Migration cover

Migration

Bonobo · 2017

61 min · 12 tracks · electronic music

A rich tapestry of organic and electronic sounds intertwines, creating a soothing yet invigorating auditory journey.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Migration — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush soundscapes and gradual build-up of elements, introducing listeners to Bonobo's signature style.
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    Kerala — This track combines hypnotic rhythms with a memorable vocal sample, illustrating Bonobo's ability to merge world music influences with modern electronic production.
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    Break Apart — Featuring poignant vocals and a bittersweet melody, this track exemplifies the emotional depth present throughout the album, balancing melancholy with hope.
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    Bambro Koyo Ganda — This collaboration with Moroccan artist Innov Gnawa infuses traditional sounds with contemporary beats, showcasing Bonobo's commitment to cultural fusion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Migration showcases a blend of organic and electronic sounds, creating an engaging auditory journey.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that gradually layers organic instruments over electronic beats, setting a tranquil yet dynamic tone.
  • Several tracks feature intricate arrangements where live instrumentation blends seamlessly with synthesized sounds, creating a textured soundscape.
  • The pacing varies throughout, with tracks like 'Bambro Koyo Ganda' introducing rhythmic elements that build energy before returning to more subdued moments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • long immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • atmospheric background focus
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Migration marks Bonobo's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed The North Borders released in 2013. By this point in his career, Bonobo had established himself as a key figure in the downtempo and electronic music scenes, gaining recognition for his intricate production techniques and ability to blend genres seamlessly.
Stylistic neighbors
Nicolas Jaar· Tycho· Odesza

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Break Apart

    The moment shifts from reflective verses to an expansive chorus that envelops the listener in its emotion.

    This transition amplifies the song's themes of longing and connection, providing a contrast that heightens its emotional impact.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Migration 5:28
  • 2 Break Apart 4:34
  • 3 Outlier 7:55
  • 4 Grains 4:28
  • 5 Second Sun 3:43
  • 6 Surface 4:11
  • 7 Bambro Koyo Ganda 5:02
  • 8 Kerala 3:57
  • 9 Ontario 3:52
  • 10 No Reason 7:28
  • 11 7th Sevens 5:07
  • 12 Figures 6:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata