Owl City
Mobile Orchestra
(Republic)

I have to be very up front and honest with all of you. I’m not familiar with the music of Owl City. This is entirely new territory for me. However, I’m more than willing to try something new. So if you’re new to Owl City just like I am, here is some background information. The mastermind behind the band is Adam Young. He is the vocalist and songwriter and is a multi-instrumentalist.

The newest album is called Mobile Orchestra, on which Young brings many other artists to collaborate with him. Some songs worked, some didn’t work. The opening of the album (not to sound mean in anyway) sounds like a Coca-Cola commercial. Please don’t throw any tomatoes at me. Like I mentioned, this is new territory, and it just doesn’t do it for me. The opening song, “Verge,” is missing something. He collaborated with Aloe Blacc, and it just feels way too poppy. Other songs feel the same way as well and it just doesn’t feel grown up at all.

Now, now don’t worry. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any stand-out songs. “I Found Love” is easily a great song and one of my favorites on the album. The beautiful rhythm, the lyrics, and the voice make “I Found Love” worth listening to again and again. It’s definitely what I would call “download worthy.” Another “download worthy” tune is “My Everything,” a most definitely romantic, spiritual, and lovely song. Other than those two mentions, Mobile Orchestra isn’t for me. This is not a put-down to any Owl City fan because I’m sure all of the fans will love this album, but if you’re anything like me and can jam to “November Rain” by Guns N Roses or “Beautiful Day” by U2, take my advice – this album is not for you. This isn’t a put down to Owl City either, but it feels though that this music is catered to a younger audience. There is potential to grow, but at this point Owl City isn’t my personal taste.