The album is the CD version of 13 songs (even if it is entitled only 12). Also I had great expectations for the album, admittedly a bit worried that the music has been commercialized. Now, after a year in which even "All Things Bright and Beautiful" ever had a place in my music playlist, I would describe it as a masterpiece. Mr. Young bought after the success of Ocean Eyes own house and set in the basement a professional studio one. This can be seen clearly. Unlike in the past a large number of real instruments were used in this album. Drums, acoustic and electric guitar, piano, violin and cello are some examples. Not only technically, but also with the genre Young has experimented. Pop, rock, hip-hop and trance are represented in more or less dominant variations through the songs. The music Nevertheless, clearly still synthpop. Young knows his craft well on drums, guitar and piano, connected to the playful synths that love Owl City fans so. Also vocally Young has improved. Have to make it very particular in this album to combine melancholy with optimism, which creates a dreamy atmosphere.
Content meets the title of the album, both the music and the lyrics. Owl City is known for the most demanding texts that are full of abstract metaphors. Compared to previously, Young has still increased, particularly impressive is the opening track, "The Real World".
Young has the album almost entirely written and produced himself. Besides Breanne Düren and Matthew Thiessen (Relient K), two well-known faces are also two previously represented with Lights and Shawn Chrystopher for Owl City new guest musicians.
For me, the best songs: "The Real World" and "Dreams Do not Turn To Dust".
By the way: "How I Became With The Sea" and "Shy Violet" is available on iTunes for two great B-Sides (strongly reminiscent of "Maybe I'm Dreaming").
In my eyes Young "All Things Bright and Beautiful" has used to both instrumentally, as well as to experiment stylistically. He succeeds with serious issues, implemented in extremely demanding lyrics and music that consists of a mix of skillful tool use and synthetic. Lyrically and melodically art at a high level, and something very own! Too bad that the sales figures may not reflect the value of the album.
