Review Summary: Hopefully, this isn't the end.
I just want to start off by saying that I consider myself a pretty big Owl City fan, but I am not a fan boy. I can accept when my faves make mistakes. I also would like to say I'd had been anticipating something greater than this after listening to the "Ultraviolet" EP. It just had catchy songs and beats that I loved, and I thoroughly enjoyed every song. But that's another story, point being I expected great things from Adam Young's upcoming album and what I got personally, was kind of a let down. However I can appreciate the fact that he is trying new things, not a lot of artists are capable of that so I must give credit where credit is due.
First and foremost, I don't care what anybody says about his lyrics I love them. They have a goofy charm with a blast of child like innocence and wonderment that I can greatly appreciate. They give me a sense of familiarity in a way, and that's something I can really get behind. This album seems to have ditched that and much to my dismay it doesn't quite work in my personal favor. It lacks catchier songs and beats that really stick in your head. Instead Young trades his silly lyrics in for deeper song meanings. He has always had this innocent demeanor, but this album feels like it has gained a bit of maturity. However, in my personal opinion it seems a tad forced like he is purposely trying to help people. But that's all fine and dandy, really! Its just not what I look for in an Owl City album. I appreciate him taking his songs in a new direction though. Some of the songs are interesting enough though such as "Back Home" which his Young's spin on a country song, which to be fair is not that bad. It is just very surprising and feels completely out of place on this album.
Although, there are other songs such as the single "Verge" which is about graduating school and moving on to bigger and better things but still having that anxiety of "Okay...I've been in school all my life... what do I do next?" and this for me is very relatable since I just graduated college, so for me it hits home. That is one of the songs I recommend.
I also recommend Thunderstruck because of the catchy beats, and this is what really hits hard with that electronica feel.
Now I feel like I am going to get a lot of backlash from this but "Unbelievable" may be one of my favorite songs on this album however I feel like it goes downhill after Young's part of the song. Its still catchy and radio friendly and I love that. I just think people are missing the point of the song. This is an adult reminiscing about when he was a kid, so why do the lyrics have to be so deep? They are simple and childish, and that's the whole point! To go back into the mindset of a child. This was a huge trip down memory lane for me. The whistling is flawless to.
This album is far from perfect but its an appreciated effort, there are songs like "You're Not Alone" which is very religious in nature, in fact its pretty blatant. Now, that's perfectly fine. Religious songs are fine. I am down with whatever anyone wants to believe in its all fair game. It means something to him that he could attach a song in which he gives thanks to the Lord on an album. I do think this song could have been more subtle but that's just me. Another good song with a good flow is "Bird With A Broken Wing" and this is pretty much a good ole tune about not giving up and to keep on keeping on. Even a bird with a broken wing can be nursed back to help and one day see the sights of the sky once more. That hope that you will fly again is what you need to cling to rise back and fight through all the pain and problems that bring you down. But the real show stopper here is "This Isn't The End" and it addresses a very touchy subject and that is depression. Everyone goes through some form of depression weather is be severe or just slight. But the fact of the matter is that people suffer from it. This song is about a girl whose father couldn't handle life and committed suicide, and for years she lived with hatred for him for leaving her and her family and it tore her up inside for years. Until she was finally able to come through it and start her healing process.
Its a lovely song about overcoming your depression. I recommend this to everyone, even if you are not a fan of Owl City, its truly a beautiful song. Its very open with what it wants to be, its there to show you that you can get through, you just cannot give up.
To sum everything up... This album was quite the letdown for me. I was disappointed but I feel like that's because I am comparing it to a four song EP that was fantastic in so many regards. This album is enjoyable for the most part, there wasn't a song that I cringed at. Its a fine addition to the Owl City discography. My hope is that Adam Young has experimented a bit, dabbled here and there, picked up a few new things, and honed his craft in ways that his next album will be even bigger and better than its predecessors.
