Music Review: Travis Garland
You might (or might not) remember Travis Garland for his hit, “Believe” a couple years ago. Nonetheless, here it is, surely it’ll sound familiar.
Unfortunately, he never released an official album after this very successful single. Since then, Mr. Garland has gone back to being an independent artist, releasing a mixtape (The Last Man Standing) and several EPs through his website travisgarland.com. I have to say I was not a huge fan of Last Many Standing when it came out, but his latest EPs Fashionably Late and Fashionably Late Volume II (which just came out), are REALLY GREAT (imo). Travis has definitely matured as an artist and songwriter since Believe came out, and the transformation has really turned into something special and different. It seems to me that his latest musical style has incorporated that of Michael Jackson, Prince, The Weeknd, Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, etc., making him a really nice crossover between genres. In this post, I’ll be reviewing only Fashionably Late Volume II, but you should also check out some of his other stuff, as well.
Track 1: Where to Land (ft. Ill)
A great way to start of the EP. A song that really shows off Travis’s falsetto, has a Frank Ocean — Justin Timberlake. Reminiscent of JT’s older releases, but mixed in with a Frank Ocean-like beat and style of singing. . Travis’s voice and smooth falsetto fit this song perfectly. However, I could have done without the rapping (don’t get me wrong, it was good, it just didn’t really add anything to the song). 4/5
Track 2: From Adam (Interlude)
A nice way to transition from a super sexy song like Where to Land to something slower.
This track really is beautiful with the piano and strings backing up the singing. A really soft, sweet song compared to the first track of the EP. Apparently, it’s sampled off the acoustic chords of Charlie Brown by Coldplay. 5/5
Track 3: Blue Electric Roses
The interpretation of the title is up to you guys. But I will just take it as a reference to a girl whose beauty is absolutely captivating to Travis. I’m pretty sure there is a deeper meaning to it than that, but I’ll research that later. Anyway, the beat, melody, and singing really makes this song unique and memorable. For me, the bridge in this song, made it that much better for me (I really dug it haha). 5/5
Track 4: Neighbor
This song really grew on me after a few listens. Definitely a favorite on this EP. A really solid song. In the same boat as Where to Land, a super hot song that again is very reminiscent of a younger Justin Timberlake. Slightly scandalous lyrics, but that is the essence of the song. Who wouldn’t want Travis Garland as a neighbor though haha :) 5/5
Track 5: Homewrecker
Ok, Homewrecker is JAMMIN’/BUMPIN’ (pick your adjective)! Travis takes the literal meaning of homewrecker (wrecking a home’s furniture, items, etc.) and turns it into a sexy little song about how he’s going to make you “wreck your home” haha. I’ll leave the interpretation of that up to your imagination. The sound of a vase (glass) shattering that is heard throughout the song is a nice touch, along with a really cool beat (a little old school and 90s R&B) with a killer chorus. AND THEN THE BEAT DROPS (kind of like in Bruno Mars’ Money Make Her Smile), going into an interlude as he proceeds to sing in a Drake-like style. Very cool. 5/5
Listen Here!
ETA: Right now, Neighbor has the most plays on my iPod out of all these songs, then Homewrecker, then Blue Electric Roses and From Adam (Interlude) and then Where to Land.
Links to downloading the FLVII EP:
Fashionably Late Volume II Download
Also, check out the Fashionably Late EP:
Ranking my most favorite to still a favorite -
1) Abby Lee and Didn’t Stand a Chance (tied for first)
3) Fall in Lust
4) Feel
Fashionably Late Download
Overall, Travis Garland has been putting out some really good music (for my taste, at least) lately, and for free! What a guy! Haha. At only 23, his future in the music industry is looking brighter than ever. I’m really excited to see what else is to come from this uber-talented artist. Take a listen, and let me know what you think!
