What makes Love Travels at Illegal Speeds by Graham Coxon notable?

The album received positive reviews for its candid songwriting and musical diversity, helping to solidify Coxon’s reputation as a vital solo artist. It peaked at number 15 on the UK Albums Chart and included the hit single 'Standing on My Own Again', which showcased his unique style and songwriting prowess. Released in 2006, Love Travels at Illegal Speeds is Graham Coxon's fifth solo album, following his commercial resurgence with Happiness in Magazines (2004). At this point, he was distancing himself from Blur's mainstream success and embracing a more personal and experimental sound, reflecting on his own experiences and influences.

Who is Love Travels at Illegal Speeds for?

Love Travels at Illegal Speeds works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, urgent melodies for reflective moments and late-night introspection and connection.

How many songs are on Love Travels at Illegal Speeds?

Love Travels at Illegal Speeds has 33 tracks, running approximately 128 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Love Travels at Illegal Speeds

Graham Coxon · 2006

128 min · 33 tracks · alternative rock

A raw, energetic blend of alternative rock and introspective lyrics that captures the spirit of early 2000s indie music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Standing on My Own Again — This track serves as a powerful opening statement, encapsulating themes of self-reliance and emotional struggle with punchy instrumentation and catchy melodies.
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I Can't Look at Your Skin — With its contrasting lyrical vulnerability against an upbeat tempo, this track highlights Coxon's ability to fuse emotional depth with accessible rock sounds.
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Gimme Some Love — A standout track that showcases Coxon's guitar work and melodic sensibility, this song explores longing and desire through an infectious chorus.
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You & I — This song embodies a reflective tone, delving into the complexities of relationships with a haunting melody that lingers long after it ends.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with a mix of energetic and introspective tracks, though its cohesion is affected by bonus live material.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving guitar riffs and upbeat tempos, while the second half introduces more introspective and slower tracks.
Several songs feature layered guitar work, with Coxon's distinctive style blending rawness and melody throughout.
The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and emotions, creating a contrast between the energetic instrumentation and the introspective themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
urgent melodies for reflective moments
late-night introspection and connection
live tracks enhance personal experience
contemplative themes of isolation

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, instant gratification
seek polished studio perfection

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, Love Travels at Illegal Speeds is Graham Coxon's fifth solo album, following his commercial resurgence with Happiness in Magazines (2004). At this point, he was distancing himself from Blur's mainstream success and embracing a more personal and experimental sound, reflecting on his own experiences and influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Blur· The Libertines· Franz Ferdinand