The January Curated Issue 2026 - Travis - 'The Man Who'
- runoutrecordclub
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
The Quiet Album That Changed British Guitar Music
Formed in Glasgow, Scotland, in the early 1990s, Travis emerged from the UK indie scene with a sound rooted in melodic songwriting, emotional sincerity, and understated musicianship.
The band—Fran Healy (vocals, guitar), Andy Dunlop (guitar), Dougie Payne (bass), and Neil Primrose (drums) — initially found modest success with their debut album ‘Good Feeling’ (1997), a more raucous, Britpop-adjacent release that reflected the era’s swagger.
However, it was with their second album, ‘The Man Who’, that Travis redefined themselves—and, in the process, helped shift the trajectory of British guitar music.
Produced by Nigel Godrich (soon to be synonymous with Radiohead’s sonic evolution), the album marked a dramatic tonal shift: quieter, more introspective, and emotionally open. Released in May 1999, ‘The Man Who’ quietly gained momentum through word of mouth and radio play before becoming one of the UK’s most beloved albums of the era.
Writing to Reach You A beautifully restrained opener that immediately signals the band’s new direction. Gentle acoustic strums, subtle dynamics, and Fran Healy’s intimate vocal delivery create a song that feels both personal and universal—a mission statement for the album.
The Fear Darker in tone, this track explores anxiety, insecurity, and self-doubt. The shifting rhythms and muted tension add depth, while the lyrics reflect the emotional unease beneath the album’s calm surface.
As You Are A warm, melodic song built on reassurance and acceptance. Its unassuming charm and subtle hooks exemplify Travis’s strength in writing songs that comfort without sentimentality.
Driftwood One of the album’s most beloved tracks, “Driftwood" is hopeful and quietly uplifting. The lyrics encourage perseverance in moments of despair, making it a timeless anthem of empathy and resilience.
The Last Laugh of the Laughter A slightly more upbeat, jangly moment that injects energy into the record while maintaining its reflective tone. It balances lightness with introspection beautifully.
Turn Sparse and emotional, “Turn” is one of the album's most intimate moments. Its minimal arrangement allows Healy’s voice and lyrics to take centre stage, creating a sense of vulnerability that feels almost confessional.
Why Does It Always Rain on Me? The album’s signature song and one of the defining tracks of late-’90s British music. Its simple melody and metaphor-laden lyrics captured a collective feeling of melancholy, turning personal frustration into something universally relatable.
Luv A soft, tender love song that avoids cliché through sincerity and restraint. The delicate arrangement reinforces the album’s introspective mood.
She’s So Strange A slightly more playful track with a dreamy quality. It adds texture and variation without disrupting the album’s emotional flow.
Slide Show A haunting reflection on memory and nostalgia. The slow tempo and spacious production evoke the feeling of flipping through old photographs—melancholic but beautiful.
Blue Flashing Light A contemplative closer that fades gently rather than ending with a climax. Its understated nature reinforces the album’s emotional honesty, leaving the listener in a reflective state.
‘The Man Who’ arrived at a pivotal moment in British music. As Britpop’s excesses began to fade, Travis offered an alternative: sincerity over swagger, introspection over irony. The album’s success paved the way for a new wave of melodic, emotionally driven bands in the early 2000s, including Coldplay, Keane, and Snow Patrol, many of whom have openly cited Travis as a key influence.
Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, ‘The Man Who’ spent months in the UK charts and eventually became one of the best-selling albums in UK history. Its songs resonated deeply because they felt human—unpretentious expressions of vulnerability, hope, and quiet strength.
Producer Nigel Godrich’s subtle, spacious approach allowed the songs to breathe, reinforcing the album’s emotional intimacy. Rather than chasing trends, Travis created something timeless—a record that continues to comfort listeners decades later.
‘The Man Who’ is a masterclass in understatement. It proves that emotional impact doesn’t require bombast—sometimes, the quietest voice says the most. More than two decades after its release, the album remains a touchstone of British songwriting, a reminder that honesty, empathy, and simplicity can leave a profound and lasting mark.
For many listeners, ‘The Man Who’ isn’t just an album—it’s a companion, offering solace in moments of uncertainty and reflection. And that may be its greatest legacy of all.
Happy New Year!
RRC
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