I've quickly become a fan of Owl City in the past three or four months, and I do not in the least bit regret the time I've spent being awed by the musical greatness of Adam Young's music, or the money I've used to buy so many of his songs. They are beautiful, creative, inspiring, and amazing. Adam's music is so beautiful, because 1) it's different than what you hear on the radio, but still something that deserves a spot on the charts and 2) the lyrics are bursting with feeling, and it's so hard to stop yourself from being pulled into the songs.

So you'll just have to believe me when I say that this is the band you have been waiting for.

I've found that it's nearly impossible to feel sad when listening to Owl City, and the music somehow seems to hide away my tears for a later date. I've been influenced so much by this one man. He is amazing. The music just gets better and better, and even the songs that aren't singles--those ones are just as perfect. This music is flawless, and it seems to come so naturally from Mr. Young. He's got talent, and I mean it when I say that.

If you don't care about buying a stupid album from a band that someone might call "weird", then at least listen to some of the samples. Or check out the free song, "Fireflies". It's a musical masterpiece. You'll be so glad you did.

With that said, let me leave it at this--Owl City is what smiles sound like.

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!

First let me say, if you already own Ocean Eyes, feel no need in buying this deluxe edition, there simply isn't that much to justify a re-buy. That being said, if you loved the best song of 2009, aka "Fireflies" and have been wanting to buy the full album, then this is a good choice for you. Because not only does this edition have the regular album on it, but it also adds a bonus disc with a few of their Internet-only singles which most of their fans will know from MySpace. "Hot Air Balloon" probably being the best out of the bunch with its carefree attitude that continues the trend of great lyrics found on the album. In fact, this bonus disc essentially is a continuation of what you heard on the album. The "Hello Seattle Remix" is essentially an instrumental intro to that song with some remixed elements.

Highlights Include:

Hot Air Balloon

If My Heart Was A House

Overall, fans who have heard most of the songs found on this release should avoid a re-buy, but for those new to the wonder that is Owl City, you should be very pleased with what you find. The bonus tracks fit well with the album, and should be enjoyable for anybody that likes the group. I only wish they could have added more to this release, or at least make the bonus disc an EP, but that's usually the complaint I have with most deluxe editions, so do as you please. Just know, I want to see a live album, or an acoustic take on the band to tide me off until Adam Young's next album.

Real Score for Ocean Eyes: 4.5/5

Real Score for the Bonus Disc: 4/5

Real Score for Ocean Eyes (Deluxe Version): 4.5/5

For My Thoughts Regular Edition, Here's My Summarizing Paragraph:

Here's the problem with synthpop/autotune, although it adds something different to what would otherwise be generic music, there's only so much you can do with it, so it gets repetitive very easily. What makes Owl City different from every other artist using this technique is the quirky lyrics, and the absolute gold Adam Young drags out of his music. I still feel that synthpop makes for great songs, but not great albums. That's the only thing holding 'Ocean Eyes' down, because it works better if you listen to the songs individually.

I am blown away by Adam Young and his creations, his electronic artistry. I started out hearing "Fireflies" now and again on internet radio, and I kept thinking I need to remember that name and get that song. Months later I finally did and then bought the CD hoping it wasn't a one-hit wonder. I am a full-blown addict now. I would name my favorites but literally all the songs on here are so perfectly amazing to me that I listen to them constantly.

I absolutely love the twists and turns that each song comes up with musically. All the little details are incredible and add up to pure perfection within each song. Each piece is layered with brilliant combinations of sounds and rhythms that work together so well I can't even describe it. It is pure magic for my ears. I would love to watch him create a song.

I have read so many comments on comparing him to some group called Postal Service which I'd never heard of...but then I heard some of it recently and it was nowhere near Adam Young's quality. It was not musical at all and it wasn't nearly as smooth or magical or beautiful. I like everything from classical to heavy metal but Owl City is something so new and sweet to me it makes me happy.

There are some wonderful romantic lyrics as well, I have to add. This album is the most refreshing thing to come along for me in ages. 100 stars to Adam Young!

I first heard Fireflies on the radio and immediately took a liking to the song. Upon my first listen through this entire album, I can see why some people find it difficult to distinguish between the individual songs; Young tends to use similar melodies and phrasing on several of the compositions. Despite that though, this album is a joy to listen to. I'd recommend listening to some of the tracks individually to appreciate them on their own and avoid the feeling of monotony.

The complexity of these songs is amazing; there are so many layers to each of them.

They all help to pull us into a whimsical fantasy world, which in my mind is the musical version of a colorful pop up story book. While deeper compositions would probably benefit from cutting back on all of the extra bells and whistles, in this instance everything works great and contributes to the overall effect.

I usually despise songs with cheesy lyrics, but somehow it seems that thoughtful lyrics filled with metaphors might sound incongruous with the happy melodies, Young's voice and the lush musical landscape. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the sad, the serious, and just enjoy happy songs for what they are.

You won't like this album if: you are a musical minimalist, you prefer acoustic arrangements of songs, you hate happy music, you are insecure with your masculinity (example: one reviewer on here actually stated that he "didn't think this was meant for the guys", which as a guy myself, I have no idea what that's supposed to mean), or you only like deep, thoughtful compositions.

In conclusion, I'd say this album is sugary sweet and makes no apologies for it. In today's world, it's refreshing to be able to listen to something happy once in a while and just smile.