The Family Sign
by Atmosphere
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. coltron0
    Apr 22, 2011
    9
    Longtime fans may be disappointed, but that's just because they know how good Atmosphere is. With two full-time instrumentalists brought on, the production is great, and usually appropriately somber. The lyrical content has drastically changed, and I think Slug intends for Atmosphere to now be synonymous with storytelling rap. If you come in expecting that you'll be pleased. Don't expectLongtime fans may be disappointed, but that's just because they know how good Atmosphere is. With two full-time instrumentalists brought on, the production is great, and usually appropriately somber. The lyrical content has drastically changed, and I think Slug intends for Atmosphere to now be synonymous with storytelling rap. If you come in expecting that you'll be pleased. Don't expect another introspective, wordplay-filled album though, I fear those days are long gone.… Expand
  2. thetiderises
    May 2, 2011
    8
    Pretty good record. I expect nothing less from Atmosphere at this point. It's not as awesome as some of his other records, but it's better than a few, too. Kinda depressing on the whole; nothing like "You Can't Imagine..." I'd recommend it, though--especially if you like his other stuff.
  3. BrandonsZombie
    Dec 23, 2012
    8
    It's a good album, yeah, but he's reached his climax. Slug knows that, so he's settling down with this album. It's a good storytelling perspective and I believe it's still a good album, but not on the levels of Overcast! or God Loves Ugly. It is of course an album to add to the collection though.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2011
    70
    Anyone intrigued by the idea of emo-rap at its most introspective will find this a well-crafted and moving effort, while returning Atmosphere fans get the satisfying usual with some extra maturity and growth.
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  2. The Quietus
    Aug 3, 2011
    60
    The Family Sign commits a few of hip hop's cardinal sins and doesn't provide nearly enough justification for doing so.
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 21, 2011
    80
    The Family Sign is a strong continuation and addition to a powerful series of modern rap albums. It's bigger than past records and heavier, a nice combination that genuinely puts the listener into an emotional flux.
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