Genre: Pop

The Best:
‘Fireflies’

The Worst:
‘Dental Care’

All the Rest:
Months ago, a friend of mine had me listen to ‘Fireflies,’ and I was instantly transported out of my cubicle and into a soft turquoise dream world full of swirling yellow pinpricks of light. Sound dramatic? Not if you’ve ever listened to Owl City.

The whimsical techno-pop mix of ‘Ocean Eyes’ comes through like a central line into the streaming consciousness of creator Adam Young, who began his career ‘wanting to be loud and make some noise’ in his parents’ basement back in 2007. Since that fateful weekend alone, Owl City has become a bonafied sensation. One of my favorite songs – and by this I mean my favorite songs *ever* – ‘Fireflies’ has gone triple platinum, and Owl City has sold out every single headline show worldwide.

Perhaps it’s the pointed sweetness of the beat or the slight scratchiness of his tenor, but Young’s voice reminds me of the perfect boy next door – you know, the unassuming one who’s been your friend since you were in diapers, then one day, you suddenly realize he’s everything you want. ‘Hello Seattle’ is infectious and makes me want to jump on a plane, ‘Vanilla Twilight’ makes me want to snuggle, and ‘Cave In’ makes me bop in my chair – all with a goofy smile.

Strung throughout the CD is a tinkle of soft techno, like a rope pulling you through lest you get lost in the wandering lyrics and almost-too-adorable melodies. This gives the album's sound a modern edge and piques the attention. In sharp contrast, though, 'Ocean Eyes' is also perfectly unobtrusive, content to exist as background music should you choose. This adaptive quality of the music is unique and, in a word, free.

Of course, there are weird songs I just don’t understand. In ‘Dental Care,’ Young literally dances you through a trip to the dentist. No, really. ‘The Bird and the Worm’ is about a bird and a worm with some ‘Finding Nemo’ humor. I mean, there is a nonchalant simplicity to writing about such mundane things, but the constant upbeat pedantics can be a touch grating after the 10th listen through.

Overall, Ocean Eyes walks the fine line between charming and annoying, but is secured on the former by the meandering lyrics and encouraging voice of Young, who is constantly asking you to join him in his dream world. And, I so want to – all I have to do is close my eyes and I’m flying through the turquoise skies, with fireflies asking me to dance, too.

Click here to buy now: Ocean Eyes