Owl City – Coco Moon [Album Review]

Owl City is presently embarking on a US tour to showcase his latest musical offering, “Coco Moon.” This album, while unquestionably a substantial work, may not resonate with everyone.

Adam Young, the ingenious force behind Owl City, is a musical talent deserving of wider recognition. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ve likely woken up to one of his tunes as your morning alarm. However, he’s far from being an unsung hero, given that his song “Fireflies” achieved diamond certification this year and gained immense popularity in 2009. For me personally, that track served as my introduction to contemporary music; I’ve been down the rabbit hole since.

In the early stages of his career, he was signed to Republic Records. Nowadays, as an independent artist, his music radiates an authenticity that profoundly resonates with his fans. The album commences with “Adam Check Please,” a track centered around Hy-Vee. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite strike a chord with me despite my admiration for his musical prowess. Interestingly, it also happens to be the album’s second single.

While the singles, “earworms,” fall somewhere in the middle of the musical spectrum, “Vitamin Sea” stands out as the most robust of the three. It evokes the nostalgia of a Mario Kart tune, and I wholeheartedly embrace it. 

However, the genuine treasures of this album lie beyond the singles, serving as a testament to Adam Young’s musical genius. “Under The Circus Lights” emerges as a particularly beautiful composition that frequently finds its place in my playlist during my journeys on the Piccadilly line.

Then there’s “The Tornado,” a masterpiece that ranks among the best in his discography. It embarks on an unexpected musical odyssey that leaves a lasting impression. “The Meadow Lark” and “Field Notes,” while on the lengthier side, exhibit a splendid fusion of synthesis and heartfelt songwriting. Adam’s songwriting has matured and soared to new heights, although it may falter on a few tracks. When it’s at its zenith, it undeniably shines.

“Dinosaur Park” adds an intriguing twist to the mix. Not only is it the lengthiest track he’s ever released, but it also possesses a quirky charm. It revolves around a relatively mundane tourist attraction in Rapid City, yet, in my humble opinion, it steals the limelight, not necessarily through lyrics or melody, but through its irresistible percussion. Adam’s eclectic drumming on this track demands attention, whether you’re a fan or not.

Below is a rating for each song on a scale of 1-10:

Adam Check Please – 3

Under The Circus Lights – 10

Kelly Time – 5

Field Notes – 5

Sons of Thunder – 6

The Tornado – 8

Vitamin Sea – 6

Dinosaur Park – 5.5

Learn How to Surf – 6

The Meadow Lark – 6

My Muse – 6

SCORE/Good – Owl City’s “Coco Moon” is a testament to the enduring creativity and versatility of Adam Young, a musical talent who has left an indelible mark on the industry. While this album may not resonate with every listener, it undeniably showcases his commitment to authentic expression as an independent artist.

(We rank albums on a scale of: Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, Outstanding)