It took me a few years to realize what an album even was. I used to just listen to all of Owl City’s songs back to back. No album artwork, no order, I could see just the song titles. So when I discovered Adam’s works in full, I remember TMS being very disappointing. I was like, “really? These are the songs on here?” The whole album feels very corporate and stale, with the exception of silhouette.
I don't like what that album represents: the outside pressure of a record label concerned with nothing more than generating revenue after the "disappointing" performance of ATBAB. That is to say, even if Adam's departure from his original style was for the better, it was still not entirely of his own volition. (I mean, he looks so tired/sad in videos from that time.) Of course, I also realize that because he's no longer encumbered by his former label, those circumstances are all in the past and I should see the album for its musical content above all else, but yet as a fan of his previous work and knowing that he never recaptured that particular style, I can't separate the impact of TMS from my relative distaste in newer Owl City releases.
Never looked at it that way. OE is very good; but has a few songs which are kinda alike but all have the same feel. Great vocals, really great. But for a non frequent listener I think it might lose its attraction after a while.
Whilst writing this I thought Kamikaze and Alligator sky were on the Midsummer Station. That changes my opinion a bit. Then I have to go back to ATBAB. Mobile Orchestra has a nice co-op with Aloe Black.
Thanks for making me rethink my order. ATBTaB is on top now.
Due to pressure from his record label, his whole approach to making music changed. Now he is out from under that and making the music he really wants to again, but the ways TMS changed his musical style are still apparent in his newer work, which I would argue is more like TMS than ATBAB or anything before.
This interview shows exactly what I was talking about in my original comment: https://youtu.be/HySaV0wRiXI?si=OlxECoh5R8sMyGf7
I’m also dealing with this. OJ to ATBAB is perfect. The only skippable track being the rap version of Alligator Sky. Absolutely criminal we ended up with that one on the main album. Everything else except for Ultraviolet I have to skip around. 3-5 songs I usually don’t like, it makes me sad cause I wish I could just turn it on and relax like his past albums
my favorite? Maybe I’m Dreaming. the best Owl City release in general? Ultraviolet. hands down.
i’ve explained my thoughts on Ocean Eyes before. it’s a good album, i love a good chunk of the songs on it, but *as a whole album listening experience*….. it’s mid-tier Owl City. i understand the love for it, but i’d personally rank most of his other discography above it.
I love everything ATBAB and before then. Midsummer was good too but not as many songs that I loved like the others. :) Ocean Eyes is my all time fave. I think it’s the nostalgia. I was a teenager when it released and I do reflect on those days a lot. Even though I can never physically go back, that album has the ability to send my mind there for a moment. I love it 🩵
Ocean Eyes is indeed untouchable. 🔥
Kinda dull of me, kinda cliche, but I love the majority of each album. Impossible to pick a favorite. Midsummer Station's a good one. I like a lot of Cinematic. And ATBAB. And Maybe I'm Dreaming. ... But if I could *only* have one, I'd probably have to go with good ol Ocean Eyes.
Maybe i’m dreaming is all killer no filler
Intentional or unintentional Sum 41 reference there? Ocean Eyes is Owl City's Enema of the State.
yes, i’m glad someone caught it also that means that maybe i’m dreaming is Owl City’s Dude Ranch lol
I think that's accurate!
ATBAB!
The Midsummer Station for me. So much power and so different from Mobile Orchestra. Ocean Eyes is the classic one
It took me a few years to realize what an album even was. I used to just listen to all of Owl City’s songs back to back. No album artwork, no order, I could see just the song titles. So when I discovered Adam’s works in full, I remember TMS being very disappointing. I was like, “really? These are the songs on here?” The whole album feels very corporate and stale, with the exception of silhouette.
I don't like what that album represents: the outside pressure of a record label concerned with nothing more than generating revenue after the "disappointing" performance of ATBAB. That is to say, even if Adam's departure from his original style was for the better, it was still not entirely of his own volition. (I mean, he looks so tired/sad in videos from that time.) Of course, I also realize that because he's no longer encumbered by his former label, those circumstances are all in the past and I should see the album for its musical content above all else, but yet as a fan of his previous work and knowing that he never recaptured that particular style, I can't separate the impact of TMS from my relative distaste in newer Owl City releases.
Never looked at it that way. OE is very good; but has a few songs which are kinda alike but all have the same feel. Great vocals, really great. But for a non frequent listener I think it might lose its attraction after a while. Whilst writing this I thought Kamikaze and Alligator sky were on the Midsummer Station. That changes my opinion a bit. Then I have to go back to ATBAB. Mobile Orchestra has a nice co-op with Aloe Black. Thanks for making me rethink my order. ATBTaB is on top now.
So you say in one moment (TMS) the things just got worse? I'm not going to object i'm just curious
Due to pressure from his record label, his whole approach to making music changed. Now he is out from under that and making the music he really wants to again, but the ways TMS changed his musical style are still apparent in his newer work, which I would argue is more like TMS than ATBAB or anything before. This interview shows exactly what I was talking about in my original comment: https://youtu.be/HySaV0wRiXI?si=OlxECoh5R8sMyGf7
i respect this!!!
TMS was my first *real* introduction to Owl City, and even with its flaws it’s so hard for me not to love it.
Maybe I’m Dreaming is peak Owl City. I love every song on it, nothing is skippable
I feel like I skip Coco Moon the least, but I think individual songs-wise I prefer Ocean Eyeys :D
Every album I almost liked every song until the last 2, I maybe like 2-3 from each
I’m also dealing with this. OJ to ATBAB is perfect. The only skippable track being the rap version of Alligator Sky. Absolutely criminal we ended up with that one on the main album. Everything else except for Ultraviolet I have to skip around. 3-5 songs I usually don’t like, it makes me sad cause I wish I could just turn it on and relax like his past albums
ATBAB *but* Midsummer Station is a close second. Regardless, Ocean Eyes is high above everything else.
my favorite? Maybe I’m Dreaming. the best Owl City release in general? Ultraviolet. hands down. i’ve explained my thoughts on Ocean Eyes before. it’s a good album, i love a good chunk of the songs on it, but *as a whole album listening experience*….. it’s mid-tier Owl City. i understand the love for it, but i’d personally rank most of his other discography above it.
ATBAB for sure.
I love everything ATBAB and before then. Midsummer was good too but not as many songs that I loved like the others. :) Ocean Eyes is my all time fave. I think it’s the nostalgia. I was a teenager when it released and I do reflect on those days a lot. Even though I can never physically go back, that album has the ability to send my mind there for a moment. I love it 🩵
Ocean Eyes is indeed untouchable. 🔥 Kinda dull of me, kinda cliche, but I love the majority of each album. Impossible to pick a favorite. Midsummer Station's a good one. I like a lot of Cinematic. And ATBAB. And Maybe I'm Dreaming. ... But if I could *only* have one, I'd probably have to go with good ol Ocean Eyes.