Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Owl City, Ocean Eyes: Deluxe Edition
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Owl City
Ocean Eyes: Deluxe Edition



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 2 Discs: 19 tracks
Street Date: January 26, 2010


Last year, the smash hit "Fireflies" took over radio and music television outlets, making Owl City one of the standout artists of the year, not to mention the breakout artist of the year. Ocean Eyes was certified gold near the end of the year, but little did we know that it wasn't complete. So in January, Adam Young put out the deluxe edition of his album, which featured the entire twelve-song tracklist and a second disc containing seven more tremendous songs. This review will cover that second disc. For a review of the first disc, click here to visit the Ocean Eyes review page.

The first song is one of the songs that made Owl City popular before his Universal Records deal brought him into the mainstream spotlight. "Hot Air Balloon" is an upbeat, poppy song with Adam's signature dreamy and peppy lyrics. It's impossible not to smile when you listen to this song. "Butterfly Wings" follows, with equally happy music, and Adam's lyrics creating a beautiful image of two people in love. The love shifts into humor as "Rugs From Me To You" resembles "Dental Care," both in sound and message (somewhat). As "Dental Care" was a song about what the name implies, "Rugs From Me To You" is about toupes. It also contains quirky lines, as well, like "Toupe or not to pay, that is the question" and "My curls and I are just like heaven, 'cause rest assured there'll be no parting there." It's silly, and short, but a fun song to listen to. "Sunburn" is another one of those songs that would make for a great summer soundtrack. It continues the upbeat, happy sounds (and makes beautiful use of an acoustic guitar), and Adam sings of an adorable love for a girl.

One of the most popular songs from the original version of Ocean Eyes was "Hello Seattle," which is featured on the deluxe edition's second disc in remix form. It's a longer version of the song, and is much more dance friendly. The finished product turns out to be an instrumental based on the original song, with the words "Hello Seattle" coming in every once in a while. The piano at the beginning is a nice touch to get the jam started, and when it picks up to finish its six-minute length, it never gets boring as some dance floor hits tend to. The next song, "If My Heart Was A House," was featured on the original Ocean Eyes as an iTunes exclusive that came along with the purchase of the full album. So if you bought the physical copy and missed out, you can get it with this release. And it's worth it, as the song is beautiful (I love the imagery in the chorus when Adam says "Circle me and the needle moves gracefully back and forth, if my heart was a compass you'd be north"). It's soft and somber and has a perfect place after the "Hello Seattle" remix. The last song is his other internet sensation song, "Strawberry Avalanche." After listening to this song, it's so easy to see why this young man's music is immensely popular. The video game-styled synth and the beat together are just irresistable, and his voice in on point.

2009 was good to Adam Young. Not only did he launch to superstardom that year, but Ocean Eyes was also one of the top albums of the year in Christian AND mainstream pop. Though it's pretty much useless to re-release albums in this digital music era, it ends up being a nice treat for Owl City fans to have some new songs so quickly after the initial release of the album. But as I listened through all the songs, I started to get a little disappointed. Now, all the songs are pure gold. There's no doubting that. But after a while, it becomes quite easy to hear the songs almost sounding a little too similar. While none of them really ever feel like a copy-and-paste sort of deal, it almost seems like Young has trouble with keeping the rhythms or vocal patterns original. It's not blatantly obvious, but it's noticeable enough to take this release down a couple of points. That aside, this is another fabulous treat from Owl City.

- Review date: 3/3/10, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Republic
. Album length: 2 Discs: 19 tracks
. Street Date: January 26, 2010
. Buy It: Amazon.com

Disc One:
  1. Cave In (4:02)
  2. The Bird And The Worm (3:27)
  3. Hello Seattle (2:47)
  4. Umbrella Beach (3:51)
  5. The Saltwater Room (4:02)
  6. Dental Care (3:11)
  7. Meteor Shower (2:14)
  8. On The Wing (5:01)
  9. Fireflies (3:48)
  10. The Tip Of The Iceberg (3:23)
  11. Vanilla Twilight (3:52)
  12. Tidal Wave (3:10)
spacer     Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics

Disc Two:
  1. Hot Air Balloon
  2. Butterfly Wings
  3. Rugs From Me To You
  4. Sunburn
  5. Hello Seattle (remix)
  6. If My Heart Was A House
  7. Strawberry Avalanche

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images