Every Mushroom Cloud Has A Silver Lining In The Owl City

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.'