Apollo 11 Review - Owl City's Adam Young's Debut Composer Album

"Write hard and clear about what hurts," -Ernest Hemingway

In case you are a regular reader but don't care all that much about my study of 'Writing In the Glory'   - which is probably a good percentage of you - here is an additional post for this week covering Apollo 11 - Musical Scores by Adam Young.

He is a musical genius.  The quality of music that he produces is always stellar - and this has got to be a step up from Mobile Orchestra. On that note, I find it interesting the connection between Mobile Orchestra and this first installment of this project. However, I was completely enthralled by this album and am ecstatic about the months to come.

check out my Instagram - @olivia.j.the.wordshaker

In case you were not already aware, on January first, Adam announced that he would be taking a break from Owl City to work on something he described as 'conceptual film scores', and to be released monthly.

I was thrilled - I have always fallen in love with his ambient/instrumental music, and I love that he's 'going back to his roots'.  And I don't say this because he's changing or that he's shifting styles but that he's telling stories through music, which is what it's all about: telling stories.

"This project is about telling stories with music according to the imagination of one mind,"  -Adam

Other than to rave about how gorgeously amazing this album is, I am also going to give a track-by-track review.

Listen to Apollo 11 here.

Check out more about this project and sign up here.

Artwork by James R. Eads

1. Launch

Epic and enthralling, the music truly reflects the title of the anticipation and wonder, kicking off the album to an intense and glorious start.

2. The Lonely Three

This track brings it down with a haunting bass guitar that reflects the essence of staring out a small window back at the glowing Earth.

3. CSM-LM Docking

With a more upbeat melody and rhythm, this track goes in hard with the anticipation of finally reaching the Moon, but being just out of reach, and then the relief of completing the long journey.

4. Trajectory Burn

An intense piece that reflects the anticipation of flying down to the Moon's surface, this track makes you feel the wonder that must have surrounded those brave men.

5. 400 Degrees Between Sunlight and Shadow

Heavy handed on the guitar, this projects the gritty reality and extraterrestrial nature of the moon in epic proportions, and almost shows you the hair-splitting line of the sun on the lunar rock.

6. Lunar Landing

A score of epic proportions, this track shows a high point with a vibrant orchestra portraying the epic descent and the excitement and victory beneath.

7. Mare Tranquillitatis

Latin for 'the Sea of Tranquility', this hollow, horn-based song lets the listener feel the deep vastness of space and the barren, beautiful wasteland that is our moon.

8. First Step On The Surface

"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

Ethereal and bursting at the seams of the wonder the galaxies, this piece is childlike and magical, expressing the peace of God's creation.

9. Lunar Liftoff

With the victory under their belts, the sailors of the stars buckle down for the hard journey home, but encouraged for the time of their lives.

10. Return to Earth

A breath of fresh air on the album, this track shows the monotony of traveling through space and the raw emotion of watching Home draw nearer and nearer.

11. Re-Entry

Bringing it up a notch with another rich and epic orchestral piece, this number ensnares the listener in the flames of re-entry.

12. Splashdown

A relieving track of glorious victory, this track can make anyone's heart swell with the relief of breathing fresh air once again, and feeling the earth beneath your feet.

~

Truly, the only critique that I have is that I wish the transitions between songs were smoother and more developed. This truly is meant to be listened to as a cohesive piece and experience, and one could be more pulled in if you could just put it on play and listen to the tracks seamlessly.

Overall, I love this album. It bursts with emotions perfect for writing, and the orchestral sound is nothing but beautiful. Every moment of the brave journey can be seen in your mind's eye with this CD, and the listener is transported to a peaceful, more wondrous time.

10/10 would recommend.

~The WordShaker