toward the end of the song where the music breaks down a bit. It's a very compelling number.
The second track is 'The Bird And The Worm'. Right away, this song utilizes a live acoustic guitar. For a purely electronic band, it's a bold move and sets the group apart right off the bat. They're more than just a pop band. The song is a sweet song about a courtship. It doesn't get complicated beyond simple sentiment, but it's very enjoyable and wonderful to sing along with. It's followed by 'Hello Seattle'. This number is a track from a previous release. I love it as well. There's supposed to be a difference between this version and the original, though I'm not sure I hear it. 'Umbrella Beach' is a song with an interesting story line. I read an interview once where Adam talked about it. He said it was about a homeless man who made a home for himself in an underwater boxcar. Once again, this sounds more like a dream than reality. But it's a lovely concept and the song is very exciting musically.
'The Saltwater Room' is one of my favorite tunes on this release. Again, it's a song appearing on an earlier release and was remixed or re-recorded for this album. I adore the tune. The chorus is beautiful and echoes many sentiments I've had with new loves in the past. I'm experiencing it right now as a matter of fact. I'm having feelings for someone and wondering if things are going to get more serious. It's followed by 'Dental Care' a song I think is rather silly. I consider it more filler material and I would've left it off the album in favor of stronger material. There are a couple of songs like this Adam writes. I do enjoy some of the lyrics and it's fun to sing along with. But not in the vein of the rest of the disc. 'Meteor Shower' is quite compelling; though I'm not sure if he's talking about a love or God. It's sometimes hard to separate Adam's religious nature with his sensitive side. The two seemed intertwined. I've always been of the opinion, when you make such intense statements religiously in music, you run the risk of alienating your audience. I feel the same way about music and politics.
The next number is another number I believe is leftover from an earlier release. 'On The Wing' is a lovely piece of music. It's whimsical and uplifting. It's also very hopeful. It's followed by the song Owl City is probably best known for. 'Fireflies' is a great track and there's not much I can say for it here. Everyone surely is familiar with this number by now. 'The Tip Of The Iceberg' is next up and it's also a wonderfully hopeful number. Adam has a female vocalist appearing on some of his work. I believe her name is Breanne Durin and her voice is so complimentary to his. They make an incredible combination harmonizing together. I love hearing her on his music. The next track on the disc is 'Vanilla Twilight' and this song is pure magic. I'm so adverse to ballads. They're such a touchy song type. Very rare is the artist who can generate a truly amazing song in this format. And using a ballad to round off an album is a risky but often rewarding decision. Especially if it's successful. Adam pulls it off with this number. He says goodbye and makes you anticipate his return all in one song. The video is absolutely enchanting. I challenge people all the time to watch it and not smile. It's such a subtle visual, but one that warms the heart. And therein, lies the power of this band. There's nothing jumping out and pounding you. Just a quiet easy sound that creeps into your soul and makes you feel happy. Truly hopeful and happy. After 'Vanilla Twilight', 'Tidal Wave' is almost an afterthought. It would've been better positioned before 'Vanilla Twilight'.
But it's over too soon. And thankfully, the deluxe edition gives you some additional tunes to add to your collection of this "magical" music. The first song on the second disc is 'Hot Air Balloon' and it's absolutely perfect! The lyrics are bouncing and fun. The story is full of color and imagination. The beat is infectious. You can't get better than this. 'Butterfly Wings' is another ballad and one that is also mystical. He tells the story of two caterpillars dreaming of the day they wake from their cocoons with butterfly wings. 'Rugs From Me To You' is another joke song much like 'Dental Care'. It features some accordion music. Something you kinda expect from someone growing up in Minnesota. It's followed by 'Sunburn'. Once again, acoustic guitar is employed to change the sound making it more organic and friendly.
The remix of 'Hello Seattle' in my opinion is much better than the original version. I love it when it comes on. I crank the volume and freak out. It has a soothing piano intro and then builds into an intense beat you can't help but shake your butt to. The last two songs are both wonderful numbers. 'If My Heart Was A House' expresses a very gentle but sincere emotion and I think it's very powerful. The concert I've seen, this was the song they closed the show out with and it was an absolute perfect way to end. 'Strawberry Avalanche' is another brilliant tune. It's got that great energetic beat you're starting to expect from Owl City. As well as a wonderful arrangement. It's another song about a dream story. This one takes place on an overnight sleepover. Two kids in sleeping bags in the backyard.
All in all, this album is very satisfying. I love it. I listen to it a lot right now. Along with most of his other material. If you don't own it, run out and pick it up. But don't waste your time with just the regular edition... Pick up the Deluxe Edition to get the bonus material. They're worth it. My final words: TRULY MAGICAL MUSIC!!!!
OWL CITY - OCEAN EYES DELUXE EDITION
01. Cave In
02. The Bird And The Worm
03. Hello Seattle
04. Umbrella Beach
05. The Saltwater Room
06. Dental Care
07. Meteor Shower
08. On The Wing
09. Fireflies
10. The Tip Of The Iceberg
11. Vanilla Twilight
12. Tidal Wave
BONUS DISC
01. Hot Air Balloon
02. Butterfly Wings
03. Rugs From Me To You
04. Sunburn
05. Hello Seattle (Remix)
06. If My Heart Was A House
07. Strawberry Avalanche
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