"Alligator Sky" (CD Single)

Review

Common Sense Media says

Electro-pop single by one-man band is OK for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

AGE
8
QUALITY
 

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Owl City is comprised of one multi-talented artist, Adam Young, who became a viral hit when he posted songs to MySpace. This song is squeaky-clean, with no sex or bad language, and is a very uplifting tune appropriate for listeners of any age.

  • Positive messages3
    Optimistic tune about reaching for the stars.
  • Positive role models3
    Adam Young could inspire kids since he creates his music on his own, and did much of it in the small-town comfort of his parent's basement in Minnesota.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

Super-one-man band Owl City is comprised of sole singer and musical wizard Adam Young. Written, composed, and produced in the basement of his parent's home in Owatanna, MN, "ALLIGATOR SKY" is the lead single off of the upcoming fourth album All Things Bright and Beautiful. This electro-pop single is full of optimism and dreamy inspiration, with the digital release featuring rapper Shawn Chrystopher.

Is it any good?

 

At first listen "Alligator Sky" seems a little cliched, but once you shut off your brain and just listen, its simple beauty is eye-opening and chill-inducing. The music and lyrics are inspiring and even a little haunting -- "Even though I'll never know what's up ahead, I'm never letting go"-- forcing you to think about your own dreams, wants, and aspirations. The digital version with Shawn Chrystopher gives an added edge that might be better for the pop scene, but the solo version is great, too.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the fact that Owl City (a.k.a. Adam Young) got a record deal after he became so popular on MySpace. What do you think about the new wave of celebrity and success that starts with the Internet? Are these artists still valid? 

  • Do you think it's OK or safe to post songs, pictures, etc. to social media sites?

  • The music of Owl City is created by one person. Does this fact make his
    music more intriguing?

This review was written by Jessica Dawson
Teen, 14 years old
May 1, 2011
AGE
6
 
Great song for all ages!!!!!
An amazing song about imagination! No sex, drugs, bad language, etc., even in the rap version. Adam Young is also a wonderful role model! He's in his twenties, but doesn't swear, drink, and he's a devoted Christian. I'd recommend any Owl City to anybody.
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (16) | Had useful details (15) | Read my mind (12)
Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
May 12, 2011
AGE
9
 
Everyone Can Enjoy This Tune :)
Wow, nothing to be alarmed about here. His lullaby-like voice fits perfectly into this song :) Well done, Mr. Young.
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (14) | Had useful details (14) | Read my mind (10)
Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
September 10, 2011
AGE
8
 
Wonderful song :D
I LOVE this song. It has absolutely nothing bad about it! Adam Young is an amazing singer and all his songs are fantastic(: This song in particular is so sweet and can make anyone feel good. Owl City rocks!!!
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (13) | Had useful details (10) | Read my mind (13)
Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
December 15, 2011
AGE
9
 
Optimistic Song
The singing is OK, the music is pretty good and the positive messages are very good. Overall I'll just give it three stars but 4 stars for positive messages. :-)
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (5) | Had useful details (4) | Read my mind (6)
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review was written by Jessica Dawson
Artist:Owl City
Release date:March 26, 2011
Label:Universal Republic
Genre:Indie Rock
Parental advisory:No
This review was written by Jessica Dawson
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.

Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!

About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More pop tunes for tweens
For kids who love cool tunes
Browse more music
 

vote now

Will you add "Alligator Sky" (CD Single) to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it