The Invisible Band
by Travis
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Jun 12, 2001
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    A gorgeous mosaic of shimmering guitar pop that caresses the eardrums like fine chenille.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    It feels self-consciously downbeat and rustic, with a Gomez-style, recorded-in-a-shed sheen which belies Nigel Godrich's pristine, state-of-the-art production.
  3. Billboard
    80
    The Scottish quartet offers guitar-rich tunes that are as remarkably literate as they are emotionally challenging.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    While the wheel remains un-reinvented, The Invisible Band finds its mark with unerring accuracy.
  6. Mojo
    80
    It's a mellow, meditative and mid-paced work... TIB is still a strong record, which fans will grow to enjoy immensely. [Jul 2001, p.94]
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  7. Launch.com
    80
    Songs like the stirring "Side," the delicate "Dear Diary," and the glistening "Follow The Light" are among the best and most fully crafted of [Fran Healy's]short but accomplished writing career.
  8. Spin Cycle
    75
    Its touchy-feely lyrics maintain the brooding undercurrent that runs beneath the bulk of the band's catalogue.
  9. Playlouder
    70
    As smooth and comforting as an afternoon on an old leather sofa that fits you like your own skin.
  10. Sonicnet
    70
    The album would have benefited from a few less midtempo grooves; the closest drummer Neil Primrose and bassist Dougie Payne get to really rocking is on the peppier rhythms of "Follow the Light" and "Flowers in the Window" -- not surprisingly, two of the album's highlights.
  11. Rolling Stone
    70
    Lacking any dramatic innovations or departures from last year's The Man Who, The Invisible Band succeeds by approximating - via warm melodies, textures and sincerity - Simon and Garfunkel fronting U2.
  12. Pitchfork
    61
    The tracks here are supported by a fuller sound and more complex arrangements than on either of Travis' first two albums.... They're all competently played, but never really inspiring.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2001
52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 50
  3. Negative: 4 out of 50
  1. KitsGravity
    Jan 17, 2012
    10
    It's just as good as 'The Man Who'. Travis surely know the magic and the art of crafting the sweet, melancholic music that's very delicate andIt's just as good as 'The Man Who'. Travis surely know the magic and the art of crafting the sweet, melancholic music that's very delicate and heavenly. The album can't be listened in one go because all the songs are equally attractive. The best catch in the album is 'Side'. 'Flowers in the Window', 'Pipe Dreams, 'The Humpty Dumpty Love Song' and 'Sing' - all are equally close to being second.… Full Review »
  2. HeatherB.
    Aug 23, 2001
    8
    You simply feel better after listening to The Invisible Band. But unlike so many popular groups today Travis is sincere. Nothing is trite, You simply feel better after listening to The Invisible Band. But unlike so many popular groups today Travis is sincere. Nothing is trite, formulaic, or manufactured. This album's overall feel is realistically happy and optimistic.… Full Review »
  3. vinzlima
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    Eu simplesmente amo esse álbum por um todo indescriptível, a sonoridade perfeita, letras lindas. Esse e um dos melhores trabalhos da banda.Eu simplesmente amo esse álbum por um todo indescriptível, a sonoridade perfeita, letras lindas. Esse e um dos melhores trabalhos da banda. Side, The Cage e Flowers são os pontos mais altos do álbum. Felizmente não há nada que eu possa criticar negativamente.… Full Review »
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