12 Memories (Explicit Version) - Travis > Reviews

Advantages: A reasonable enough record
Disadvantages: Not up to their usual standard; protected from conversion to MP3

...have changed. Travis’s fourth record, 12 Memories, while still high on the acoustic guitars, is an altogether more melancholy affair. Think music from the bottom of the ocean: it’s dark, it’s heavy, it’s lumbering in places, and it’s certainly not easy to get to grips with. Where once Fran Healy penned light, breezy tunes about Driftwood and catchy classics like Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, he’s now developed an angry side. It’s still raining ... Read review

Advantages: Mature, interesting and far from dull
Disadvantages: Not the Travis some may expect.

...mood and fascinating production made 12 Memories the band's least commercial album to date. Of course, the tunes here at still beautiful pop songs at heart. Somewhere Else is as touching as the best of the band's ballads, although the raw, bluesy bridge adds a bitter twist to the otherwise sweet song. Third single Love Will Come Through is melancholy but lyrically optimistic, and the jangly guitars match those of the band's previous two albums. ... Read review

Advantages: Great Songs/production/lyrics
Disadvantages: not the most original

Travis were treading water a little bit in my opinion with their previous release and with '12 Memories' they came back with a more mature sound and a more musical approach to the songs, rather than just reworking 'why does it always rain on me'. Originality might not be travis' strong point but when something works it works so why change from your style just to be 'original'. What theyve done with this record is produce a piece of work that gives ... Read review

Advantages: You know what your getting with Travis
Disadvantages: Same old

Travis 12 memories is a typical travis album, not pushing the limits and staying well within there comfort zone. dispiste that it is very good, it has there classic feel to it and there melodic way of playing. This is Travis fourth Studio album and i dont think it sthere best. This Album shows the maturity in them now as they delve in too dangerous teritory with some of the topics they bring up in there songs the topics i am mentioning are ... Read review

Advantages: Great, easy listen with different and original tracks.
Disadvantages: Not a huge fan of the dull cover, as it does not fully portray the music.

I would have great confidence in saing that this new album from Travis, a band which I have enjoyed for many years now, definately competes with some of their best work to date, maybe even to the likes of ' Driftwood ', but that is my opinion. Its an easy listen, with some fantastic original lyrics. For the type of genre it is aimed at, there isn't really much competing with Travis for this album. I think they have come back into the limelight ... Read review

Advantages: Fran has proved he could do better.
Disadvantages: Hard to do a good follow-up after you have had massive success

...CD collection. This album has 12 songs in different styles expressing different opinions that are worthwhile to think about. ... Read review

Advantages: Some fantastic songs and everyone loves a hidden track
Disadvantages: Not quite back to their original selves

I don't really think Travis have made their mind up with where they stand in the music business, are they rock or easy listening? With starting out with a seemingly focussed goal on being a rock band album 2 and 3 (the man who and invisable band) turned out to be fairly easy listening but this album turns out another surprise, veering away slightly from easy listening and back towards rock. Whether a Travis fan or not everyone has their favourite ... Read review