Sharp storytelling and warm synths give Birds a surreal, cinematic feel

On his second album, Travis Scott is flying free, enjoying the spoils of fame and spotting the pitfalls. Sharp storytelling and warm synths give Birds a surreal, cinematic feel. He brings street anthems in bunches (“way back,” “coordinate,” “through the late night”) and his confidence beams on the intimate “first take” and “guidance," a Latin-tinged R&B track à la “One Dance.” If Rodeo showed that Travis Scott is comfortable colouring outside hip-hop's lines, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight shows he’s capable of creating a masterpiece.