TRAVIS GARLAND (self-titled album)
After tantalizing us with two EP’s Fashionably Late Parts I & II earlier this year, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Travis Garland is completely on point with his full-fledged debut album release. It’s crammed with stories about relationships (some songs darker than others), longing, having fun, having sex… set to layered tracks produced by The Stereotypes which are alternately funky, danceable, stripped away – but almost always on the R&B/soul tip perhaps more so than in the pop genre. You’ll certainly think of Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Usher, Michael Jackson as you listen… but at the end you will definitely think Travis Garland!
You’ve already heard the stunning (and personal faves of mine) “Blue Electric Roses” and “Homewrecker” (which seem to stand in tact from the Part II EP), but “Where To Land” has been re-recorded sans the rap, and “Abby Lee” (from Part I) becomes a fun jam. I wrote about new single “Clouds” as well as album preview “Motel Pool” last week. Counting those two, that’s 10 completely new songs on the album. A standout is the stylish and Spanish-influenced dance number “Easy” (above), which is begging for remixes and dance club attention! Not what I expected to find within, so Travis definitely has surprises in store for us all. “Pullin’ My Hair” (below) bridges rap, funk and calypso, giving it a streetwise flavour. “Modern Life” is probably the most amped up rock-oriented song within. “AllSheWannaDo” is most reminiscent of JT circa FutureSexLoveSounds. Bonus song “1 Of 1” combines MJ vocals with a retro 80’s vibe.
What’s important too about this album is that it debuted within the Top 20 on USA iTunes on the day of its release. Travis Garland is not signed to a major label, it’s an independent release. Travis has some pretty big celebrity supporters too. Be sure to listen to this record, one of the best of 2013, and join what will undoubtedly be a huge musical joyride for Travis Garland for the rest of the year 🙂
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