Owl City, a.k.a. Adam Young, stunned the pop world when his song "Fireflies" topped the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the 26-week streak of the Black Eyed Peas. What was really surprising was the musical content that dethroned the pop supergroup. "Fireflies" wasn't some electropop stomper, nor was it an R&B ballad driven by hand claps. No, Owl City's first chart-topper was a sparkly, charming synth-driven ballad about insomniac behavior.Following up the hit is "Vanilla Twilight", which doesn't strive far from it's predecessor. Yet, the song somehow sounds even more charming, more sparkly, and, throwing in a new adjective, elegant. The result is definitely aided by the lyrics, which are about love and relationships. The lyrics and the winding, silky synths and bright sounds of the piano gel perfectly. Throw in Young's gentle, yet alternative vocal performance, you've got a delightfully romantic song that doesn't toe the line of cheesy. Some may try and lay that label on the use of the synths, but Young has shown that the electronic sound can have a depth to it. It is very reminiscent of the work of British synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys.
In a pop music scene that relishes in lyrics about alcoholic and sexual debauchery (look no further than at the current number-one), it is so refreshing to hear an artist on Top 40 radio who is giving us all something different, both in music and lyric.
RATING: 8 OUT OF 10
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