Owl City is a one-man project band. Adam Young, the talented artist, sings, plays the guitar, and composes for his own album. Owl City is best known in Korea for its hit song “Fireflies,” which featured in many famous commercials. Owl City’s new album The Midsummer Station, which came out on August 20, has once again received huge interest from anticipating fans.

 

The title track in this album is “Good Time.” It is a duet song featuring Carly Rae Jepsen. Its pop mood along with the two soft but rhythmical voice and exuberant beat make the listeners actually have a “good time.” It seems like the perfect choice of music for a summer vacation with friends.

 

“Metropolis” starts off with a soft and simple melody line. The first few seconds resembles his earlier songs. As the song gradually reaches the chorus, more beats and electronic sounds are added. The contrast of mood between the beginning and the later part of the music may be awkward to some, but it is done in a way that makes the listeners unknowingly dance to the beat.

 

Another song from this album, called “Shooting Star,” was voted on iTunes as one of the best songs from his album. Its hopeful melody reminds people of the happy dreams that they once had. It makes listeners want to look up at the night sky and wish upon a shooting star like they had done in their childhood days. The hopeful lyrics also contribute to a happy atmosphere that this music generates. The music unnoticeably puts a smile on everyone’s faces.

 

Before this album, Young was renowned for creating his own music from front to back. Everything about his album all went through his hands. Conversely, in this album, he worked with different artists and producers to perfect his work including his collaboration with Carly Rae Jepsen and Mark Hoppus.

 

Such change is shown in his music. The music in his latest album still follows the unique style of synthpop he has adhered to in his original songs, but added features from popular pop and electronica music compared to those of his previous albums. If his earlier songs reminded his fans of a tortured original artist, this album focuses more on creating a lighter mood. It seems that his dreamy mind has been under the invasion of more mainstream sounds. It could be seen as a step forward for Owl City to evolve music-wise and widen his territory, but it is clear that the untainted and novel music from his indie days will be missed.

 

No matter what the fans or the critics say, it is apparent that Owl City has been searching for new things and has tried to experiment with his music. Whether this album would be considered a transitional one in his music career or an odd-ball is unknown. For the time being, Owl City is focusing on their next new adventure; practicing for his live concert in Seoul on November 10. Avid fans that support Owl City no matter what, or love the ways his music is progressing, will enjoy the upcoming event.