What makes The Weather by Busdriver notable?

This album is notable for its avant-garde approach, blending genres like grime and progressive rap, which helped carve a niche for Busdriver within the underground hip-hop community. It received critical acclaim, with publications like Pitchfork highlighting its innovative production and lyrical dexterity, further solidifying Busdriver's reputation as a boundary-pushing artist. When 'The Weather' was released in 2003, Busdriver was establishing himself as a unique voice in underground hip-hop following his debut album 'Memoirs of the Elephant Man'. This record marked a significant point in his career, showcasing his distinctive lyrical style and experimental sound that would influence the alternative rap scene.

Who is The Weather for?

The Weather works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, gradual builds and payoffs and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on The Weather?

The Weather has 15 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

The Weather

Busdriver · 2003

60 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

Eclectic beats and rapid-fire lyrics intertwine to create a vibrant exploration of consciousness and urban life.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Exaggerated Joy — The opening track sets the tone with its frenetic energy and intricate wordplay, establishing Busdriver's unique blend of humor and introspection.
→
Pen's Oil — This track showcases Busdriver's rhythmic complexity and inventive lyricism, illustrating his ability to weave personal narratives into abstract themes.
→
Carl Weathers — Named after the actor, this song captures an imaginative storytelling style while addressing larger themes of identity and ambition through playful metaphors.
→
Sleep Standing Up — With its introspective lyrics and contrasting beats, this track exemplifies Busdriver's ability to convey vulnerability amidst a chaotic backdrop.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
long, immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'The Weather' was released in 2003, Busdriver was establishing himself as a unique voice in underground hip-hop following his debut album 'Memoirs of the Elephant Man'. This record marked a significant point in his career, showcasing his distinctive lyrical style and experimental sound that would influence the alternative rap scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Aesop Rock· MF DOOM· Shabazz Palaces

New to Busdriver? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Pen's Oil

The narrative shifts from abstract imagery to a grounded reflection on personal struggles without losing its surreal flair.

This structural pivot allows listeners to engage deeply with Busdriver's world, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Exaggerated Joy 3:08
2 Pen's Oil 4:27
3 Carl Weathers 4:35
4 Glorified Hype Man 3:34
5 Fine for a Robot 4:44
6 Germs That May Cause the Following 2:42
7 Weather Locklear 4:17
8 Break for 2300 2:25
9 DJ Furry 2:50
10 Raffle Ticket Blues 4:06
11 Sleep Standing Up 2:28
12 Name Forgetter 5:00
13 Thousand Words 7:00
14 Fizzing Energy Drink 0:23
15 Barely Music 9:06

What to play next

Listen next

Live Airplane Food

2003

Go back to

Temporary Forever

2002

Full Busdriver discography Where to start with Busdriver Artists like Busdriver

alternative hip-hop hip-hop underground hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata