While the end of August seems to be the dead period for music and films, Adam Young aka Owl City, is making sure to bring light and smiles to his devoted fans with the recent release of his fourth studio album, The Midsummer Station. Just like his previous releases, Owl City allows his stories to fall effortlessly onto a sheet of paper, creating music that has a calming effect on anyone who takes a listen. Preceded by lead single “Good Time” featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, the album showcases Adam’s strong talents while proving that he is only getting better as he grows.
Owl City’s fourth album starts off with “Dreams and Disasters”, a child-like chant of following everything life has to offer: the good and the bad. Adam’s vocals are how I expected them, a little more altered here, but the opening track is an empowering mess. The chorus is pop perfection, while the verses and hook do not compliment whatsoever. Not a promising start.
As in the artist’s last two efforts, Owl City’s music seem to have heavenly inspiration, “Shooting Star” is no different. As the title track suggests, the song is another anthem of strength and self-love. “So shine no matter where you are,” Adam sings on the second-longest effort on the track list, one I never wanted to end. Previously released, the song still makes an impact.
On “Gold”, Owl City, accompanied by a loud, clapping beat, sings of finding his treasure. Love always creates soppy, emotional tracks, this is one of them. The inclusion of some one-liners made me laugh for the wrong reasons. Certainly not one of my favorites on the album, the only aspect I truly enjoyed was the repetitive chorus and Adam’s vocal performance.
Featuring Mark Hoppus of Blink 182, “Dementia” features a harder, rock-like performance not heard from the artist before. To be honest, I feel with a few minor changes, the song could have been a perfect addition for a Blink 182 album, or any other effort from a punk-rock group. The song is extremely enjoyable, from the lyrics to the guitars, I actually loved it.
With a club-ready intro, “I’m Coming After You” switches genres once again. Using law enforcement references, of a woman shooting an officer right through the heart, Owl City releases a unique obsession/love piece. Adam has always had the talent to take lyrics that sound amateur on paper, but really tell a story. Everything about this track works, one of my favorites.
“Speed of Love”, with its interesting 30-second opening, may have been created to get people moving, but it never really actually takes off. With the first listen, I was taken back to Cobra Starship’s last record and no one can do what they do. Here, Adam uses a race car theme to get his message across, doesn’t work. “Everybody’s racing at the speed of love”… Are you serious?
The album’s first single, “Good Time” featuring Canadian sensation Carly Rae Jepsen, has really put Owl City back on the map. The song is like everything else the artist has released in the past, fun and carefree, while featuring vocals from a girl just coming down from the success of a huge smash hit, smart idea Adam. Blast the track in your car and just have yourself a good time.
Starting off as a traditional ballad, “Embers” is an emotional track of perseverance that gets louder once the strong chorus kicks in. Adam’s vocals show a wide range that kept my attention from beginning to end. “Don’t let the fire die,” he insists on a beautiful song that will surely inspire many to keep fighting through the pain and triumphs.
“Silhouette”, the longest track on the album, is also the slowest. You will not hear loud and upbeat production here as Adam lets his vocals do all the talking. If one had not heard of Owl City before, this song would be the best representation of his true talents. The track is heartfelt, soft and simple. Its inclusion was desperately needed. A beautiful gem.
An orchestra of piano and violins open “Metropolis”, a faraway place where the artist seems to have left his heart. This is one of those tracks I usually have nothing really good or bad to say about. Some pros and cons balance it out. Adam’s vocals are near perfect again, progression is okay, but the writing seems uninspiring here. I don’t know I just got bored.
The album closes out with “Take It All Away”, a track that deals with the consequences of a broken heart. Adam’s strong sense of innocence gets turned up a few more notches as he bares his soul for the woman he loves. I just want to give him a big hug. The song creates a much strong ending than how the album began. It was the perfect ending for this latest effort.
The Midsummer Station follows in the footsteps of its three predecessors, but also shows Owl City taking some interesting risks that really pay off. With songs that seem to have roots in the dance, rock and pop genres, the album has something for everyone to enjoy. Young's greatest ability is in his songwriting, and while it may get a bit cheesy sometimes, it works and has an effect on one’s emotions. The album shows diversity, creativity, and great vocal ability. There may be a couple bumps along the way, but the journey is well worth the effort. The album receives an 83%.
Tracks to Hear: “Shooting Star”, “Dementia”, I’m Coming After You” and “Embers”
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