Mobile Orchestra
by Owl City
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jul 10, 2015
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. AllMusic
    Jul 20, 2015
    60
    Young still doesn't do darkness as well as light but Mobile Orchestra shows a willingness to grow and change that makes it the most complete portrait of Owl City's music yet.
  2. The A.V. Club
    Jul 10, 2015
    58
    Nothing on Mobile Orchestra indicates he’s found his new muse, but it reveals a well of passion for that discovery.
  3. Boston Globe
    Jul 10, 2015
    50
    These carefully manicured, melodic songs are much too transparent and lightweight, though, to leave much of an impression.
  5. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Jul 10, 2015
    40
    The artist widened his palette this time, bringing in the country singer Jake Owen on one track, and soul star Aloe Blacc on a song that aims to repeat the magic Blacc struck on Aviici’s “Wake Me Up.” Unfortunately, Young’s nerdy sensibility kills that.
  6. The Guardian
    Jul 10, 2015
    40
    It’s unoriginal and twee.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 44
  3. Negative: 12 out of 44
  1. marie52
    Jul 15, 2015
    3
    As a huge Owl City fan, I'm disappointed with this new album in so many ways I can't even put it into words. I honestly never thought I wouldAs a huge Owl City fan, I'm disappointed with this new album in so many ways I can't even put it into words. I honestly never thought I would ever say this but I could barely listen to all of the songs from beginning to end. I literally had to skip every song, and I couldn't help but hope that the next one would be amazing so I wouldn't feel so bad.

    Before Mobile Orchestra I would never say anything like that, there was no "Oh wow I don't like this song at all" while I was listening to any of his songs, and I mean all of them, including the ones from his other projects. I'm so confused and upset because Adam Young is so talented, I truly can't understand what happened.

    To be honest, not all of the songs were actually bad. The gospel ones were the best, but the lyrics. -and before I say anything else: I respect that Adam is a religious person, even though I'm not. I have no interest in any religion, and I'm not the type of person who would say bad things about any religion or judge Adam or anyone for their beliefs - I just couldn't relate to the lyrics and It actually annoyed me, so unfortunately I couldn't listen to those songs either.

    I completely understand and accept that people change and that Adam Young has changed a lot. As an artist he will inevitably change his music all the time, just like he has done before. From Ocean Eyes to The Midsummer Station every track was different, but each one was still great you know?

    With all being said, what I feel about this album couldn't change what I feel about Adam Young at all, I still love him and admire him with all my heart. I honestly can't believe I've said all of this and I feel so bad, I'm literally gonna listen to Ocean Eyes now for 3 days straight, excuse me    … Full Review »
  2. Keter_8
    Aug 2, 2015
    0
    It all went wrong with Midsummer Station. After I had listened to the whole album, my jaw dropped. "Was this really made by Adam Young?" wasIt all went wrong with Midsummer Station. After I had listened to the whole album, my jaw dropped. "Was this really made by Adam Young?" was my reaction. I was expecting more of the unique and hard to pin down lyrics that I knew Owl City for. I wanted to hear more electronica style music from him. It made me feel as though someone grabbed hold of him and forced him to make anything but the music he was known for.

    Ultraviolet seemed slightly hopeful, maybe Owl City got the message and was regrouping for a better album? I guess not, because then the Mobile Orchestra train wreck appeared. I want to remain hopeful that Adam can someday make another Ocean Eyes-like album, but I'm not holding my breath.

    Mobile Orchestra has to be the most confused album I've ever heard from Owl City. There's hardly any consistency in style from song to song, and the lyrics are bland and understandable. Owl City lyrics are not supposed to be like that. If you are a classical Owl City fan, don't bother with Mobile Orchestra, it will disappoint.

    There's fine line between chaos and clarity; Owl City used to be able to find that golden line and produced fantastic songs! Perhaps someday Adam will make a comeback after rediscovering that sweet spot? I certainly know he can, but it all boils down to if he wants to.    … Full Review »
  3. SchroederRock
    Jul 25, 2015
    6
    A decent, if a bit out of place, release from Adam Young as Owl City. Young continues to thrive on charm and kid-like wit, but at times theA decent, if a bit out of place, release from Adam Young as Owl City. Young continues to thrive on charm and kid-like wit, but at times the fun and games come up a bit tiresome and rough (see the album opener with Aloe Blacc, a cut that sounds awkward given that Young and Blacc are not vocally compatible). Some collaborations work incredible, especially "Back Home" that brings in country singer Jake Owens. Collabs or not, Young has talent to be a star but it seems like he's a bit lost in his attempt to grow and blossom as Owl City. Still, there's a chance he rights the ship entirely and blows us away with more of the stuff Fireflies came from.… Full Review »
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