Migration (Bonobo album)
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Migration
| type = studio
| artist = Bonobo
| cover = Bonobo-Migration.png
| alt =
| released = 13 January 2017
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = {{hlist|Electronica|ambient|downtempo|experimental{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bonobo-migration|title=Bonobo - Migration|magazine=Clash|date=17 January 2017 |access-date=31 October 2020|archive-date=18 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218015406/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/bonobo-migration|url-status=live}}}}
| length = 61:53
| label = Ninja Tune
| producer = Simon Green
| prev_title = The North Borders
| prev_year = 2013
| next_title = Fragments
| next_year = 2022
}}
Migration is the sixth studio album by British DJ and record producer Simon Green, performing under the name Bonobo. It was released on 13 January 2017 through Ninja Tune. The album was recorded primarily on laptops rather than in a studio. It was supported by the release of several singles, including "Kerala". The album received generally positive reviews from critics and charted internationally, reaching the top five of the UK Albums Chart.
Background
Migration was primarily written and recorded while Green was still on tour for his previous album, The North Borders.{{cite news |last1=Horowitz |first1=Steven J. |title=British Dance Phenom Bonobo Goes Global With Migration |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/bonobo-and-rhye-unveil-a-new-track-from-migration |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Vogue |date=6 December 2016 |language=en-us |archive-date=28 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628081243/https://www.vogue.com/article/bonobo-and-rhye-unveil-a-new-track-from-migration |url-status=live }} After the completion of the tour, Green completed a move from New York City to the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.{{cite news |last1=Fusilli |first1=Jim |title='Migration' by Bonobo Review: Finding the Meaning of Home |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/migration-by-bonobo-review-finding-the-meaning-of-home-1483196401 |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=31 December 2016 |archive-date=11 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211232136/https://www.wsj.com/articles/migration-by-bonobo-review-finding-the-meaning-of-home-1483196401 |url-status=live }} The move, as well as the travelling for the tour and the deaths of some family members, led Green to contemplate on themes of identity, migration, and the environment.{{cite magazine |last1=Banham |first1=Tom |title=Bonobo reveals the dark inspirations behind his new album Migration |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/bonobo-migration-new-album |accessdate=9 September 2020 |magazine=Wired |date=10 January 2017 |archive-date=14 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014010148/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/bonobo-migration-new-album |url-status=live }} Because the tour for The North Borders consisted of approximately 175 shows across three continents for about eighteen months, the music for Migration was mainly created on a laptop as opposed to the studio environments of Green's previous albums.{{cite magazine |last1=Klock |first1=Jayme |title=Bonobo Talks 'Visual' New Tour, Creating His 'Migration' Album & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7759636/bonobo-interview-migration-tour-north-america-album |accessdate=9 September 2020 |magazine=Billboard |date=12 April 2017 |archive-date=12 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112121438/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7759636/bonobo-interview-migration-tour-north-america-album |url-status=live }}
Artwork
Neil Krug served as the art director for the album.{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Roisin |title=Bonobo on his new album Migration, living in LA, and observing Britain from the outside |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bonobo-new-album-migration-tour-uk-jon-hopkins-kerala-fabric-brexit-a7518876.html |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=The Independent |date=10 January 2017 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323135927/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/bonobo-new-album-migration-tour-uk-jon-hopkins-kerala-fabric-brexit-a7518876.html |url-status=live }} Green had tasked Krug to create artwork that was "beautifully sinister".{{cite magazine |last1=Rhodes |first1=Margaret |title=Bonobo's Haunting Video for 'Break Apart' Explores a Martian Landscape |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/12/bonobos-video-break-apart/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |magazine=Wired |date=15 December 2016 |archive-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904214008/https://www.wired.com/2016/12/bonobos-video-break-apart/ |url-status=live }} Krug and Green decided that the artwork should be ambiguous and tease a thematically darker narrative.{{cite news |last1=Steven |first1=Rachael |title=Neil Krug on making the artwork for Bonobo album Migration |url=https://www.creativereview.co.uk/making-bonobos-migration-artwork/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Creative Review |date=10 January 2017 |language=en-UK |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329223140/https://www.creativereview.co.uk/making-bonobos-migration-artwork/ |url-status=live }} As a result, the artwork, which was captured in four hours, depicts the "Martian" landscapes of the Mojave Desert.{{cite magazine |last1=Buerger |first1=Megan |title=Meet the Photographer Behind Album Covers for Lana Del Rey, Tame Impala & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8549680/photographer-neil-krug-lana-del-rey-tame-impala-album-art-interview |accessdate=9 September 2020 |magazine=Billboard |date=31 January 2020 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921103752/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8549680/photographer-neil-krug-lana-del-rey-tame-impala-album-art-interview |url-status=live }} The images were then digitally manipulated to add as much colour as possible "without being ridiculous".
Release
The lead single, "Kerala", was released on 3 November 2016. The music video features Gemma Arterton attempting to run away from a meteor in a London suburb.{{cite news |last1=Sodomsky |first1=Sam |title=Bonobo Announces New Album Migration, Shares Video for New Song "Kerala": Watch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/69522-bonobo-announces-new-album-migration-shares-video-for-new-song-kerala-watch/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Pitchfork |date=3 November 2016 |language=en-us |archive-date=30 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030134326/https://pitchfork.com/news/69522-bonobo-announces-new-album-migration-shares-video-for-new-song-kerala-watch/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Exclusive: The photography roots of Bonobo's Kerala, from director Bison |url=https://www.bjp-online.com/2016/11/exclusive-the-photography-roots-of-bonobos-kerala-from-director-bison/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=British Journal of Photography |date=16 November 2016 |archive-date=18 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818224835/https://www.bjp-online.com/2016/11/exclusive-the-photography-roots-of-bonobos-kerala-from-director-bison/ |url-status=live }} "Break Apart" was released next on 6 December 2016.{{cite news |last1=Sodomsky |first1=Sam |title=Listen to Bonobo and Rhye's New Song "Break Apart" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/70249-listen-to-bonobo-and-rhyes-new-song-break-apart/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Pitchfork |date=6 December 2016 |language=en-us |archive-date=30 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030131659/https://pitchfork.com/news/70249-listen-to-bonobo-and-rhyes-new-song-break-apart/ |url-status=live }} The third single, "No Reason", was released on 10 January 2017.{{cite news |last1=Sodomsky |first1=Sam |title=Bonobo and Nick Murphy (fka Chet Faker) Share New Song "No Reason": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/70788-bonobo-and-nick-murphy-fka-chet-faker-share-new-song-no-reason-listen/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Pitchfork |date=10 January 2017 |language=en-us |archive-date=13 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013005956/https://pitchfork.com/news/70788-bonobo-and-nick-murphy-fka-chet-faker-share-new-song-no-reason-listen/ |url-status=live }} The album was released by Ninja Tune on 13 January 2017.{{cite news |last1=Pearce |first1=Sheldon |title=6 Albums Out Today You Should Listen to Now: The xx, the Flaming Lips, Bonobo, More |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/70837-6-albums-out-today-you-should-listen-to-now-the-xx-the-flaming-lips-bonobo-more/ |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Pitchfork |date=13 January 2017 |language=en-us |archive-date=5 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005171519/https://pitchfork.com/news/70837-6-albums-out-today-you-should-listen-to-now-the-xx-the-flaming-lips-bonobo-more/ |url-status=live }}
As of 12 July 2017, Migration has sold 16,000 copies in the United States.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7865244/nielsen-music-mid-year-2017-charts-chainsmokers-dance|title=Nielsen Music's Mid-Year 2017 Charts: The Chainsmokers Top Dance/Electronic Genre|magazine=Billboard|date=12 July 2017|accessdate=11 April 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524075851/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7865244/nielsen-music-mid-year-2017-charts-chainsmokers-dance|url-status=live}}
An alternative music video for "Break Apart" was released on 25 October 2017.{{cite news |title=Bonobo gets intimate in the new video for 'Break Apart' |url=https://diymag.com/2017/10/26/bonobo-new-video-break-apart-watch |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=DIY |date=26 October 2017 |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002115211/https://diymag.com/2017/10/26/bonobo-new-video-break-apart-watch |url-status=live }}
Critical reception
{{Music ratings
| MC = 77/100{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/migration/bonobo |title=Reviews for Migration by Bonobo |publisher=Metacritic |accessdate=18 December 2019 |archive-date=3 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303142725/https://www.metacritic.com/music/migration/bonobo |url-status=live }}
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |last=Simpson |first=Paul |title=Migration – Bonobo |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0002995832|pure_url=yes}} |publisher=AllMusic |accessdate=14 January 2017}}
| rev2 = Exclaim!
| rev3 = The Guardian
| rev3score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Gibsone |first=Harriet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/12/bonobo-migration-album-review-ambient-electronica |title=Bonobo: Migration review – pensive ambient electronica from a nomadic soul |work=The Guardian |date=12 January 2017 |accessdate=14 January 2017 |archive-date=5 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042238/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/12/bonobo-migration-album-review-ambient-electronica |url-status=live }}
| rev4 = The Irish Times
| rev4score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite news |last=Carroll |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Carroll (journalist) |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/album-reviews/bonobo-migration-album-review-moody-sounds-from-home-and-away-1.2930123 |title=Bonobo – Migration album review: Moody sounds from home and away |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=12 January 2017 |accessdate=14 January 2017 |archive-date=15 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115191611/http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/album-reviews/bonobo-migration-album-review-moody-sounds-from-home-and-away-1.2930123 |url-status=live }}
| rev5 = Mixmag
| rev5score = 9/10{{cite web |last=Worthy |first=Stephen |url=https://mixmag.net/feature/february-18-albums-you-need-to-hear-this-month/41 |title=Bonobo 'Migration' (Ninja Tune) |work=Mixmag |date=3 February 2017 |accessdate=18 December 2019 |archive-date=6 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206234838/http://mixmag.net/feature/february-18-albums-you-need-to-hear-this-month/41 |url-status=live }}
| rev6 = Mojo
| rev6Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite journal |last=Cowan |first=Andy |title=Bonobo: Migration |journal=Mojo |issue=279 |date=February 2017 |page=98}}
| rev7 = The Observer
| rev7score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite web |last=Mackay |first=Emily |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/08/bonobo-migration-review |title=Bonobo: Migration review – perfect for gazing dreamily out of windows |work=The Observer |date=8 January 2017 |accessdate=18 December 2019 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031074847/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/08/bonobo-migration-review |url-status=live }}
| rev8 = Pitchfork
| rev8score = 7.3/10{{cite web |last=Scheim |first=Benjamin |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22710-migration |title=Bonobo: Migration |work=Pitchfork |date=13 January 2017 |accessdate=18 December 2019 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218015342/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22710-migration/ |url-status=live }}
| rev9 = Q
| rev9Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite journal |last=Howe |first=Rupert |title=Bonobo: Migration |journal=Q |issue=369 |date=March 2017 |page=107}}
| rev10 = The Times
| rev10score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Hodgkinson |first=Will |author-link=Will Hodgkinson |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/pop-bonobo-migration-f89k3xv5p |title=Pop: Bonobo: Migration |work=The Times |date=13 January 2017 |access-date=18 December 2019 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218020821/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/times2/pop-bonobo-migration-f89k3xv5p |url-status=live }}
}}
Upon release, Migration received positive reviews by music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 77, based on twenty reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.
Stephen Worthy of Mixmag called the album a "music-making masterclass" and praised its political themes and undertones. Writing for Exclaim!, Daryl Keating also highlighted the album's thematic elements: "Bonobo questions the very nature of home{{nbsp}}... The result is an extremely reflective record, just a few shades more tranquil than his last two albums, but easily matching their well-produced splendour."
Some reviewers criticised the album for being unenterprising and too similar to Green's previous album, The North Borders. Andrew Ryce of Resident Advisor contrasted the album's themes with its cautious style, writing, "But rather than taking his sound anywhere, Migration stays put."{{cite news |last1=Ryce |first1=Andrew |title=Review: Bonobo - Migration |url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/20440 |accessdate=9 September 2020 |work=Resident Advisor |date=16 January 2017 |archive-date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811045248/https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/20440 |url-status=live }} In a mixed review for The Observer, Emily Mackay similarly criticised the album, calling it "a sonically rich album, perfect for gazing dreamily out of windows at passing landscapes, even if it doesn't reach any new destinations".
= Accolades =
Migration was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, though the award ultimately went to Kraftwerk for 3-D The Catalogue. The lead track "Bambro Koyo Ganda" was nominated for Best Dance Recording, which was ultimately won by LCD Soundsystem for "Tonite".{{cite magazine |last1=Atkinson |first1=Katie |title=Grammys 2018 Winners: The Complete List |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8096569/grammys-2018-winners-list/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=17 December 2020 |language=en |date=28 January 2018}} The album won the Album of the Year award at the 2017 Electronic Music Awards.{{cite web |title=Bonobo, Rufus du Sol, Eric Prydz & More Win 2017 Electronic Music Awards |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2017-electronic-music-awards-winners-1041765 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=17 December 2020 |date=21 September 2017}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Migration track listing
| all_writing = Simon Green, except where noted
| title1 = Migration
| writer1 = {{hlist|Green|Jon Hopkins}}
| length1 = 5:27
| title2 = Break Apart
| note2 = featuring Rhye
| length2 = 4:34
| title3 = Outlier
| length3 = 7:55
| title4 = Grains
| length4 = 4:28
| title5 = Second Sun
| writer5 = {{hlist|Green|John Mills-Cockell}}
| length5 = 3:43
| title6 = Surface
| note6 = featuring Nicole Miglis
| length6 = 4:11
| title7 = Bambro Koyo Ganda
| note7 = featuring Innov Gnawa
| length7= 5:02
| title8 = Kerala
| length8 = 3:57
| title9 = Ontario
| length9 = 3:52
| title10 = No Reason
| note10 = featuring Nick Murphy
| writer10 = {{hlist|Green|Murphy}}
| length10 = 7:28
| title11 = 7th Sevens
| length11 = 5:07
| title12 = Figures
| length12 = 6:08
| total_length = 61:53
}}
Charts
= Weekly charts =
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for Migration ! scope="col"| Chart (2017) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| {{album chart|Australia|12|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=18 December 2019}} |
| {{album chart|Austria|15|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Flanders|6|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Wallonia|20|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardCanada|9|artist=Bonobo|rowheader=true|accessdate=18 December 2019}} |
| {{album chart|Netherlands|10|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Finland|33|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=29 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|France|35|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Germany4|11|id=318165|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Hungary|40|year=2017|week=3|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=28 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Ireland2|15|artist=Bonobo|rowheader=true|accessdate=18 December 2019}} |
| {{album chart|Italy|49|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=30 October 2023}} |
| {{album chart|New Zealand|27|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=18 December 2019}} |
| {{album chart|Poland|16|id=1064|rowheader=true|accessdate=26 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Scotland|15|date=20170120|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|Switzerland|5|artist=Bonobo|album=Migration|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|UK2|5|date=20170120|rowheader=true|accessdate=21 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|UKDance|1|date=20170120|rowheader=true|accessdate=18 December 2019}} |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|59|artist=Bonobo|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 January 2017}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardDanceElectronic|1|artist=Bonobo|rowheader=true|accessdate=24 January 2017}} |
=Year-end charts=
Certifications
{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Migration}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Bonobo|title=Migration|award=Silver|certyear=2020|relyear=2017|id=16333-4277-2|accessdate=12 April 2020}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=yes | nosales=true | noshipments=true}}