Owl City has only recently come into the spotlight with its hit "Fireflies."  Owl City is known for its unique synthpop sound and naive, lighthearted lyrics.  For the sake of time and space, I will not be reviewing Owl City's two independent albums.  I will only review the album that was produced under the label Universal Republic called "Ocean Eyes." 

Quick Bio-
Owl City isn't an actual band with several members.  The "band" actually consists of one guy named Adam Young who started out making music in his basement.  Adam's unique sound was influenced by European electronic music.  Adam Young first started making and recording music as a result of his insomnia.  His songs soon became viral on MySpace.  Adam released two indie albums of his own until he was signed to the label Universal Republic.  Soon after, Adam released the album "Ocean Eyes" in June of 2009.  His single "Fireflies" became widely popular and is the most-downloaded song on iTunes. 

"Fireflies", by far Owl City's most popular song, is about Adam Young's imaginative dream of being hugged by thousands of fireflies.  The song in itself is innocent and whimsical, and it contains many childish lyrics, such as, "I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly," and "I'd get a thousand hugs from ten thousand lightning bugs as they tried to teach me how to dance."  The music video is somewhat mysterious, containing clips of Adam Young tinkering with instruments and toys inside of a child's bedroom, presumably his own. 

"Cave In" is a song about running away.  Its lyrics are innocent, if not vague and confusing.  Adam Young's style of writing is both descriptive and imaginative.  This style is found in the chorus of "Umbrella Beach."  "Home will always be here, unseen, outta sight where I disappear and hide.  I think dreamy things as I'm waving goodbye, so I'll spread out my wings and fly."  "Saltwater Room" and "On the Wing" are dreamy-toned love songs.  "Hello Seattle" is a metaphoric song that most people seem to believe is talking about Adam's relationship with a girl instead of a city.  However, Adam has a different perspective of the song. 

"I have this thing for ocean towns. Growing up in a small farm town in the middle of nowhere, and because I am an only child, daydreaming about faraway places took up a lot of my time and energy as a kid. I also like the way Seattle sounds when you say it. It has a ring to it."   

If you're looking for a comedic song, "Dental Care" is about Adam's visits to his dentist and relating fears.  On the "iffy" side, Adam sings about potential accidents involving alcohol and a golf club.  "Golf and alcohol don't mix and that's why I don't drink and drive, because good grief, I'd knock out my teeth and have to kiss my smile goodbye." 

"Meteor Shower" is sparing on lyrics, but it appears to be a sweet love song as well.  "Tidal Wave" is a song about overcoming insecurities and fears in a relationship, while "Vanilla Twilight" is a song about missing a beloved girl that has gone away.  You can envision the cold touch of winter and imagine all that lies between the lines when you hear "The Tip of the Iceberg," a poetic, wintery song.  

The most "iffy" lyrics in the album come from "If My Heart Was A House" and "The Bird and the Worm."  In "If My Heart Was A House," Adam sings, "Chills run down my spine as our fingers entwine and your sides harmonize with mine.  Unmistakably, I can still feel your heart beat fast when you dance with me."  The song does not specifically talk about a sexual encounter, but it can easily be perceived as a song about an intimate romance.  You can find a similar meaning in "The Bird and the Worm."  "If you're my girl, swirl me around your room with feeling and as we twirl, the glow in the dark stars on your ceiling will shine for us as love sweeps over the room, 'cause we tend to make each other blush."  Again, nothing sexually explicit, but one can easily imagine what Adam may or may not be singing about.  I will leave these two songs up to you to decide whether or not you choose to add them to your playlist.   

Adam Young of Owl City professes himself to be a Christian, although he prefers to put his music into the mainstream industry rather than into the Christian media.

"I don't write Christian songs but I am a Christian musician so I suppose the classification of the band is up to the listener.  My faith is very important to me and is a very big part of who I am as an individual.  It's kind of up to you."

Overall, Owl City's songs refrain from cussing and inappropriate lyrics.  Adam Young tends to sing about nature, life and love with naive, innocent words that uplift his fans rather than bring them down.  If you are already a fan or considering becoming a fan of Owl City, then I have nothing to say against his music.

Owl City has recently toured with Relient K, a Christian rock band.  Adam Young appears to be enjoying his success- and even his insomnia- at this point in his career.  I'll end with a quote from the odd musician.

"I'd rather be happy than sad. I'd rather eat donuts than rocks. Those are my thoughts."   

Any input or critiques?  Would you like me to review a music artist or band, secular or Christian?  Leave your comments below.

Credit for the pictures used in this review goes here, here, and here.  
 

I have been an avid fan of American Idol since the beginning, and while I haven't been hugely thrilled with this season so far, I have decided to review the top six each week until the season finale.  I'll post my guess about who will be in the final three and who deserves to go home based on each night's performance.

Lee Dewyze- "You're Still the One"
The night started out with a somewhat shaky performance.  The first few phrases of the first verse were horribly pitchy and reminiscent of Lee's first few performances towards the beginning of the season.  Lee still managed to remain almost completely expressionless throughout the song, although he cracked a smile at one point... or was that a muscle spasm?  Randy said that Lee did a "pretty good job."  Ellen thought he did "better than a pretty good job."  Kara enthusiastically commented on how Lee smiled a few times, but Simon disagreed about whether or not he was smiling and said that he was "pulling some kinda weird faces." Overall, I wasn't a huge fan of this performance.

Michael Lynche- "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing"
As this week's mentor, Shania Twain was "very moved" by Michael's song choice.  Big Mike's song was smooth and powerful.  His voice will always be easy on the ears.  The performance was slightly boring, but it grew better as the song went on, even bringing Shania to tears.  I thought that the falsetto at the end was a nice touch.  Ellen said that she was nervous at first, but she thought the song was beautiful.  Simon disagreed with everyone and said that the performance was "wet," as if Michael was in a musical acting out the words.  When probed on what "wet" was supposed to mean, Simon added that wet was better than dry, but the song was a little girly for Big Mike.  I can see where he was coming from, but seriously... it's Shania Twain week.  How could you not sound a little girly?

Casey James- "Don't"
Shania offered some great advice when she told Casey that he needed to show more of his inner confidence.  Casey claimed from the start of this week that he wanted to give something a little different, and I think he managed to do that.  The song was soft and gentle, but it was also a powerful choice.  I thought that it was a beautiful vocal, which is a big compliment coming from someone who isn't usually a big fan of Goldilocks.  Randy said that it was "one of the best Casey James performances ever!"  Simon suggested that Casey give Shania a big "kiss on the lips."  At the end of last week, I thought that it was finally Casey's time to go, but I think this last performance has saved him for one more week. 

Crystal Bowersox- "No One Needs To"
Everyone who has kept an eye on American Idol this season has seen Crystal's trademark stoic appearance.  Only recently has she opened up enough to even crack a smile.  However, Crystal chose a lighthearted song this week, and Shania strongly encouraged her to "be a bit happier... It's a cheerful song."  I thought the performance was a little corny.  Randy said, "It wasn't my favorite performance, but I love you."  He also remarked how he was glad that someone was doing a country performance, instead of focusing solely on pop.  Ellen agreed with Randy but added, "There's nothing you can't do."  Kara remarked, "It's kind of impossible for you not to be good."  Simon was truthful enough to say what everyone was thinking, as usual.  "Shocker- we don't like Crystal this week."  He said that the performance was limp, like a coffee shop band hired to sing to you when you don't really want to hear them.  Sadly, I agree.  I don't think she's in danger of going home, but Crystal may be in the bottom three as a result of her weak performance.

Aaron Kelly- "You Got A Way"
Aaron is just too cute not to like.  He reminds me somewhat of Billy Gilman after his voice changed.  Aaron's performance was a little boring and a tad pitchy, but it grew stronger towards the end of the song and finished with a powerful note.  He said later on that he was singing the song to his mother and even grew emotional.  How can you not say "AWWW!" to that?  Ellen couldn't get over the fact that he was sixteen... wait, seventeen.  Simon said, "Tonight you were like a different artist."  Aaron is not my favorite contestant, but his performance was solid.   

Siobhan Magnus- "Any Man of Mine"
I just want to get this out there ahead of time.  Siobhan is probably my favorite contestant of this season.  However, I didn't love her performance tonight... although the judges seemed to adore it.  Country is just not Siobhan's style.  She had a shaky beginning and her famous scream was a little pitchy at one point and somewhat unnecessary this week.  At least the judges seemed to LOVE her.  Randy said he loved Siobhan's punk-country look.  "Guess who's back?" Kara shouted.  Simon also "really, really" liked the song, although he mentioned that the scream at the end sounded a bit like Siobhan was giving birth.

Out of tonight's performance, the contestants who deserve to be in the bottom three would probably have to be Lee Dewyze, Siobhan Magnus, and Crystal Bowersox, and the loser should probably be Lee.  However, this is a popularity contest in many ways, so I predict (and I'm actually not as sure about this week- it's getting harder and harder) that Lee, Siobhan, and Big Mike will be in the bottom three... possibly Crystal because of her horrible performance.  I think it's Lee's time to go this week.

What did you think about last night's performance?  Do you think I'll be right or wrong?  Leave your opinions in the comment box below.