Fishing Blues
by Atmosphere
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. AllMusic
    Aug 12, 2016
    70
    Fishing Blues isn't so much an indie version of The Heist as it is a more satisfied and slow version of Southsiders. Check that one first, then come back here for a relaxed alternative.
  2. Consequence
    Aug 12, 2016
    75
    Along with Ant’s confident production work, there’s a sense Slug is finally comfortable with the man he’s become, what he’s accomplished and where he’s going.
  3. Exclaim
    Aug 12, 2016
    80
    Between Ant's eclectic, subtle production and Slug's equally nuanced lyricism, Fishing Blues stands out as one of the best hip-hop LPs of the year thus far.
  5. HipHopDX
    Aug 26, 2016
    70
    Fishing Blues may not be your bag due to its pacing and down-trodden tempo but in between the suburban man bars should lay some appreciation for storytelling.
  6. Pitchfork
    Aug 18, 2016
    56
    Fishing Blues’ saving grace, the only song with any real passion and continuity, is one about police brutality written from the perspective of the officer.
  7. Spin
    Aug 12, 2016
    40
    The new Fishing Blues feels so rote you’ll have to play the old records to remember that it’s not the Atmosphere norm.
  8. The A.V. Club
    Aug 12, 2016
    83
    Overall, this is undeniable rap therapy. Like the rest of us, Slug and Ant are just trying to get by, and for the most part, they’re succeeding.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. CAIN
    Aug 19, 2016
    9
    Atmosphere does it again. Seriously, what hip-hop duo is this consistent? These guys never disappoint. On Fishing Blues, Ant's productionAtmosphere does it again. Seriously, what hip-hop duo is this consistent? These guys never disappoint. On Fishing Blues, Ant's production alone is enough for multiple listens. He's a perfectionist. The beats are so layered and crisp. Then Slug tops it off with subtle, timeless flows and unconventional yet catchy hooks. And as with every Atmosphere album, there are a couple songs I don't care for.....for now

    I hope this album gives them even more recognition. They deserve it    … Full Review »
  2. childofthe90s
    Aug 19, 2016
    10
    Atmosphere has done it again. this is definitely one of the best albums that i've ever heard this year. i can listen to from front to back.Atmosphere has done it again. this is definitely one of the best albums that i've ever heard this year. i can listen to from front to back. there's not a single track on this LP that i did not like. and i don't have no favorite tracks because every track on here is pure dope.… Full Review »
  3. Dontjudge5
    Jan 7, 2018
    8
    Another Atmosphere album, another GREAT album! This is now the 3rd album that they've done with a more mature themed lyrical base, and in myAnother Atmosphere album, another GREAT album! This is now the 3rd album that they've done with a more mature themed lyrical base, and in my opinion the best of the three (The other two being Southsiders and the The Family Sign) even though those other two were also very good.
    There are some parts of the album that can be somewhat boring, but the highlights of the album more than make up for it.
    My Favorites:
    Track 5- Perfect: Slug delivers some great lines that are reminiscent of old style Atmosphere over a sick beat by Ant
    Track 11- Everything: Great production as expected from Ant and reflective, personal lyrics from Slug
    Track 15- Won't Look Back: Ant is the master of creating acoustic beats into something badass so it's no surprise here that Won't Look Back is arguably the best song on the album. Slug's flow fits the beat perfectly and I have yet to find a person who doesn't nod along to the song by the first verse.    … Full Review »
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