A Grand Don't Come For Free Image
  • Summary: Mike Skinner returns with the inenviable job of following up his genre-smashing debut 'Original Pirate Material,' which was an enormous critical and commercial hit in the UK and paved the way for the success of later acts such as Dizzee Rascal.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. 100
    On A Grand, everything Skinner does is in service to an infinitely satisfying and resonant whole.
  2. 100
    An essential listen for anyone interested in where music might take them. [Jun 2004, p.86]
  3. Skinner has often been declared the Eminem of British rap. But on A Grand..., he proves that if anything, he's British hip-hop's answer to master storyteller Ray Davies, or maybe idiot savant Brian Wilson.

See all 30 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 123
  2. Negative: 17 out of 123
  1. LaviniaH
    10
    loved it
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. benk
    5
    I've seen a few reviews stating that Mike Skiinner "definitely took some risks" making this album. Risks? What risks? Original Pirate Material, if anything, was a risk, because it was so unique in an otherwise same-sounding genre. This new record is more of the same, hence my wonder: If your second record sounds like it could have been bundled with the first, what risks are you taking with the album? It's a stretch calling this stuff 'music'. It's unique to be sure, but I still think it's slightly overrated. There's a value to originality, but there's also a value to cohesive rhythm and flow, which I feel this album (much like OPM) seriously lacks. What saved OPM was the handful of distinctive songs that this album lacks. "Fit But You Know It" is a good time. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. EmilT
    2
    too sweet
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 123 User Reviews

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