What does Atlanta sound like?

A sprawling journey through atmospheric soundscapes layered with intricate melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Rooted in progressive metal and progressive rock. Start with "Fear of a Blank Planet".

Is Atlanta a good place to start with Porcupine Tree?

Yes, Atlanta is recommended as a starting point for new Porcupine Tree listeners. A sprawling journey through atmospheric soundscapes layered with intricate melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Released in 2010, Atlanta marks Porcupine Tree's return after a four-year hiatus following their acclaimed album, Fear of a Blank Planet. This album showcases the band's continued evolution within progressive rock, solidifying their status as genre innovators while exploring themes of technology and disconnection.

Atlanta works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, wave-like pacing with immersive depth and existential themes for deep contemplation.

How many songs are on Atlanta?

Atlanta has 16 tracks, running approximately 120 minutes.

Atlanta

Porcupine Tree · 2010

120 min · 16 tracks · progressive metal

A sprawling journey through atmospheric soundscapes layered with intricate melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fear of a Blank Planet Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Anesthetize — This epic track encapsulates the album's exploration of modern existential themes, featuring dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and serene interludes, showcasing the band’s technical prowess.
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Drown With Me — With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, this track stands out as a poignant reflection on emotional isolation, effectively highlighting the album's thematic core.
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Sound of Muzak — This song critiques the commercialization of music while maintaining an infectious groove, blending insightful commentary with catchy hooks that resonate throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and thematic depth create a rewarding experience for listeners over time.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes and motifs.
Lyrical content often explores existential themes, with verses that are interspersed with instrumental sections to enhance emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

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
wave-like pacing with immersive depth
existential themes for deep contemplation
atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
for late-night exploration

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
seek quick, catchy singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued evolution after a hiatus, maintaining artistic depth.
Themes: technological disconnection· emotional isolation· commercialized music critique
Career context: Released in 2010, Atlanta marks Porcupine Tree's return after a four-year hiatus following their acclaimed album, Fear of a Blank Planet. This album showcases the band's continued evolution within progressive rock, solidifying their status as genre innovators while exploring themes of technology and disconnection.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Dream Theater· Steven Wilson