I'm a big fan os Travis. I've been following them, album by album and I really like the band. One of those bands that never disappoint you, and keep their soul and spirit intact. Also, they are, already an aged band, stabilised, with this, just like hundreds of other artists, you don't expect that they release something really new, something really different and original.
First, the album title is boring. "10 songs" for an album with 10 song is just too much lazy. The band already done this in the past, with "12 memories", which was a much better way to give the name to an album with 12 songs. I can't create sympathy with an album title like that."Untitled" would sound better.
The songs on the album lack a bit of energy. Too many acoustic guitars and strings. The first too songs are a bit slow, guided by piano riffs. Particularly, the "la-la-la" on "The Only Thing" are really annoying. The lyrics are simple, but the music sounds a bit like a pop songs from Coldplay. They lack sound and speed. A bit forgettable compared with Travis back catalogue.
But, those 2 songs, comes the best song on the album, "Valentine" has everything that the previous two don't have. Dramatic lyrics, electric riffs, hard bass. It's a great moment of music, I wish the album would sound more like this. Then, the next 2 songs, sound again like the first two, slow, and a bit boring. "A Ghost" is, again a good moment, a danceable one. Actually, this song is a good example how the band did a great song, acoustically guided by a piano riff. It looks like a story-telling song, with e a bit a Western feeling. Wonderful. "All Fall Down" and "Kissing In The Wind" are, again, slow, but this time more emotional, better ones. Although they don't compare with Travis classic ballad songs (like Luv or Some Sad Song) they are OK.
"Nina's Song" is my second favourite song. Although its"sugary" and Christmas sound, is a gerat one. The chorus are beautiful with all the backing vocals. Again, this kind of ballads are funny and beautiful and don't make Travis look like a pop piano sensation.
The last song is a piano ballad. Ok but a bit irrelevant.
I love the band, that's why I'm being a bit harsh on this review. The album is OK but it's not the band on their best shape. Their previous works were far better and if I saw them live soon, aside from 3 songs, I wouldn't like them to play too much from this album.
6/10
