The Boy With No Name
by Travis
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: May 8, 2007
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. Drowned In Sound
    40
    For a band with such a legacy, and a pre-millennium back catalogue to die for, this record feels hollow and uninspiring.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    20
    'The Boy With No Name' is everything you'd expect from a new Travis album and less.
  3. Pitchfork
    56
    While the first half of the record is promising, however, the band loses steam toward the end.
  5. musicOMH.com
    60
    [They] have returned sounding pretty much exactly the same as they did three and a half years ago.
  6. Rolling Stone
    50
    Occasionally they attempt to rise above their signature light Brit-pop sound with slightly heavier tunes like "My Eyes Wide Open," but it comes off as forced.
  7. Slant Magazine
    50
    The band may have paved the way for the likes of Coldplay and Snow Patrol, but they still haven't found their "Clocks" or "Chasing Cars."
  8. The Guardian
    20
    There are plenty more wishy-washy guitar tunes present like the drippy, tambourine laced Battleships, the wheezing Out in Space and the sub-danger of Eyes Wide Open; all riddled with Fran Healy's girlish croon. Spare us.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    50
    Sadly, the last third of this Boy sinks, but by then the damage is already done.
  10. Stylus Magazine
    67
    The boys deliver the same sort of agreeable Britpop they've made their name on, wisely realizing that ambition's really not for everyone.
  11. Delusions of Adequacy
    70
    A good, albeit soft, Brit-pop CD, from a band that continues to mature.
  12. Hartford Courant
    70
    Healy is back to penning unabashed, sparkling pop gems.
  13. PopMatters
    60
    The disappointing moments are fleeting, as Travis has figured out that the niche they created for themselves eight years ago is a comfy one, a sound which, inoffensive and safe as it may be, suits the band perfectly.
  14. Hot Press
    70
    The Boy With No Name has a handful of absolute crackers, proving that Travis are still capable of penning a tune that wraps its tendrils around your ears and won’t let go until at least four minutes have passed.
  15. Under The Radar
    80
    Travis has taken the last four years to square their sunnier sound with their darker one. The Boy With No Name pulls this off without seeming overly planned or calculated. [#17, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Dot Music
    50
    There are no surprises or unexpected turns and the overall dearth of spontaneity ensures an empty and shallow experience.
  17. Mojo
    60
    [Their] first [album] to sound authentically beaten up. [Jun 2007, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. Uncut
    60
    Amiably lightweight. [Jun 2007, p.115]
    All this publication's reviews
  19. Alternative Press
    60
    Overall, The Boy With No Name has just enough personality to remind imitators like Coldplay and Keane from whence they came. [Jun 2007, p.151]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. Filter
    92
    The Boy With No Name instantly gets Travis back to the business of being Travis. [#25, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    The loose vibe works, but unlike "sing," humming along won't come naturally. [18 May 2007, p.66]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Most Discussed Album of 2007
99
#99 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 58
  3. Negative: 3 out of 58
  1. Rammhandsome
    Dec 8, 2013
    10
    This is crazy... I did not like Travis till this album, for my taste as a musician that I am, they were good... but depressing. This albumThis is crazy... I did not like Travis till this album, for my taste as a musician that I am, they were good... but depressing. This album comes, (except for the first song), in a happy, optimistic, well played and inspired way. For all that say that it sounds like classic Travis believe me, it doesn't. Good mood pretty much go from Selfish Jean to New Amsterdam, they are (thank god) downs too in this album, but it is pretty much very fun to listen to. If you like the depressing part of Travis this is probably not the album for you. Now I can look back and listen to the "old" stuff and love it too, pretty much I understand the sad part of Travis in an artistic way.… Full Review »
  2. AmurabiM.
    Apr 10, 2008
    5
    This is just what we expect from Travis: supermarket music. The kind of boring, sweet, melodious and sometimes desperating songs of love and This is just what we expect from Travis: supermarket music. The kind of boring, sweet, melodious and sometimes desperating songs of love and alienation. No more and no less.… Full Review »
  3. MarcelC
    Jun 8, 2007
    10
    This is a gem of an album,in my opinion their most consistent to date...getting a hammering from the critics which is unjustified...great This is a gem of an album,in my opinion their most consistent to date...getting a hammering from the critics which is unjustified...great comeback and receiving high rotation from this listener.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »