Atliens Reviews

• Me and You

  
  By on 2003-12-13
  ATLiens is a blend of funky beats and crafty wordplay from Big Boi and Dre. Southernplayalistic was a good way to begin their career really getting them on the map and Georgia too. I see that as their second greatest album ever. ATLiens is just too good, few songs on here are not considered "great" by every day standards. Aquemini is a great follow up to ATLiens and is the key success that Outkast with these three albums that Outkast is one of the greatest in the hip hop world.
  
  Here is how I rated the album. I rate on three different things (Lyrics content, How good the beat is, And how good the flow of the rappers is with the beat). I take all the scores and find the average then take the total from all 15 songs and find the final rating.
  
  1. You May Die (Intro)- A piano for the beat while a women sings a funky melody and sets the mood for the entire album.
  Lyrics: -- Music: -- Flow: --
  
  2. Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac)- A very short song (lasting about 2:45) to truly begin the album. This is just a classic song to roll your windows down to and drive down the street. Dre's first verse comes hard and also a great chorus by Dre.
  Lyrics: 9.5/10 Music: 10/10 Flow: 10/10
  Total=9.8/10
  
  3. ATLiens- My favorite song on the album and one of my all time favorite songs. Big Boi's first verse is the best ever in my opinion with crafty word play (Well it's the M-I crooked letter, aint no one better and when I'm on the microphone you best to wear your sweater cause im cooler than a polar bear's toe nail.) And the coolest hook ever of course. (Now throw your hands in the air-er and waive em like u just don't care-er. And if you like fish and gritz everybody say Oh yeah-er)
  Lyrics-10/10 Music= 10/10 Flow=10/10
  Total score=10/10
  
  4. Wheelz Of Steel- Crazy song. My second favorite and second best on the album with the greatest minute of scratching you will EVER here. The verses are short but sweet. The set up is perfect (Dre giving the shout out's at the end before the scratching begins) And a whicked beat.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=10/10 Flow=10/10
  Total score=10/10
  
  5. Jazzy Belle- One of the first story telling songs of Outkast (Aquemini full of them). Story about a . . . named Jazzy Belle. This song is the first change in the album. Before all the songs were quick paced and "hardcore" this song has a lighter slower beat. And a heavenly chorus sang by women just humming "la la la". Good scratching too
  
  Lyrics= 10/10 Music=10/10 Flow=10/10
  Total Score=10/10
  
  6. Elevators (Me & You)- Another slow song but not quite as soft as Jazzy Belle. Outkast sings the hook themself here (Me and You, Your mama and your cousin too, rolling down the strip on fours, coming up slammin cadilac doors) haha great hook. The beat could've used work though, I don't think it goes good with their flow. The beat is good but would've been better with a different song. Good . . . wordplay though.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=8/10 Flow=9/10
  Total=9/10
  
  7. Ova Da Wudz- "Something's gotta give"- First words of the song then the beat lays in. Crazy beat is in, every 8 seconds or so you hear a voice in the back "ummmmmm". Really plays with your mind. Good hook and pretty good wordplay. Big Bwoy is awesome.
  Lyrics=9/10 Music=9/10 Flow=10/10
  Total=9.3/10
  
  8. Babylon- Dre is very good on the track with some good lines (" I came into this world high as a bird from second hand cocane") And a good hook and light soft beat. Another smoootth track.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=10/10 Flow=9.5/10
  Total=9.8/10
  
  9. Wailin'- Kick . . . kick . . . kick . . . kick . . . beat. Would've loved the song more with a hook. With a crazy beat like this they could've made an awesome hook. Outkast shines again.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=10/10 Flow=10/10
  Total=10/10
  
  10. Mainstream- Song begins with a splash. Then about 15 seconds into the song the beat comes in. This is the third best song on the album. The beat is a light quick paced beat. Good hook ("Think is it but it aint all peaches and cream. That's why I sing this song floating face down in the main stream") Dre and Big Boi are the best on this track but the guest appearances verses are alright.
  Lyrics= 10/10 Music= 10/10 Flow=10/10
  Total=10/10
  
  11. Decatur Psalm- One of my favorites and one of the most creative songs ever. Good beat and better lyrics and a classic hook (" It won't be over till the Big girl from Decatur sing") haha I love this song.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=10/10 Flow= 10/10
  
  12. Millennium- Dre just rips this track apart. Probably his best verse ever in my opinion (his first) and a creative hook that you would never expect. Dre just goes off for 25 seconds of so with (" uh uh uh uh uhu huh uhuh uhu uh uhuh uhu") While a little girl repeats "Planet stars--- Earth, Jupiter, Mars--Hoes, clothes, car-- It's who you are.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=10/10 Flow=10/10 (One of the best)
  Total=10/10
  
  13. E.T. (Extraterrestrial)- Just a crazy . . . song. The lyrics are awesome. I'm not sure about the beat though.. at one point I'm thinking they can do better but at another I'm thinking how creative and soothing it is. I don't know.. buy the album and be the judge.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=8/10 Flow=9/10
  Total=9/10
  
  14. 13th Floor/Growing Old- First minute 30 is just a piano with someone talking. Then a sick slow whicked fascinating beat cuts in. One of the best tracks on the album.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=10/10 Flow=9/10
  Total= 9.6/10
  
  15. Elevators (ONP 86 Mix)- A remix of Elevators me and you. With a better beat.
  Lyrics=10/10 Music=9.5/10 Flow=9/10
  Total= 9.5/10
  
  Total Score For ATLiens= 9.7/10
  Nearly Flawless
  
  If you don't find this review helpful.. you're just a hater
  
  

• OutKast's best?

  
  By AFTN9ZLB22PSZ on 2005-07-24
  Don't get me wrong, the other original four albums were straight up amazing. But ATLiens, OutKast's sophomore album, might be my favorite. A change in style leaves back their teenage ideas and the bluesy, jazzy beats and brings a more soulful, thoughtful, mature tone. The whole album really works as a straight beginning to end listen, because the songs can relate to one another. The production by Organized Noize is just phenomenal. I just love their style here, with the space-age beats and the whole comic book thing.
  
  It starts with an intro by Joi, Big Gipp's wife, that sets the pace for the album. "2 Dope Boyz in a Cadillac" is so good, Andre bashing sucker MCs over a piano and eerie singing. "ATLiens" is one of OutKast's best songs, with an awesome chorus, great music, top notch rapping ("Cooler than a polar bear's toenails"). After another smooth track, "Wheelz of Steel", the album moves into a phase of reflection and contemplation in which the songs "Babylon", "Decatur Psalm" and "Mainstream" featuring Big Gipp (my favorites on the album) and "Elevators", the most popular song of the album, are included. I like "Jazzy Belle" too, a good slow song with smart rhymes. The masterpiece finishes with a song called "13th Floor (Growing Old)" which starts out with piano and a speech by Big Rube and gives way to a smooth beat. The whole album is so good I can't put it into words.
  
  OutKast abandoned some of their player image from Southerplayalisticadillacmuzik on this album, but it's so good. The album is amazing lyrically and musically, and I recommend it to all because it is among the best of all time.
  
  

• The best album from the Atlanta duo, period.

  
  By A26XCS3QLDJJWN on 2000-02-02
  "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" was good, and I do not doubt that it was groundbreaking and put Outkast on the map. But "ATLiens" was by far and best album they put out. The Source gave it 4 mics and gave "Aquemini" 5, but I really believe that they were giving "Aquemini" an extra mic to make up for not labeling "ATLiens" a hip-hop classic. I can understand how fans of the first album might not have understood or liked the new sound, and it truly is a departure from the pimp stylings of their debut. "ATLiens" runs deeper, fusing soul, R&B and smooth-as-molasses hip-hop with Big Boi's street-wise raps and Dre's spiritual soliloquies. It's a beautiful album, and one that any real hip-hopper should have in their collection. Highlights, well, every song is a highlight, but when it comes down to it, the driving beats of "Ova Da Wudz," "Jazzy Belle" and "Elevators" surpass anything Master P or the Hot Boys ever came out with. And "13th Floor/Growing Old" is one of the most poignant hip-hop spirituals of all time. Get this album.
  
  

• So beautiful, So lovely

  
  By AQCR1NGWG6662 on 2005-08-10
  All I can say is this one of my favorite cds of all time and I own over three hundred. This is bob your head, smile wide, jump up and down, chill out music. I don't skip any tracks on the album but my favorite songs that I keep on repeat are Two Dope Boys, and Elevators. Many people are put off by the new poppy Outkast but people that love old school classics are sure to feel this.
  
  

• The Greatest Hip-Hop Album of All Time.

  
  By A26TDBNW6GWEVL on 2006-07-15
  "Greetings Earthling".... From the first words spoken after the melodic introduction you are instantly aware that what you are about to experience is unlike anything your ears have ever heard. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below may have made Big Boi and Dre a household name, but the true heads will allways remember them as just "Two Dope Boyz in a Cadillac". 10 years after it's release, the impact of this album is more powerfull when you take into account the fact that we may never again hear these two men rapping together on a track. Emotional, groundbraking, heartfelt and powerfull. I could write pages crammed full of adjectives and quotes, yet words cannot compare to the pure visceral journey that is this album. ATLiens is unlike a modern rap record; no skits, no filler, just pure, raw, unadulterated hip-hop. You cannot consider yourself a fan of genre without this in your collection. One almost cannnot blame Andre 3000 for putting down the mic, when you realize that everything that can be said with the genre, he already did 10 years ago. Outkast may have three other classic hip hop albums; Southernplayalistic, Aquemeni, and Stankonia, but this is the one. In the 90's the West had The Chronic, and the East had 36 Chambers, but it was the South who produced the greatest hip-hop album of all time. Pop this in, turn off the lights and listen from start to finish if you don't believe me.
  
  
• Fantabulous Soundscapes
  By A1RHPPEJRVUQDP on 2006-02-20
  Outkast have shone with lucidity on this album, all the while showing too that where they come from is never worth forgetting. By intertwining urban philosophy with masterful storytelling and go-beyond musicality, Outkast has raised the bar on what hip hop can be and how polished it can become without sacrificing it's essential rap flavor. At times reminiscent of the under-recognized "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" by Erik B. and Rakim, Outkast follows suit with sounds that evolve, sounds so thickly claivoyant that they make a journey into outer space seem superfluous. While it was of course Erik B. and Rakim who turned rap music from streetcorner hollering to journeys through sound and city life, Outkast took advantage of their uniquely southern stylistics (and some newer big budget production technology) to add another trusty thruster to the now-maligned but once authentic hip hop rocket ship.
  
  The first song to stand up and recognize on ATliens is "Millenium." When Big Boi culminates his turn at the microphone by announcing the immanent threat to hip hop sanctity from shady dealers, and up-and-crummy rap stars, his fatalism is disheartening, but still one feels that all hope is not lost:
  
  When your back was turned, them slackers learned and now we fallin apart
  You lookin me in my eye, but you ain't feelin me in your heart
  Yes, yes Lord, give me the power within the final hour
  These n****z, they leavin me stranded like Rapunzel in the tower
  Now or never, let's stick together and overcome
  But they don't feel like marchin, cuz they shoes is overrun
  Ain't that a b****
  
  "Now or never, let's stick together, and overcome, but they don't feel like marchin cuz they shoes is overrun." This line alone illuminates the struggle and the contradictions facing anybody who recognizes that the problems they face are never theirs alone. One senes that Big Boi knows what it takes to protect the game and break the chains, and one can touch his disgust when he recognizes amidst his desperation that the people are too tired to make happen the movement that would save their situation. Dré, too, hits the very soul on this tune, with lyrics that astonish in their pulsating, vital truthfulness :
  
  Life never lived up to my expectations, so I accept the patience
  Expect the worse but now I'm pacin
  Back and forth, inside, I'm melting like water on wicked witches
  A monster truck done came and ran over my picket fences
  I had the best of life in my clenches but monkey wrenches was thrown
  Like chairs kings sit on, my prayers seem to long
  I fall asleep before the endin, don't even get to say Amen
  I hope He understand I be on bended knees
  
  Of a life that can get away, there is no better professor. But ATLiens is not all truth in philosophy, there is also that storytelling and wheel-spinning urban flavor for which Outkast made themselves know on "Southernplayalistic." And then there is "Growing Old," which is by far the finest treatment in hip-hop history of aging and mortality :
  
  see all them leaves must fall down, growin old
  Fat t**ties turn to teardrops as fat a** turns to flab
  Sores that was open wounds eventually turn to scab
  Trees bright and green turn yellow brown
  Autumn caught em, see all them leaves must fall down, growin old
  
  For Outkast and ATLiens, the cycle of life can be painful, and illusions can crash smack into forces beyond our control, but there is something to be said for the good times that come along the way, and it is only knowledge of the inevitable that brings breathing room to a people who've known what the meaning of difficulty is.
  
  
• ATLiens Is The Es 8Ch Eye Tee
  By on 2005-10-06
  Listening to this album is like listening to a Jazz album. The sound here is so smooth and polished. The lyrics and the style is on point, both Andre and Big Boi flow nicely over every beat. Everything from the cover to the style come together perfectly. OutKast did a wonderful job making people understand their transition here. Usually when I buy albums I like about half the songs but ATLiens is very consistant from beginning to end. I enjoyed every song. On the album Andre and Big Boi is experimenting with an original kinda futuristic space age sound which really shows a more diverse creative side of OutKast. What I like about OutKast is that they are full of surprises, you never know what to expect from them weather it's their music, their fashion, their video's they always keep their fans and others on the edge. OutKast keep you guessing and wondering what they're going to do next. I know today it's hard to find quality artists but if you're a person trying to spend hard earned money on an album that's going to give back more then you bargain, then you should definitely consider this album. You want be disappointed especially if you enjoy quality like I do.
  
  
• No Doubt its a Classic!!!
  By A2EMTCXNE31V5C on 2005-09-28
  Outkast is one of the greatest rap groups in hip hop history and they prove it in this album. Every track on this album is a must listen and thats hard to find even now on hip hop albums today. The combination of Andre and Big Boi go well and they are both so lyrical that even if the beats weren't on point they would still turn the song into a good track. I may be being bias because I am a huge fan of outkast but if you are a lover of hip hop then this is the album to listen to. Peace!
  
  
• Put down that 50 Cent and pick up something real
  By A1CJPBXCN82BJ1 on 2005-02-21
  This album is one of my favorite albums of any genre. ATLiens captures Dre and Big Boi as they began to hit their creative stride. forget all those whack mcs and so called 'artist' (50, The Game, etc.) that MTV and BET keep force feeding the masses and pick up an album with tight beats and real rhymes that people, regardless of skin type and background can relate to. (By the way, aqumini ain't too bad either.)
  
  
• Incredible.
  By ADBB4MACZAJGY on 2001-08-24
  I had already owned and loved both Aquemini and Stankonia before i decided to buy another OutKast album. I had my doubts about buying ATLiens after i had read some reviews that it [was bad]. But when i went to the record store the next day i bought it anyway. After only listening to the first 5 tracks, it had already became the best album i had ever listened to, 3 times better than Aquemini, even if the other 10 tracks were terrible. My favorite songs are Two Dope Boyz, Wheelz of Steel, Jazzy Belle, Babylon, Millenium, and (the best one of all) Growing Old. Listen to me: even if u don't like rap or hip hop at all or even hate all music, you HAVE to give this record a try. I have owned it more than a month now and can't even stand listening to anything else.
  
  
• ATLiens: One of Outkast's Best Albums
  By A1QIVUPYZFZ6GI on 2005-08-22
  Outkast burst into the scene with Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik which was heavy on funk beats and rhymes. Though it is not considered to be the best album that Outkast made it is what put them on the map. Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik was
  overlooked by average hip hop fans but listening to it shows what Outkast had in store for years to come. Outkast's sophomore album, ATLiens, released two years after Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik had more acclaim then their freshmen album and started them on their way.
  
  ATliens left behind the funk era they created in their freshmen album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and went with a fresh new sound. ATliens has a crisp sound with the sci-fi like beats with instrumentals from live instruments such as pianos, guitars, and others. By creating persona's in ATLiens they show their artistic abilities and begin to let loose their rhyming prowess by releasing their skill on songs ranging in sound from 70's funk to gospel and everything in between. With the smooth melodic beats by Organized Noize and rhymes from Outkast, ATLiens switches from track to track smoothly and is easily listened to from the first track to the very last track.
  
  The first track "You May Die (Intro)" opens with a piano and classical guitar picking which sets the tempo for the whole album. The second track into the album, "Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)", the listener is greeted by a robotic sounding "Greetings Earthling" followed by a bass heavy beat. "Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)" is one most noticed singles off the ATLiens album. This is accredited greatly to Dre and Big Boi's flow. "Jazzy Belle" one of the better songs on ATLiens shows a perfect mix of Dre and Big Boi's rhyming skills, a great beat, good vocals, and good scratching.
  
  "Elevators (Me & You)" is the top single off the ATLiens album. The beat hits heavy as the tempo gets set by Dre as he starts in on one of the greatest hip hop songs as himself and Big Boi follow through. The song and the hook of "Elevators (Me & You)" is one of the catchier on the entire album and should be heard by every music fan. "Babylon" follows, which is a personal favorite, with Dre spitting out a unique rhyme which blends with the intro of the song. The beats and vocals in "Babylon" are smooth and are easily taken in as Dre and Big Boi play off this with their precise lyrical additions. There is a life released throughout the album from the intro "You May Die (Intro)" to the second to last track "13th Floor/Growing Old".
  
  ATLiens has been said to have been the stepping stone for Outkast. ATLiens sent Outkast on their way to stardom but if Outkast had not continued to change their musical style would they still be where they are now? That is unknown but as Outkast progressed through out their careers their musical style did as well. Having great lyrical prowess and a unique style of combining different styles and eras of music into one is what makes Outkast who they are. ATLiens is a must own for any fan of hip hop music and is a must listen to for those who are a fan of music. Before there was Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Stankonia, and even the older Aquemini there was ATLiens.
  
  
• Their best Album. Hands Down.
  By A23F0RW1RUBBDF on 2005-08-03
  I can't believe Outkast only now is getting recognized because of Speakkerbox/The Love Below. I mean recognized by winning awards, producing other peoples songs, and even becoming movie stars. But this is their true masterpiece in my eyes. Nothing really poppy, straight hard core rap. Favorites are as follow: Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac), ATLiens, Wheelz Of Steel, Jazzy Belle, Elevators (Me & You), Babylon, Mainstream, and E.T. (Extraterrestrial). True Hip Hop Classic. Get this and their other albums before SB/TLB.
  
  
• CLASSIC
  By A8KPDJIE6KDKN on 2005-07-22
  Rating: A+
  Its been almost ten years since Outkast released their sophmore followup to SouthernPlayalisticCadillacMusic, and this album only gets better with each listen every single day. Quite possibly one of the most flawless rap records ever put out, Outkast's ATLiens is right up there with Enter the 36 Chambers, Reasonable Doubt, and Dre2001, as some of the best rap albums of all time. Although Aquemini has some extremely great tracks and funny@$$ skits, ATLiens is straight to the point as Big Boi and Andre3000 have propelled their style and flows into outer-space with this album, stepping up past the tight flows and beats from their prvious effort and showing everyone how to make a classic album in the process. While radio singles like Elevator's earned Outkast a spot on mainstream radio solidifying their reputation, it is with tracks like Jazzy Belle, Babylon, Mainstream, and Millenium that Outkast truly show how much they can make a song shine. However, these are not the only great tracks on this album, as truly you can pop the cd in let it ride and just bask in the atmosphere and vibe permited from this perfect album. Subsequent releases by the dynamic duo were excellent as well but this album showed Big Boi and Andre in their prime unafraid of what to say and do, creating a landmark classic that few can argue will ever get old.
  
  
• ABSOLUTE CLASSIC.
  By A1SXNBHCTZIF2A on 2005-02-01
  I don't quite know where to start or where to end when it comes to an album that has established its status as a classic as firmly as this one has. Here's a sampling of the lyrics:
  
  True I got more fans than the average man but not enough loot to last me
  To the end of the week, I live by the beat like you live check to check
  If you don't move yo' foot then I don't eat, so we like neck to neck
  Yes we done come a long way like them slim ass cigarettes
  From virginia, this ain't gon stop so we just gonna continue.
  
  Damn.
  
  To say that there just aren't rhymers out there that have the depth and flow that Outkast had 9 years ago would hardly be an overstatement. This album is what happened when two young rappers from Atlanta set foot in the studio, focused as all hell, and cranked out a masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and cop this album. But if other rap starts sounding like crap, don't say I didn't warn you!
  
  
• Southern Art
  By A3A4M34UQDJPG9 on 2001-12-20
  Since their inception, OutKast has yet to release an album that falls short of excellence. That is an even greater accomplishment when you take into account the fact that they have released a new album every other year since their debut in 1994. However, in my humble opinion, "ATLiens" (the duo's sophomore effort) is their best collection to date.

  When "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" dropped OutKast proved that there was hip hop in the South that could hold its own with anything released in the east or west underground. But they did it with their roots firmly planted in their southern heritage. The duo could have easily copied that successful formula with their second release. But instead, Andre stopped smoking and drinking, started wearing a turban, and along with partner Big Boi, declared that the crew was from another world. The result was "ATLiens."

  While there is no denying the southern funk that has been a staple of the OutKast formula, they also took a chance with the concept of the album. It would have been very easy to alienate (no pun intended)some of the fans that made thier debut so successful. Instead, however, OutKast showed their artistic growth.
  
  

• Sit back and chill while you listen to this
  By A2IE6300WITO1Z on 2000-12-16
  Possibly the least liked outkast album, but in my opinion the best. You cannot deny the fact that this album can rest your soul. I have listened to ATLiens many times, and every time I do, i find something new to enjoy about this "Thought provoking album" as quoted by Andre Benjamin. The intro is very soothing and prepares you for the lyrical journey ahead. Two dope boyz, Title track, Wheelz of steel, and Elevators are all hits that everyone has heard before, but the tracks that are forgotten are the ones that make the album. Mainstream, easily the best collaboration between Outkast and Goodie Mob is increadable. Word of advice, buy and listen to this album it can't disapoint.
  
  
• BEST CD EVER
  By A2O79ZQ9L3XJGU on 2000-02-11
  This is the best cd ever made. This is a different kind of rap than anything else on the market. This cd is always in my rotation. I think that this is better than Southerplayacadillacmuzic and Aquemini. The best tracks are ATLiens, Wheelz of Steel, elevators, babylon, and two dope boyz. Big Boi and Dre are two of the most innovative rappers out there. I'm sick of all rappers bragging about themselves throughout their entire cd, or just rapping about meaningless s$#t. Outkast has the best lyrics that I have ever heard. BUY THE CD IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT ALREADY!
  
  
• For Purist Only
  By A2WX7D2J43YYFH on 2004-05-10
  While most of you try to dichotomize terms like hip hop and rap, i just listen to the music. music is now so intermingled with videos, clothing lines, fancy beats, and image, that we have forgotten very music that paved the way for bullsh*t to drive on. this album strays from that path. it doesnt come with any fancy videos or special guests. nor skits --just pure [circle term(rap or hip-hop)]. this album is not only the best outkast album (if you are a true fan you'll agree.), but it is also an archetype for any hip-hop classic; crisp beats, good lyrics, and, most importantly, consistancy (i hate it when an album has one good single and the tracks range from hot to wack). Andre and Big Boi both grew lyrically from their first record to create this futuristic masterpiece. it will be years before the the rap/hip-hop community will understand the genius of this album. if you dont have this album please dont write reviews or consider yourself an Outkast fan.
  
  
• This album has to be considered a CLASSIC.....
  By A105S56ODHGJEK on 2000-03-23
  This is Kast's second offering. Their first album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was a classic, and this picks up where that left off, literally "Elevating" them to other-worldly levels. The title track is designed to get the party crunk, yet still maintains a smooth feel. 90% of this album is nuthin but stand-out trax, including Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac), Wheelz Of Steel, Jazzy Belle, Elevators, Mainstream, Decatur Psalm, and 13th Floor/Growing Old. All of those are beautifully constructed trax, which succeed on all levels. That being said, the album does have it's low points. Babylon drags slightly with its lackadaisical beat. Ditto for E.T., which is an odd track in which chiming noises and heavy breathing comprise the beat. I guess they were trying to capture that odd "alien" type feeling. Overall, however, this is a must-have album. With hooks that will have you singing along subconsciously and beats that will keep your head nodding. Combine those elements with Big Boi and Andre's stutter-stop flows and lyrical wordplaying, and you get that signature Outkast sound, which has yet to produce anything less than classic music.
  
  
• (4.5 stars) Progressive hip-hop is so cool...
  By A26NLSTT75FMJM on 2007-12-07
  If all rap was like this album, I would listen to the genre a lot more than I do. It manages to be totally out-there (the spacey "Wheelz of Steel", a favorite of mine because of the creepy Spanish guitar and weird synthesizer squeaks and what have you; "Elevators", which sounds like Pink Floyd meets rap), but really catchy regardless (title song; "Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)"). They even screw with your standard "rap ballad" on "Jazzy Belle" with echoey backup vocals. These guys know how to use the studio as an instrument, that's for sure. It's not just the studio effects that make this such a good release, either. It's also about Andre 3000 and Big Boi - two charismatic rappers with interesting voices who are capable of just packing their songs with as many rhymes as possible - without getting tongue-tied. Plus some great social commentary on "Ova Da Wudz"; "Elevators (Me & You)"; and "Babylon", which might be the best "rap-ballad" I've ever heard. I love that song's chorus... "Oooh, I think the battle's just begun...". Good stuff. And the beats are pretty sweet, too ("Over Da Wudz"). But the thing I really like about this album is the hypnotic mood it has, you know? Surprisingly, I even like the generic little interlude thingy that finds its way onto every rap album ("Wailin'"). It's quite funky. And I really like "Mainstream" - again, because of all the atmospheric "stuff". And our chorus. Now here's a group that understands the power of the chorus. "When it ain't all peaches and cream!" and so forth. "Decatur Psalm" isn't quite as big as the other songs, but it's got a nice chorus and a delicate wah-wah part, so it's good. Same with "Millennium" - not a standout, but a good song because of the mood. The only weak track is "E.T.", a song where nothing happens. It seems as though something's about to happen, but nothing does. Very bad song on a very good album. But even then, it's tough to deny the power of the moving, piano-based "13th Floor/Growing Old". Get this right away. I don't care how much you think you hate rap. This isn't your average rap album. Awesome cover art, too.
  
  
• It's Just Two Dope Boyz In A Caddillac (Rating: 9 out of 10- -4.5 stars)
  By A2ETZ7GF5B1712 on 2006-10-03
  Damn, seeing that Outkast had a movie and a new album out, I realized that I haven't reviewed not only one of their albums except their greatest hits album. Outkast has really represented the hometown since '93 when V103 (ATLiens know this station) used to bump "Player's Ball" on the radio airwaves. And "Southerplayaisticmuzik" back in mid '94 help place Atlanta on the map. Two years later, they come out with their sophomore album "ATLiens" in Sept 1996.
  
  This time, they flipped their whole concept around compared to their first one. While their debut was mostly about pimpin and smoking weed, this one was more "out there". The production by Organized Noize was more laid back and smoother sounding. Their first single "Elevators (Me & U)" was heavily rotated back in summer of '96, and everybody was trying to memorize that hook "Me & U/Your momma and your cousin too..." (lol). Antwan "Big Boi" Patton and Andre "3000" Benjamin's rhymes took a side step (not saying they didn't improve, but just went a different direction with their rhymes). On the song "Two Dope Boyz In A Caddilac" would be a good example of what I'm saying, as well as their second single "ATLiens". The most "out there" concept on this album would be the two songs "Millenium" and "Extraterrestrial" that will garuntee to have you head nod. The latter song may sound wierd to many listeners because the song doesn't have any drums, so it sounds like they're freestyling accapella.
  
  Guest wise is pretty dope too. Goodie Mob's Khujo and T-Mo appear on "Mainstream" as well as Cee-Lo, Big Gipp, and Cool Breeze on "Decatur Psalm". Witchdoctor would handle the hook on the song "Ova Da Woodz".
  
  As much as I LOVE this album, I have to gripe about one thing (and I may come back and edit this to a 10 rating, because this should have been on the greatest hits album). "Jazzy Belle" was the third single back in early '97, and if you remember it was remixed with Babyface singing the hook to the song. On this album, that isn't on here (eventhough the origonal was a good song) I believe that this album should be remasted and that should be on here. Thats my only tiny gripe on this album. Otherwise this is an awesome album to catch musical vibes off of. If you're new to this Outkast, I highly recommend "Dre and Big Boi Presents: Outkast" before you buy any of their albums.
  
  Lyrics: A+
  Production: A+
  Guest Appearances: A
  Musical Vibes: A
  Overall: A+
  
  Other Notable Tracks: Wailin', Wheelz Of Steel, 13th Floor/Growing Old
  
  Chandler Infamous, and I'm ghost, Peace!
  
  
• classic
  By A2DR61Z790YQM5 on 2005-08-28
  I got this album a year ago. I still listen to it frequently. I listen to it to wind down, or when im sad. or while i do my homework. also good car music..perfect car music, i must say. Because I cant think of anything bad about this album, i will say any fan of hip-hop will like this album. guaranteed.
  the beats are solid. the lyrics are amazing at times. the atmosphere is perhapse legendary.
  Jazzy Belle and Extra Floor are my personal favorites.
  
  
• one of the most experimental, explosive and moving albums
  By ANT1T5LLJJ5SC on 2005-01-07
  OUTKAST'S ATLiens is one of the most experimental, explosive and moving albums in Hip Hop history. I know a couple of people put off by the video for "Elevators" but you could not deny that the song was dope. Outkast now is house hold name, but in 94 Outkast was very underated. First time i listen to the album complete i almost cried. The music is so beautiful, but the words are so heartfelt. The last two songs are unlike anything i had herd at the time, and still holds 10 years later. This made Outkast more than just a Hip Hop act they were something more, It also led the way for the classic "Aquimini." A+
  
  
• Outkast at their best
  By A2MGMBB5F9NED on 2004-12-05
  Outkast have produced 3 classics - this, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and Aquemini. And this is probably the best of the 3, although their first album was hard to top. This album is just some classic hiphop. I dont know how better to describe it - you just have to get it to know for yourself. Anyone without these 3 Outkast album i listed above cannot call themselves a "genuine" hiphop fan, if you haven't heard classic hiphop at it's best like this. And if you think you are an Outkast fan, then you most definitely must have these 3 albums to call yourself an Outkast fan, because they are their best album, this one being my favorite. Best tracks here, well every track is fire, but my favorites are Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac), ATLiens (the best song here), Ova da Wudz, Wailin' (which has one of the best beats ever), and Mainstream which is probably my favorite song. If you haven't got this album yet, you are probably some eminem and 50 cent commercial pop rap fan, because all true rap/hip-hop fans will already have this.
  
  
• an acid trip in a space cadillac
  By A2AKFJOWF71WGV on 2004-10-07
  It's real hard to tell which album was OutKast's best. Personally, I reckon ATLiens is BY FAR their most promising and thoughtful albums. OutKast do the unexpected here where they take us on a trip up to space and explore the wonders of life. I can't stress just how DOPE this album is, it has everything: unstoppable production, untouchable lyrics and an unbelievable album cover with art inside the book. Check out Two Dope Boyz, Jazzy Belle and Wheelz of Steel, OutKast extend their knowledge to the very extent where it can't go no more. Also, their flow is so mind-blowing, it'd even confuse the mind of the brainiest person living on earth. And, uh, excuse Ms. Idon'tcare, but don't worry about the beat on E.T., it fits perfectly and is so dark. However, it you want to visit (or revisit) OutKast at their best on here, view 13th Floor/Growing Old. The name itself makes the song look good and I ESPECIALLY love the intro where the man speaks truthfully and fully.
  
  Best moments= Jazzy Belle, E.T. and 13th Floor/Growing Old
  
  
• The first Hip-Hop album you should listen to
  By A3KKZDE4LVSNZJ on 2004-05-11
  If you were looking for an album that was thoughtful and moving, you wouldn't generally buy a rap album, but this is some beautiful music dudes and dudesses! It is certainly the most thought provoking hip-hop album I have ever heard. Songs like 13th floor and Millenium are simply timeless.
  'Some things gotta change, sounds of laughter and happiness turn my teardrops to the rain, like memories of yesterday'.
  There is eroticism too- 'Im fascinated by the way your nipples poke at me through your blouse'.
  The only thing better than the deep (yet unpretentious lyrics) are the tremendous, soulful hooks, which combine great vocal harmonies with an organ or a piano say.
  The three best times to play this album are; Driving alone at night (but watch not to crash with relaxation!), when hungover (when profoundity and sensitivity is heightened), or at the end of a hot party or night out. One cant say that ATLiens is the best Outkast album, because there is not a best Outkast album, that is the brilliance of the group- that there is an album for each mood. Yet this is hip-hop and music at its' best.
  
  
• Wow can't even begin to describe it
  By A1U996YEDDRCD7 on 2004-05-08
  I must confess... I was not an Outkast fan since the beginning. I was one of the many people who jumped on the Outkast bandwagon in 2000 with Stankonia. After B.O.B, Ms. Jackon, and So Fresh, So Clean, I completely forgot about Outkast until 2003 (shame on me) when Speakerboxx/The Love Below came out. I bought this album in haste when it came out and instantly loved it. After hearing all the songs on Speakerboxx/The Love Below about 100,000 times each, I decided to buy ATLiens, with a bit of skepticism.

  And guess what? I have no regrets whatsoever. But enough about me. This album, to put it simply, is off the chain. Unlike mainstream rap today, where the same stuff is rapped about over and over (at least some of the songs sound good), this album thinks outside the box. It starts out with "Two Dope Boyz", a great way to kick off the album. This track, though short at only 2:46, lives up to its name; it's DOPE. Next is the eerie, out of this world "ATLiens", with its funky laid-back alien beat and the crazy wordplay by Big Boi in the 1st verse. Then comes the best song on the album in my opinion, "Wheelz of Steel". This one definately should of been released as a single, its got a really catchy hook, mad scratching and sweet beat. Tracks 5 & 6, "Jazzy Belle" & "Elevators" are both excellent slow tracks with the same crazy lyrics and beats you'd expect from Outkast. Other standouts on this CD include "Mainstream", "E.T. (Extraterrestrial)", & "13th Floor/Growing Old", a piano-based with a touching melody. The rest isn't quite as good, but it's nothing worth hitting the fast-forward button on.

  If you want to see where the Album of the Year Speakerboxx/The Love Below came from, pick up this album. Definately a CD to add to one's collection.

  P.S. Pick up Speakerboxx/The Love Below if you haven't already!
  
  

• should have been 5 mics
  By A3HTPZWRCB3OI1 on 2004-03-14
  pick up now all i have to say but also outkast may be hated by some its love or hate for these creative men

  Favorite Track:Elavators
  Guests:Goodie Mob and Organized Noise

  10 of 10 lyrics 10 of 10 beats
  
  

• ATLiens is out of this world
  By AYB6IIG5BFLH1 on 2002-07-16
  "ATLiens" starts off with a woman singing a brief interlude, this perfectly sets up OutKast's second music masterpiece as this is not your typical album. It is a great mixture of rapping, singing, and the use of instrumentation that few albums dare to use.
  "Two Dope Boys" has a funky southern beat as OutKast bring some pimped out rhymes. "ATLiens" uses a great drum kick beat, with synthed singing in the background. This has one of the most memorable hooks of any rap song. OutKast shows off their ability to make meaningful songs with relaxing beats on "Jazzy Belle" and "Elevators". "Babylon" is simply amazing, OutKast shows off a new flow and uses a great hook to move the song along. "Mainstream" has a nice relaxed old-school feel that conjures up images of the beginnings of hip-hop. A common theme throughout this album is amazing hooks that really move the song and provide the elements that make good songs great. A nice example of this is on "Millennium" as this simple hook can be extremely effective. "13th Floor/Growing Old" is a genius song as it involves outstanding singing with great narration from Andre and Big Boi. One of the albums best lyrical moments comes from Andre: "no one is free when others are oppressed".
  This album has a very relaxed and laid back feel to it. It is incredibly enjoyable as the beats and mixture of rapping/singing is music that your ears cannot help but take in and get submerged into.
  
  
• Peaches from da SWaTS
  By on 1999-09-06
  This album is just as fresh in 1999 as it was in 1996. The funky production this time was cooked for the most part by Andre and Big Boi in their danked out home lab and the result is out of this world cosmic flows and the most beautiful African sounds to come from the soil of Confederate Georgia.
  
  

• Aquemini
• Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
• Stankonia
• Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below
• Idlewild