Fishing Blues cover

Released 10 years ago

Fishing Blues

Atmosphere · 2016

68 min · 18 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A blend of introspective lyrics and diverse beats, merging storytelling with melodic hooks in a distinctive alternative hip-hop style.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Like a Fire Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Ringo — This track cleverly intertwines personal reflection with cultural commentary, showcasing Slug's sharp lyrical wit and Ant's dynamic production style.
  • →
    The Shit That We’ve Been Through — An introspective narrative that delves into vulnerability, making it a poignant centerpiece that encapsulates the album’s emotional weight.
  • →
    Fishing Blues — The title track merges metaphorical imagery with a laid-back groove, encapsulating the album's themes of life’s struggles and perseverance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Fishing Blues combines introspective lyrics with diverse beats, showcasing Atmosphere's signature style while exploring new sonic territory.

What we noticed

  • Slug's verses often employ internal rhymes and varied cadences, while Ant's production includes both melodic hooks and atmospheric soundscapes.
  • Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside traditional hip-hop beats, adding a layer of depth to the overall sound.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • introspective lyrics for deep thoughts
  • melodic beats for background ambiance
  • gradual resolutions throughout listening
  • for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
  • want standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues the artist's evolution while maintaining popularity and lyrical depth.
Themes
cultural commentary· personal reflection
Career context
Released on January 1, 2016, Fishing Blues marks Atmosphere's eighth studio album and a continuation of their prolific partnership between rapper Slug and producer Ant. Following the critically acclaimed Southsiders in 2014, this album sees the duo exploring deeper emotional themes while maintaining their signature sound that has evolved over two decades.
Stylistic neighbors
Aesop Rock· Brother Ali· Murs
New to Atmosphere? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Shit That We’ve Been Through

    The lyrics directly confront past hardships while simultaneously expressing resilience.

    This direct confrontation with personal history allows for a raw authenticity that deepens the listener's connection to the narrative.

Tracklist

  • 1 Like a Fire Start here 3:29
  • 2 Ringo 3:51
  • 3 Besos 3:46
  • 4 Pure Evil 3:19
  • 5 Perfect 3:36
  • 6 Seismic Waves 3:58
  • 7 Next to You 4:19
  • 8 The Shit That We’ve Been Through 3:35
  • 9 When the Lights Go Out 4:41
  • 10 No Biggie 2:36
  • 11 Everything 3:38
  • 12 Chasing New York 3:25
  • 13 Sugar 3:56
  • 14 Fishing Blues 3:41
  • 15 Won't Look Back 4:35
  • 16 Anybody That I've Known 4:33
  • 17 Still Be Here 3:57
  • 18 A Long Hello 3:18

What to play next

Mi Vida Local
Listen next

Mi Vida Local

2018

Continues the introspective themes with a fresh sonic approach.
Southsiders
Go back to

Southsiders

2014

Sets up the narrative style and melodic hooks found in Fishing Blues.
Full Atmosphere discography Where to start with Atmosphere Artists like Atmosphere
alternative hip-hop

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Impossible Kid

The Impossible Kid

Aesop Rock

Shares introspective storytelling and a unique beat landscape with layered production.

So the Flies Don't Come

So the Flies Don't Come

Milo

Combines personal reflection with a diverse sonic palette and rich lyrical imagery.

Dark Comedy

Dark Comedy

Open Mike Eagle

Merges cultural commentary and introspection with inventive beats and humor in his lyrics.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata