When Fish Ride Bicycles
The Cool Kids · 2011
51 min · 14 tracks · Midwest hip-hop
A playful fusion of vintage hip-hop beats and contemporary flair, showcasing clever wordplay and vibrant storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Penny Hardaway — This track features a catchy hook and clever references that embody the album's playful spirit while highlighting the duo's lyrical dexterity.
-
→
Rush Hour Traffic — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and relatable themes about urban life and hustle.
-
→
Boomin' — With its energetic beat and confident delivery, 'Boomin'' showcases The Cool Kids' ability to create an anthem that resonates in party settings.
-
→
Sour Apples — The introspective lyrics paired with a laid-back vibe reveal a more vulnerable side of the duo, adding depth to the album's overall narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends vintage and contemporary styles effectively, showcasing clever wordplay and engaging storytelling.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features a laid-back beat and playful lyrics, setting a lighthearted tone for the record.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from classic hip-hop, blending them with modern production techniques to create a nostalgic yet fresh sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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, consistent energy levels
- playful, lighthearted vibes
- short, engaging listening sessions
- conversational and witty storytelling
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When Fish Ride Bicycles is The Cool Kids' debut studio album, released after a series of successful mixtapes that established their unique sound. At this point in their career, the duo was transitioning from underground favorites to mainstream recognition, having built significant anticipation since their 2008 mixtape, Bake Sale.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kid Cudi· Curren$y· Mick Jenkins
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Rush Hour Traffic 3:06
- 2 GMC 3:40
- 3 Freak City 2:33
- 4 Sour Apples 2:33
- 5 Bundle Up 3:25
- 6 Boomin' 3:53
- 7 Penny Hardaway 4:19
- 8 Get Right 3:15
- 9 Gas Station 4:33
- 10 Flying Kites 3:41
- 11 Swimsuits 2:33
- 12 Roll Call 5:04
- 13 Talk of the Town 4:59
- 14 Summer Jam 3:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.