Released 10 years ago
The Impossible Kid
Aesop Rock · 2016
48 min · 15 tracks · abstract hip-hop
A kaleidoscopic journey through abstract narratives and intricate wordplay, layered over hauntingly melodic beats.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mystery Fish Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Rings — This track features a catchy hook paired with introspective verses that explore personal relationships, showcasing Aesop's ability to blend accessibility with intricate wordplay.
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Lotta Years — In under two minutes, this track encapsulates feelings of nostalgia and self-reflection, highlighting Aesop's skill in conveying deep emotions succinctly.
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Get Out of the Car — This track stands out for its conversational tone and vivid imagery, bringing to life a relatable moment of frustration and existential pondering.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Aesop Rock's intricate wordplay and unique production style create a standout abstract hip-hop album.
What we noticed
- Each track employs layered production with varying instrumental textures, from minimalist beats to rich, melodic backdrops.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions and unexpected changes in tempo, which challenge conventional song structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 mid-tempo reflective journey
- intricate beats for deep focus
- abstract lyrics inviting introspection
- consistent flow for thoughtful listening
- layered sounds during quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Received significant acclaim for its introspective lyrics and complex production.
- Themes
- nostalgic self-reflection· conversational frustration· abstract personal narratives
- Career context
- The Impossible Kid is Aesop Rock's sixth studio album, released in 2016, following his critically acclaimed album Skelethon from 2012. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a key figure in underground hip-hop, known for his dense lyricism and unique production style. This album marked a continued evolution of his sound while also reflecting personal experiences and themes.
Tracklist
- 1 Mystery Fish Start here 3:08
- 2 Rings 3:47
- 3 Lotta Years 1:58
- 4 Dorks 3:32
- 5 Rabies 3:05
- 6 Supercell 3:50
- 7 Blood Sandwich 4:25
- 8 Get Out of the Car 1:53
- 9 Shrunk 3:08
- 10 Kirby 2:46
- 11 TUFF 3:51
- 12 Lazy Eye 2:44
- 13 Defender 3:11
- 14 Water Tower 3:50
- 15 Molecules 3:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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