| Cinematic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 1, 2018 | |||
| Recorded | January 2017 [1] | |||
| Studio | Sky Harbor Studios, Owatonna, Minnesota | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 73:22 | |||
| Producer | Adam Young | |||
| Owl City chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Cinematic | ||||
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Cinematic is the sixth studio album by Owl City. It was released independently via Sky Harbor on June 1, 2018. The album debuted at number 115 on the Billboard 200. Upon the albums release, Young released three "reels" EPs that would include some songs on the album. [2]
Following the 2015 Owl City album Mobile Orchestra , Adam Young announced that he would suspend work on Owl City to undertake a project of instrumental scores; he released one score, or album, each month in 2016 except January. [3] Also in 2016, he released a Christmas single named "Humbug," which was released for free download and independently. [4] [5]
Young hinted after the conclusion of the Scores project that work on Owl City had resumed and a new album was in progress; this was revealed, on October 30, 2017, to be Cinematic. [6] Young distinguished Cinematic from existing Owl City releases by stating that its content would center around events from his life rather than ethereal concepts (he clarified after the album's release that all prior Owl City work "was pure imagination," and Cinematic was "the first album [to] hold songs written from a personal perspective"). [7] Album artwork and release date were revealed concurrently with the name, followed shortly by a track listing. The album has 18 tracks in total, with 15 main songs and 3 alternate recordings. [8]
The album has a more personal and autobiographical theme to it. Young had written songs about his hometown, family and his personal experiences. Musically, the album contains pop, ballads, rock and electronic sounds. [2]
Young elected to precipitate Cinematic's release with three successive "reels," each containing three songs from the full album. Early releases included the album's lead single "All My Friends," which was released on November 3, 2017 [9] and would go on to comprise part of Reel 1, and "Not All Heroes Wear Capes," which was released on June 15, 2017, dedicated for Father's Day of that year. It was originally intended as a non-album single, but would go on to comprise part of Reel 2 and Cinematic. [10]
Reel 1 was released on December 1, 2017, and, in addition to "All My Friends," included "Fiji Water" and "The 5th of July." [11]
"Lucid Dream," intended as the lead single for Reel 2, was released on January 12, 2018. [12] The reel itself was released on February 2, including, in addition to "Lucid Dream," "Montana" and a new electric version of "Not All Heroes Wear Capes." [13] The acoustic Father's Day recording would not go on to be part of the final Cinematic album alongside its electric cousin, nor would an acoustic version of "Montana" that was released shortly after Reel 2 (which differs from the album's alternative version of the same song).
The lead single for Reel 3, "New York City," was released on March 9, 2018, [14] with the reel following on April 6. In addition to "New York City," it included "Cloud Nine" and "Be Brave." [15]
Music videos were recorded for each of the three singles. [16] [17] [18] Each video features the same characters and is loosely connected to the others; a "director's cut" of all three was released shortly after the standalone version of the third. [19]
Cinematic and its preceding reels were released on Sky Harbor Records, an independent label owned by Young, confirming the end of Owl City's affiliation with Universal Republic. (All albums from the Scores project had been released on Sky Harbor, but under Young's own name, not as Owl City.) In addition to Cinematic, Sky Harbor retains the copyright to Owl City's first two studio works, Of June and Maybe I'm Dreaming , as well as An Airplane Carried Me to Bed, an album of Young's pre-Owl City work that Universal Republic published. [20]
Cinematic was not released on CD until August 15, 2022. [21]
The Cinematic North American and Asian tours occurred respectively from September 13, 2018, to October 14, 2018, and from November 7, 2018, to November 24, 2018. [22]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| CCM Magazine |   [23] |
| Cross Rhythms |   [24] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | [8] |
| Sputnikmusic | 2/5 [25] |
Cinematic was generally received with positive reviews. Matt Conner of CCM Magazine stated, "If you're already a fan of Owl City's easygoing synthpop structures, you'll find lots to like here." He highlights "The 5th of July", "Lucid Dream", "New York City" and "Always" as the standout tracks. [23] Tony Cummings of Cross Rhythms stated that "All My Friends" has "a bit of Ed Sheeran in its structure and sound." He also described "Lucid Dream" as "the most EDM-sounding track on the album, and with some clever lyrics." [24] Christopher Smith of Jesus Freak Hideout remarked, "Many tracks start and end without leaving a lasting impression, but nonetheless put you in a good mood due to the cheerful synth pop soundscapes and optimistic lyrics." He described the tracks "Fiji Water", "Lucid Dream" and "Firebird" as pleasant songs to listen to. He also called "House Wren" as the standout track on the album "that displays Young's strengths as a composer and songwriter." [8] Sameen Amer of The News International gave a mixed review for the album stating, "Cinematic, continues in search of another irresistible banger but falls fairly short as he treads familiar grounds on this overlong set. He criticized the lyrics on songs such as "Not All Heroes Wear Capes" and "Winners Never Quit" describing them as "clichéd." However, he praised the song "House Wren" for its "twinkling beat and bird sounds" that will, "generate smiles on some faces." [26]
Cinematic debuted on the Billboard 200 at number 115. [27] Additionally, the album peaked at number 25 on the Australian Digital Albums chart [28] and number five on the New Zealand Heatseeker Albums chart. [29] On June 4, 2018, the Official Charts Company released their midweek chart predictions, and placed Cinematic at debuting at number 100 on the UK Official Albums Chart Top 100. [30] The album ultimately peaked at number 34 on the UK Album Downloads Chart.
All tracks are written by Adam Young
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Fiji Water" | 4:20 |
| 2. | "The 5th of July" | 4:11 |
| 3. | "All My Friends" | 3:25 |
| 4. | "House Wren" | 3:30 |
| 5. | "Not All Heroes Wear Capes" | 3:46 |
| 6. | "Montana" | 4:06 |
| 7. | "Lucid Dream" | 4:21 |
| 8. | "Always" | 4:38 |
| 9. | "Cloud Nine" | 3:52 |
| 10. | "Winners Never Quit" | 3:39 |
| 11. | "Madeline Island" | 4:36 |
| 12. | "Be Brave" | 5:15 |
| 13. | "New York City" | 3:44 |
| 14. | "Firebird" | 3:59 |
| 15. | "Cinematic" | 4:13 |
| 16. | "All My Friends" (alternative version) | 3:28 |
| 17. | "Montana" (alternative version) | 3:49 |
| 18. | "Firebird" (alternative version) | 4:30 |
| Total length: | 73:22 | |
| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Digital Albums (ARIA) [28] | 25 |
| New Zealand Heatseeker Albums (RMNZ) [29] | 5 |
| UK Album Downloads (OCC) [32] | 34 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC) [33] | 26 |
| US Billboard 200 [27] | 115 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard) [34] | 8 |
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | June 1, 2018 | Digital download | Sky Harbor | [31] [35] |
| Vinyl | ||||
| August 15, 2022 | CD | [21] |
Owl City is an American electronic music project created in 2007 in Owatonna, Minnesota. It is one of several projects by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young, who created the project while experimenting with music in his parents' basement. Owl City developed a following on the social networking site MySpace, like many musicians who achieved success in the late 2000s, before signing with Universal Republic Records, now Republic Records, in 2008.
Ocean Eyes is the second studio album by American electronica project Owl City, released on July 14, 2009, by Universal Republic Records. It features a photograph of the Burj Al Arab as its album artwork. A vinyl edition was released, followed by a deluxe edition available on January 26, 2010. The deluxe edition incorporates four new tracks, including a remix of "Hello Seattle". The album contains guest vocals by Relient K vocalist Matt Thiessen on the songs "Fireflies", "Cave In", "The Bird and the Worm", and "Tidal Wave".
"Fireflies" is the debut single from American electronica project Owl City's album Ocean Eyes. Frontman Adam Young wrote how he enjoyed the fireflies in his hometown of Owatonna, Minnesota, and the rest of the track about seeing fireflies while he was awake with insomnia, with Matt Thiessen also producing and providing guest vocals. The song is built around a "bleepy" synthline and includes lyrics about insomnia, fireflies and summer.
Maybe I'm Dreaming is the debut studio album by American electronica project Owl City, released on March 17, 2008. Despite having been self-released and not recorded by any major producer, it managed to reach the top 20 of the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
Of June is the first EP by American electronic music project Owl City. It was uploaded by Adam Young to his Myspace page on August 29, 2007. The EP was released digitally on December 16, 2008.
The discography of American electronica project Owl City consists of seven studio albums, eight extended plays, twenty-six singles, and twenty-five music videos. Owl City issued his debut release, the extended play Of June, in September 2007; it peaked at number 15 on the United States Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart. His debut studio album Maybe I'm Dreaming followed in December 2008, peaking at number 13 on the Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Following the success of Of June and Maybe I'm Dreaming, Young signed to Universal Republic Records in late 2008. His second studio album and major-label debut, Ocean Eyes, was released in July 2009. "Fireflies", the album's lead single, became an international success, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a top ten hit in several other countries. In correlation with the success of "Fireflies", Ocean Eyes peaked at number eight on the US Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). An additional two singles were released from the album: "Vanilla Twilight" and "Umbrella Beach".
All Things Bright and Beautiful is the third studio album by the American electronica project Owl City. It was released on June 14, 2011, by Universal Republic Records. Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, it became a commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
"Alligator Sky" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his third studio album All Things Bright and Beautiful. It was released as the lead single from the album on March 22, 2011. Four versions of the song were released: The first features Californian rapper Shawn Chrystopher, the second version omits Chrystopher's vocals, a third version featuring Atlanta rapper B.o.B leaked online, and a fourth version featuring vocals by Big Boi of Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast also leaked online. The song debuted at the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Electronic Track chart.
The Midsummer Station is the fourth studio album by American electronica project Owl City. It was released on August 17, 2012, by Universal Republic Records. The album debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 selling 30,000 copies in its first week. In support of the album, Owl City went on the Midsummer Station World Tour.
"Good Time" is a song by American electronica project Owl City and Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on June 26, 2012, as the lead single from Owl City's album The Midsummer Station and was used as the second single from Jepsen's second studio album, Kiss. "Good Time" was written by Matt Thiessen, Brian Lee, and Adam Young of Owl City. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with critics describing it as a "summer anthem".
Ultraviolet is the fourth extended play by American electronica project Owl City, released digitally on June 27, 2014, through Republic Records. The EP's lead single, "Beautiful Times", which features violinist Lindsey Stirling, was released on April 8, 2014.
"Verge" is a song by American electronica project Owl City from his fifth studio album Mobile Orchestra. It features guest vocals from American singer Aloe Blacc and was released on May 14, 2015 as the lead single from the album.
Goodbye & Good Riddance is the debut studio album by American rapper and singer Juice Wrld. It was released on May 23, 2018, by Grade A Productions and Interscope Records. Production was primarily handled by Nick Mira alongside several other record producers, including Benny Blanco, Cardo, CBMix, Don Rob, Dre Moon, Ghost Loft, and Mitch Mula. It features a sole guest appearance from fellow American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. On May 28, 2021, the album was re-released to commemorate its third anniversary; the re-release includes a new song titled "734" as well as a remix of "Lucid Dreams" featuring Lil Uzi Vert, while excluding the single "Armed and Dangerous", which was featured on the December 10, 2018 Spotify and Tidal reissue of the album. The album was re-released for its 5th anniversary on May 18, 2023, which included 2 new songs, those being "No Good" and "Glo’d Up".
"Lucid Dreams" (formerly "Lucid Dreams (Forget Me)") is a song by American rapper and singer Juice WRLD. It was officially released by Grade A Productions and Interscope Records on May 4, 2018, after previously being released on SoundCloud in June 2017. The song was produced by Nick Mira and debuted at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 2 on the chart. The song has over 2.3 billion streams on Spotify, being one of the most-streamed songs on the platform. In February 2022 the song was certified Diamond by RIAA for selling over 10 million units in the U.S. The song has since come to be regarded as Juice WRLD's signature song.
Coco Moon is the seventh studio album by American electronica project Owl City. It was released independently via Sky Harbor on March 24, 2023. The album was written and produced by Adam Young. The album is supported by three singles: "Kelly Time", "Adam, Check Please" and "Vitamin Sea". It is his first album in five years since his 2018 album Cinematic.
"Lucid Dream" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. It was released on January 12, 2018, as the third single from his sixth studio album, Cinematic. The song was also released as the lead single from his Reel 2 EP. The song was released independently via Sky Harbor.
"New York City" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. It was released from his sixth studio album, Cinematic on March 9, 2018 as the third and final single.
Adam Randal Young is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is best known as the founder and sole member of electronica project Owl City. Outside of Owl City, Young has recorded music under different musical projects, most notably Port Blue and Sky Sailing. In addition to these works, Young was part of the electronica band, Swimming With Dolphins and post-rock band, Windsor Airlift.
"Wolf Bite" is a song by American electronica project Owl City. The song was released on June 18, 2014, as a promotional single from his fourth extended play, Ultraviolet. The song reached number 22 on the Christian Rock Songs chart and number 48 on the Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart.
"All My Friends" is a song by American electronica act Owl City. It was released on November 3, 2017, as the second single from his sixth studio album, Cinematic.
