UTOPIA

A semi-decent project, albeit one that doesn't quite live up to its hype.

While it appeared that Travis had finally found his footing on 2018's 'ASTROWORLD', 'UTOPIA' and its lack of cohesion leave the listener with an underlying sense that La Flame has been able to keep hold of said footing. This can, however, be blamed on the album's long list of 31 producers - including Kanye West, whose influence is especially prevalent but unfortunately detrimental. Contributions from Drake, Carti, James Blake and Cudi are also, unexpectedly, disappointing, although overall the album does have its highlights: the second part of 'MY EYES', preceded by the dulcet tones of South London artist Sampha particularly shines, and Beyoncé, forever the visionary, manages to save 'DELRESTO (ECHOES)'. Additionally, to be fair to Travis, there isn't a moment on 'UTOPIA' that borders on unlistenable - just plenty that come off as mediocre and forgettable. Not to be that person, but Thomas More's 1516 version is infinitely preferable