North Atlantic Drift is the sixth studio album by British rock band Ocean Colour Scene.

[1] The title track is political commentary on American cultural imperialism and its support by the UK government, particularly the then impending US-led invasion of Iraq, which was opposed by the majority of the British public.

The Paul Weller-like "Golden Gate Bridge" is followed by the Phil Spector-indebted "Make the Deal", with a string arrangement from Sonia Slaney.

[4][5] Duncan Mackay, James Hunt and Nichol Tompson appear on "On My Way", playing trumpet, saxophone and trombone, respectively; it is followed by the folk-esque "Second Hand Car".

AllMusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that "only the faithful would care [about a new album from Ocean Colour Scene], which is too bad, because it's the best record they've done in a long time."

He highlted "I Just Need Myself" as "show[ing] any sign of exuberance," as the remainder of the album was "a stodgy mixture of endlessly recycled homespun tunesmithery.

"[20] John Dugan of Rolling Stone found the band to "still practices the same retro naturalism and love for soul and psychedelia, but amid the trad modness it gives increasing attention to breezy pop ditties and neo-folk melodies.

"[21] The staff at Uncut simply stated "Ocean Colour Scene are inextricably linked to a mid-’90s era which now seems hideously pass".