Brimming with the clever lyrics and colorful production we've come to expect from Slug and Ant, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That S**t Gold is Atmosphere at its radical apex. You might want to break out the headphones for this one, but I'll get to that in a moment.
Allow Slug to Reintroduce Himself
Slug feels tangibly less-irritated on Atmosphere's sixth go-round, a mood-shift that’s left him comfortably exploring new ideas. This is best exemplified on the solemn opener "Like the Rest of Us," in which Slug calmly emphasizes the art of controlling the uncontrollable: "You gotta let people be hypocrites. Count your blessings and mind your business." You've probably heard the album's single, "Shoulda Known," a torrid narrative about drug addiction.
Lemons is split into three acts: Us, You, and Me. A slaphappy tune titled "You" kicks off the second section. Not too far behind is the album's most personal song, the reflective "Yesterday" where Slug shares distant memories of a lost relative (it'll make more sense when he reveals the identity of the person at the end). "We can sit and reminisce about the ol' school, maybe share a cigarette cause we're both fools," he grieves, but not without finding the slightest ray of light in his misery, "I can't even get mad that you're gone. Leaving me was the best thing you ever taught me." It's a brief reminder that contrast is Atmosphere's bread and butter. After all, their last album was titled You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having, yet the cover featured a glum-looking Slug with his left hand clasped on his head.
Headphone Music
Indeed, Atmosphere's new work is headphone music at its peak. Whereas Slug's been preoccupied with conflict in the past, Lemons reflects his newfangled obsession with optimism and resolutions. The rhymes are honest, hopeful, rich with mesmerizing oratory (often delivered with a minister-esque cadence), and sure to keep you hanging on every line. Sorta like an Obama speech.
Colorful Production
As he did on Brother Ali's Undisputed Truth, Atmosphere producer Ant gives musical form to rage, desire, candor, ultra-realism. Every song takes on its own unique identity. The guitar solo on "Guarantees," for instance, adds drama to a sense of escapism. After a rough day, Slug arrives at his favorite pub in search of company. He finds the bar empty, so he resorts to monologue. "I don't want to go home yet. So I'mma talk to my cigarette and that television set. It doesn't matter what brand or station. Just anything to take away from my current situation." Notice how the guitar plucks get increasingly louder as the tension in his voice rises.
Juicy From Start to Finish
Loaded with all the elements that define a great rap album (but rarely move units) -- compelling storytelling, experimental production, and unbridled vulnerability, Lemons will keep playing even after you turn off the music. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade; just listen to Atmosphere.
Outstanding Tracks: Released: April 22, 2008
