There are times when assumptions can almost make you miss out on the best things in life. I nearly missed out on my wife because when I first saw her at college I thought there is no way she’d even consider me. I was not the most amazing male specimen and had always had a pony keg covering my “6-pack abs” even though I was involved in every sport possible my whole life. She was a tiny thing, blonde, amazing smile and gorgeous eyes…but I got up the courage to approach her even though I assumed it a futile mission. Well here we are more than 4 years later and just celebrated our 1 year anniversary. I tell you this story because assumptions can block us from pretty amazing stuff…in step Owl City.
Owl City busted in to the music world in an enormous way, Fireflies dominated every chart for a time and reached quadruple-platinum level. It was this musical success that made me I guess just assume it was another secular band experiencing fame and nothing more. I enjoyed Fireflies and even downloaded the mp3 for my iTunes but never really researched or looked into the band (a rare thing I know). Well not too long ago I heard this song called Galaxies on a local Christian radio station and the first thought that crossed my mind was, “Man, about time someone captured the Owl City sound in the Christian realm.” Little did I know I was listening to Adam Young and his amazing abilities to produce every part of what is Owl City. I knew instantly I had to get a hold of “his” stuff and check it out.
Young is Owl City, and when I say ‘is’ I mean it. He is credited as Owl City’s lead vocals, programming, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitars, bass guitar, drums, percussion, vibraphone, and accordion. The man does it all, and only utilizes others mainly for live performances as it would look a little weird with just one guy on stage produces such an elaborate sound. Elaborate is just one word of many someone could use to describe Owl City’s stuff. It’s dance mixed with pop, punk, rock, synth, and pretty much whatever else grabs Young’s attention and he feels could add another layer to each songs. The vocal parts are hard to judge as it appears pretty apparent that some kind of synthesizer is utilized, but it appears Young is a blessed vocalist as well.
The thing that catches my ear the most isn’t the music or vocalist abilities; it is the unique lyrics Owl City produces. Young isn’t shy about his Christian faith but he is similar to Family Force 5’s approach to music, feels music should be enjoyed and entertain the mind. Young does this through well thought out lyrics that don’t hinder one’s walk with God at all, and are filled with positive thoughts and major implications of the presence of God around us. Some people criticize musicians that choose to not use the words God or Jesus every sentence, but try telling me that Owl City isn’t Godly and I’ll just laugh and say that’s a shame because you’re missing something special.
If you haven’t checked out Owl City you need to do so, and to be honest I recommend the new album All Things Bright and Beautiful be the type of album you listen to from beginning to end; as I found myself unable to push the next button at all. Other projects or singles to look for would include obviously Fireflies which was on the album Ocean Eyes (a good album as well). Young also produced an amazing cover to In Christ Alone that was released October 25, 2010 on his website. Just to think that one little assumption may have kept me from this band, I wonder how many others are out there I’m missing out on!? Add some Owl City to your collection and let the musical refreshment begin!
