Like many people, I first found out about Owl City after Fireflies, the first single from this album, was released in 2009. After hearing how different of a song it was, I made sure to look up Ocean Eyes, and listen to the album. Every song is in its own little universe, and you cannot help but feel completely elated whilst listening to it. I owned the album for months and never got sick of it, and now that the deluxe edition has been released, it has breathed even more fresh air into what is one of the best albums of 2009, in my opinion. For the deluxe, there are 6 new songs, including a Hello Seattle remix which takes my breath away.
Hot Air Balloon - My favorite new song on the extra disc. It instantly starts out the collection of new songs with an entirely positive energy and uplifting lyrics, which are bound to pull you from a depressing mood and get you dancing. 10/10
Butterfly Wings - While a lot of the songs from Ocean Eyes sound more "produced" than Adam Young's older works (such as his EP, Of June), this song leans more towards his older songs then anything else. However, it still retains that classic happy-go-lucky mood and is a welcome edition to the newer songs. 7/10
Rugs From Me To You - Even though this song only clocks in at 1:28, it impressed me from the very first second. In fact, it was a bit shocking how different it sounded from the other songs, and in a good way. A very welcome change that gives more diversity to the album if you ask me. 9/10
Sunburn - Nice chill song, perfect for summer. I can't wait to play this song (as well as the entire deluxe edition album) at the beach, exercising outside, exc. Also, this song was on the soundtrack for 90210. 8/10
Hello Seattle (Remix) - Surprisingly, my favorite from the 7 songs, and one of my favorites from the entire Ocean Eyes album. Even though the song is just a remix of the classic Owl City song, Hello Seattle, the entire production is just magnificent. As someone who doesn't normally like remixes and thinks they sound too similar, this remix sets such a electronic tone that I still have it on constant repeat. The beginning starts off nice and slow with a piano rendition of the song, then progresses slowly into a more upbeat melody, then finally topping off the song with electronic and dance beats that would make anyone want to dance or jam out. My one problem with it, is that it is mostly just the beat, and no words besides about five chants of Hello Seattle from the original song. 10/10
If My Heart Was a House - A slower jam from the album, but still great of course. The lyrics definitely are more traditional then the rest of the songs, but still make for a romantic song that I pleasantly enjoy. 8/10
Strawberry Avalanche - Definitely a favorite from the album, for sure. The upbeat tone is back, and makes me float away into a sea of strawberries. Definite summer song, and makes me excited for strawberries in the summer. Love it! 10/10
Overall, the original album by itself was incredible, but the deluxe edition's 7 songs definitely hold their own up to the first 12 sounds. Sometimes these deluxe editions give you 1 or 2 subpar songs that are just being released to make money, but not with Owl City! For anyone who desperately needs a break from the overall negative tone of music being put out there these days, but still want a nice beat that will make them want to dance and sing, Ocean Eyes is the album for them. In fact, it's an album for anyone really.
We all need some positivity in our lives, and listening to Owl City will for sure put you into such a happy, on top of the world mood. Perfect for kids and adults, I'm so happy that music like this is finally getting exposure to Top 40 radio and music in general. Go Owl City!