50 Most Underrated Albums of the 2000's (So Far): #22

22.Atmosphere-Seven's Travels (2003)

Hip-hop group Atmosphere finally released the masterpiece they had hinted at in their years of grinding in the underground scene with 2002's God Loves Ugly. Some acts take a steep decline after releasing a landmark album, but for Atmosphere the release of God Loves Ugly marked the beginning of a streak of excellent releases for the group. Seven's Travels, the immediate follow-up to God Loves Ugly, marks the last of Atmosphere's not entirely serious records and remains a highly enjoyable and refreshingly original listen over a decade after its release.The bizarre interludes scattered throughout prevent it from reaching the heights of God Loves Ugly, but the actual songs are some of the strongest Atmosphere has ever released. "Trying to Find a Balance" is the perfect Atmosphere song with its anthematic hook, powerful lyrics and memorable production while the grimy banger "Cats Van Bags" is an uncharacteristically aggressive track from the typically laid-back duo. While Seven's Travels is mostly a light listen, there are some profound tracks ("Reflections", "Bird Sings Why the Caged I Know", "Suicidegirls") that pack a serious emotional punch. Seven's Travels is the perfect antithesis for the varied behemoth of a record that was God Loves Ugly and the somber material of the records that followed it.

Standout Tracks
1.Trying to Find a Balance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X51sL4SzVG4
2.Cats Van Bags http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeTa8BSiih0
3.Reflections http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llDczT9BzAg