Recordings

Owl City takes all of the charm out of synthpop on Ocean Eyes

by Miranda Nelson on September 16th, 2009 at 10:48 AM
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      Owl City
      Ocean Eyes (Universal)

      What can one infer from a musician who states in his liner notes, “All praise & glory to Jesus Christ, to whom I owe everything”—yet juxtaposes that highly pious and religious sentiment with album artwork consisting solely of scenes from the capitalistic playground of Dubai? Adam Young—aka Owl City—does just that on Ocean Eyes, a saccharine pop exploration of topics as inoffensive as underwater amusement parks, the Emerald City, and dentistry.

      Jumping on the third-coming-of-new-wave bandwagon, Young proceeds to take all of the charm out of synthpop by appropriating it for his unbearably childish songwriting. “Dental Care” boasts some of the most ridiculously juvenile lyrics this side of Barney & Friends (“I’d rather pick flowers instead of fights/and rather than flaunt my style, I’d flash you a smile of clean pearly whites”), while “Umbrella Beach” is an unlistenable mashup of rave-friendly trance beats and sugary Jonas Brother–style composition.

      Despite his proclaimed religious affiliation, Young clearly worships at the altar of Auto Tune, a ridiculous piece of technology that has ruined the concept of a genuine vocal performance. In fact, “genuine” is probably the last word that could be used to accurately describe Ocean Eyes, which opens with “Cave In”, an Auto Tune–smeared rip-off of the Postal Service. By the time Young whines, “I desperately need you” at the end of the uninspiring “Meteor Shower”, the sentiment rings completely hollow. Is it unfair to expect artists have some kind of life experience before they sit down to write music that isn’t aimed at the under-four set?

      Perhaps in an attempt at maturity, Young pulls out the strings for a few songs, including “On the Wing”, which sadly is not an ode to that classic Twilight Zone episode. A little William Shatner (“There’s”¦something”¦ON THE WING!”) would have improved this album immensely. Without him, the best thing about this whole endeavour is the name of the act; who wouldn’t want to take a trip to Owl City? Would its citizens be able to rotate their heads 360 degrees? That would be pretty sweet.

      Ocean Eyes is an utterly safe album—and that makes it extraordinarily boring for those who crave innovation, emotionality, and sincerity in their music. But hey, if you groove on nothing but b4-4 and Lights, you’ve probably already bought this album and committed every over-processed note to heart.

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      Comments

      25 Comments

      Zuck

      Sep 16, 2009 at 4:34pm

      I do not concur.

      Not a religious charlaton

      Sep 16, 2009 at 6:31pm

      To dislike music more often than not befalls inadequacy not on the performer but on the listener who hasn't yet learned how to listen to it correctly. I promise there's something to listen for there, you only need to contextualize the music better. Even the innocent lyrics are a decided part of the product, they're poignant within a certain music scene. And

      Josh

      Sep 16, 2009 at 8:30pm

      WHAT. I found out about Owl City only 2 weeks ago and I can't get enough of it! I like all different kinds of music. (Favorite bands include: Billy Talent, Kansas, CCR, Journey, Queen, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Yes) And this type of music lifts me up. I'm also a Christian and his song "Meteor Shower" does inspire me. I am not my own/ I have been made new/ Please don't let me go/ I desperately need you. It's great! He is talking about his relationship with Jesus. And if this sounded anything like the Jonas Brothers, I would think MUCH less of the band. I say, keep making music Adam. By the way, I don't really understand how the artwork juxtaposes his religious sentiment. I think it looks cool...

      LolMan

      Sep 17, 2009 at 1:38am

      I don't see how someone can dislike owl city...

      CoChris

      Sep 17, 2009 at 12:34pm

      I do not concur x2.

      azar

      Sep 19, 2009 at 10:34am

      Whoever wrote this review is a f*cken idiot

      JohnnyK

      Sep 19, 2009 at 9:02pm

      This lady is a cunt.

      HannahC

      Sep 22, 2009 at 12:55pm

      zomg! haha I read this...obviously...and I'm pretty positive I have to say something...or more.

      I realize a person can't be liked by everyone...but I'm pretty sure if you take a listen to some of his older songs, annnd Hot Air Balloon...you'll begin to realize the geniousness of his music. Even you it's not your kind of stuff...well...you must be able to see that even if you don't like it...there are thousands of people out there who adore it! SO there must be something about it, that's catchy/good/inspiring/likable....

      Adam Young's style can't be liked by everyone...cuz nothing ever is....but I see no reason to dis it like that! It's verrryyy rare to find an artist, who's songs are inspiring, uplifting...and aren't complaining about life!! His heart for God is apparent throughout multiple songs...and I absolutely love that!

      mville guy

      Sep 22, 2009 at 3:08pm

      I am fascinated and annoyed by those that write reviews that define for their readers the “real truth.” The attitude expressed in this review, simply-put, is if you like it there is something wrong with you. Thanks Melissa for setting me, the “juvenile,” “ under-four set,””without the good sense to crave innovation, emotionality and sincerity in my music,” moron, straight when it comes to what music is really all about. I’m going to try to feel really bad about my lack of judgment as I listen to, and enjoy, Ocean Eyes, while trying to figure out why I just “don’t get it,” like you.

      Brix

      Sep 23, 2009 at 3:16pm

      I couldn't disagree with you more. Judging by the rest of the comments you have, it would be worth your while to actually listen to the music your reviewing. It sure seems like you know nothing about music or Dubai.