"Travelogue" is the second studio album by British synth-pop band The Human League, released in 1980. The album marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, moving away from their earlier experimental electronic sound toward a more polished and commercial pop sound.
"Travelogue" features a mix of catchy pop hooks, innovative electronic textures, and thought-provoking lyrics, with songs like "Being Boiled" and "The Black Hit of Space" showcasing the band's newfound confidence and creativity. The album also includes a cover of the Righteous Brothers' classic "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," which became one of The Human League's signature songs.
Lyrically, "Travelogue" explores themes of love, relationships, and the human condition, with frontman Philip Oakey's distinctive vocals delivering the band's wry observations and social commentary. The album's sleek production and infectious melodies helped establish The Human League as one of the leading acts in the emerging synth-pop genre.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, "Travelogue" was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 in the UK albums chart. It solidified The Human League's reputation as innovators in electronic music and laid the groundwork for their later mainstream success with albums like "Dare."
Overall, "Travelogue" is a landmark album in The Human League's discography, capturing the band at a pivotal moment in their career as they transitioned from underground darlings to pop superstars. With its infectious pop hooks, inventive electronic arrangements, and thought-provoking lyrics, the album remains a classic of the synth-pop genre and a testament to The Human League's enduring influence on popular music.
