Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Coxon's ambitions on Love Travels at Illegal Speeds may not be grand -- he has simply made a punky pop album (which is different than punk-pop) -- but his execution is exceptional, which makes this a very appealing album.
  2. The slightness of this album is hard to hold a grudge against, but ain't nothing oh-my-god necessary about it either.
  3. Uncut
    80
    Throughout, Coxon's masterly musicianship and shameless enthusiasm for such modish fare pulses like an electric current. [Apr 2006, p.110]
  4. Coxon is turning in some of the finest, most insightful guitar rock from either side of the Atlantic.
  5. Mojo
    80
    It's all funny, sardonic, heartfelt and loveable. [Apr 2006, p.106]
  6. Q Magazine
    80
    Sees a great guitarist becoming a great songwriter. [Apr 2006, p.113]
  7. A fine album that, while not likely to win any prizes for Gorillaz-style innovation, will resonate, both musically and lyrically, with fans young rather than old.
  8. Coxon has come up with an album full of raw guitar licks, killer hooks and heartfelt lyrics.
  9. Unpromising and unassuming at first glance, its highlights burrow under your skin and stay there.
  10. It's true that guitar-pop is all this is, but it's still bloody good stuff.
  11. Spin
    70
    His most accessible [album] yet, crammed with melodic Brit punk played at maximum speed. [Nov 2006, p.97]
  12. Alternative Press
    80
    Coxon rocks it in a class of '77 Brit-punk style that'll make record-collecting fetishists in search of Adverts and Chelsea demos soil themselves. [Dec 2006, p.198]
  13. Even if his singing never touches Damon Albarn's, he seems confident in his voice, using his shortcomings to his advantage to burn through 13 tracks inspired by a passion for late-70s Brit punk.
  14. Magnet
    80
    Full of ripping guitar work and hooks galore. [#74, p.95]
  15. Love Travels at Illegal Speeds is by far Coxon's best solo album, and if his sensibilities remain where they're at now, it's conceivable that he'll never be able to top it.
  16. 74
    While not as fresh as Happiness, Love is another strong set of raucous riffage painted over confessions of a lovesick pup.
  17. A cohesive and satisfying listen crammed with generous melodies.
  18. He lays bare pissed-off tantrums and his emotion through a burgeoning self-belief and raw musicality to create his endearingly bittersweet masterpiece.
  19. Coxon clearly shows a mastery that comes from experience, and when he hits his groove it’s infectious.
  20. Lots of singers set their dating woes to hard guitars and hummable melodies - Coxon just does it better than most.
  21. Love Travels At Illegal Speeds is good stuff that doesn’t drive you round the bend. It doesn’t pack any surprises either.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. weddy
    Jan 18, 2007
    10
    This is brilliant, nothing less. Masterfully written songs, crafty catchy tunes that spring you back to the height of the Brit-pop era.
  2. Jahar
    Jun 29, 2006
    10
    Coxon is fast becoming one of my favorite artists. This album is genious.
  3. san
    Jun 14, 2006
    10
    pure cool guitar tune. He is a genius.