It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…! Not quite. But it is Adam Young, also known as Owl City, the one-man band responsible for uber-catchy pop tunes such as 2009’s number one international hit “Fireflies”, and he is back with his fourth album.

Young and his merry band of gadgets including synthesizers, keyboards, and other various programming tools gave us one of Top 40’s biggest hits with “Fireflies,” earning him number one spots on numerous charts across the globe as well as a large fan base. Though frequently mistaken for a band, Young writes, plays, records, and produces all of his own music, with little help from outside sources, proving that it does not take an army to bring hit songs to Top 40 radio.

The Midsummer Station strays a bit from Young’s previous work, but fortunately for fans, does not lose any of its qualities that makes them love the music. Having been a fan of Owl City for quite a few years now, I was pleasantly surprised with the new tunes.

“Good Time,” the single off the album, features new pop star Carly Rae Jepsen, who’s number one hit “Call Me Maybe” is still sweeping the charts. With its up-tempo beat and the classic Owl City electronic sound, it’s no wonder it earned a number 13 spot on the Top 40 charts.

Young also features Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 on one of the new tracks called “Dementia.” Blink fans will definitely appreciate his guest starring role.

The Midsummer Station definitely has a more decidedly pop radio-friendly feel to it, as opposed to Young’s previous albums filled with whimsical and sometimes silly lyrics. The album has a more serious, club feel to it, while still maintaining Young’s upbeat flare. “Dreams and Disasters”, “I’m Coming After You,” and “Gold “exemplify this.

But then there are songs like “Shooting Star”, “Silhouette”, and “Embers” that are reminiscent of Young’s previous work, songs that don’t necessarily sound like something you might hear in a club, but are just songs that you might giggle with or cry to.

As an Owl City fan, I was a tad disappointed in the fact that Young’s music seems to be conforming to the current nature of Top 40 radio. Owl City usually reminds me of summer time, lemonade, and rainbows, not necessarily dancing at a club. However, there were many gems on the album that made up for this fact. I will always be an Owl City fan, but I hope to see more of his old style emerging in future albums, songs that make me want to “believe that planet earth turns slowly…”