A Grand Don't Come For Free
by The Streets
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 226 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 226
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 226
  3. Negative: 28 out of 226

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  1. ChrisP
    Jun 22, 2004
    8
    I don't love it, but I really like it. Some of the beats and "singing" (e.g. the chorus for 'such a twat') can be bland/obnoxious but it's very engaging overall - including Mike's "British flow".
  2. Zion
    Jun 10, 2004
    5
    just bad.. no beats, no harmony. just a long boring story. unacceptable for a band like the streets...ill try the next albun just in case they were "baked" when they made this one..
  3. JT
    Jun 10, 2004
    4
    This album is a let-down compared to Original Pirate Material. Skinner's schtick wears thin early on when all he does is gripe about poor me type sh!t. At least with OPM there was some edge to the beats and his delivery was refreshingly different and varied between tracks. Now he seems to have shifted to cruise control, making some kind of "concept album" using presumably an episode This album is a let-down compared to Original Pirate Material. Skinner's schtick wears thin early on when all he does is gripe about poor me type sh!t. At least with OPM there was some edge to the beats and his delivery was refreshingly different and varied between tracks. Now he seems to have shifted to cruise control, making some kind of "concept album" using presumably an episode of his own life as the muse. The result- listenable but unimpressive. The critics have been jizzing over this album but I can't believe they've actually listened to it, or if so they must not have heard OPM first. Anyway, they've got me scratching my head, cause I don't get all the fuss.… Expand
  4. nico
    Jun 8, 2004
    10
    Genius. Make sure you listen to it from start to finish.
  5. JosephP
    Jun 8, 2004
    4
    I can't stand this cd. Theres a few good parts but the majority of the cd is incredibly difficult to listen to. The tracks sound good but the british accent totally works against getting a flow going as far as word-play goes.
  6. BeckA
    Jun 6, 2004
    8
    Mr Mike Skinner... I have just one thing to say. Maybe people did listen to the CD and somehow manage, through sheer force of will against the imposing sheparding gaze of the music industry's hype, to make their own choices and give reviews based on their honest opinions. Comon man, you're basically saying that you didn't like it, so nobody else should either because the Mr Mike Skinner... I have just one thing to say. Maybe people did listen to the CD and somehow manage, through sheer force of will against the imposing sheparding gaze of the music industry's hype, to make their own choices and give reviews based on their honest opinions. Comon man, you're basically saying that you didn't like it, so nobody else should either because the album is obviously a "steaming turd." So...instead of making up their own minds and not following the popular opinion, they're supposed to follow yours? Uh, I fail to see the difference that would make. Instead, people seem to have done exactly what you have suggested: given honest reviews based on what they thought of the disc. ...and what exactly does the fact that you're a Brit have to do with anything? Personally, I thought the disc was decent. It has its hooks, good beats, and melds together fairly well. But, it just doesn't feel as original as their earlier release, which is to be expected. This disc is worth a listen.… Expand
  7. AndrewT
    Jun 3, 2004
    10
    Pure Quality! Great story on top of good beats. Dry Your eyes is by far The Streets best ever song.
  8. LawrenceP
    May 31, 2004
    9
    At first listen i didn't think this record was beter than "Original Pirate Material." I was wrong...Mike has showned me a side of him i didn't think he had in him. Good job mate...keep up the good work.
  9. JasonT
    May 30, 2004
    9
    Doesn't have the stand out tracks of Original Pirate Material, but still is a great collection of musings. "Empty Cans" is a brilliant record.
  10. DaveV
    May 27, 2004
    9
    It took guts to make a concept album in the genre, great stuff
  11. Hales
    May 25, 2004
    10
    master pece for the first time in a long time it's an album thats moved me
  12. JeffFormOz
    May 24, 2004
    10
    exceptional album.
  13. elainec
    May 24, 2004
    9
    complete original anybody who slates this album will be eating their words in years to come, a sure classic!!!
  14. MartB
    May 20, 2004
    10
    Mike is a class above everyone else.Brilliant album.Get it.
  15. GennaroF
    May 20, 2004
    10
    Brilliant!!! let all the naysayers eat a D$#@. We love you M.S. keep it comin.RESPECT
  16. GennaroF
    May 20, 2004
    10
    Brilliant!!! let all the naysayers eat a D$#@. We love you M.S. keep it comin.RESPECT
  17. GennaroF
    May 20, 2004
    10
    Brilliant!!! let all the naysayers eat a D$#@. We love you M.S. keep it comin.RESPECT
  18. [Anonymous]
    May 20, 2004
    10
    Bloody Superb!!!!
  19. MikeSkinner
    May 20, 2004
    2
    I think this album is pure crap. I am a brit and I kinda liked Original Pirate Material because the beats were fresh and original. His style was quirky and different and it felt like some geniune effort had gone into the album. This album, sounds like its completely unrehearsed and unplanned, the beats suck and listening to skinner and his mates singing his lame hooks is about as I think this album is pure crap. I am a brit and I kinda liked Original Pirate Material because the beats were fresh and original. His style was quirky and different and it felt like some geniune effort had gone into the album. This album, sounds like its completely unrehearsed and unplanned, the beats suck and listening to skinner and his mates singing his lame hooks is about as enjoyable as vomiting and looking for the peas. No effort has gone into this offering and I've produced better beats with Cubase and a sample cd. Not even worth dowloading this steaming turd. I just don't understand how it can get such good reviews and it just goes to show how many sheep there are in the industry, everyone jumps on the band wagon and follows the leader. Get a life make your own choices and don't support sh*t albums like this. … Expand
  20. EvanP
    May 20, 2004
    10
    A modern day flaneur, creating a philosophy upon the most mundane of daily activities. His concept is simple; it just a day in the life of Mike Skinner.
  21. Smenkharon
    May 19, 2004
    8
    Very good, more of a cohesive album than his debut but not as many killer individual songs.
  22. JohnP
    May 17, 2004
    7
    The frenzied rhymes and references of 'Original Pirate Material' are far less present on 'Grand', and sometimes engaging wordplay is sacrificed for the sake of the concept (much more 'The Irony Of It All' than 'Let's Push Things Forward') . The beats and hooks are less engaging, too, ostensibly to focus attention on the story - this is the The frenzied rhymes and references of 'Original Pirate Material' are far less present on 'Grand', and sometimes engaging wordplay is sacrificed for the sake of the concept (much more 'The Irony Of It All' than 'Let's Push Things Forward') . The beats and hooks are less engaging, too, ostensibly to focus attention on the story - this is the Final Cut to Original Pirate Material's Wall, although that's a fairly hackneyed comparison. It does reward close attention, though, and it's still pretty damn fun to listen to. Skinner's frustrated outburst at losing his cellphone is worth the price of admission alone.… Expand
  23. MacThelist
    May 16, 2004
    10
    Truly extraordinary. Like a difficult novel, it bears repeated readings, each of which reveals more of a story, each layer of which is increasingly complex and substantially more satisfying.
  24. TK
    May 16, 2004
    10
    Masterpiece.
  25. SeanC
    May 16, 2004
    10
    This disc is brilliant.
  26. MelS
    May 15, 2004
    10
    One of the best CD's released in the past few years. It doesn't matter if you like rap or not, you should listen to this album.
  27. NG
    May 15, 2004
    10
    Mike Skinner took a lot of risks to make this album. The first time I listened to it, I thought that is was less than Original Pirate Material, but the more you listen to it, the more the pieces fall together. Briljant album; if this is the best album of 2004, I think we have no right to complain.
  28. DD
    May 14, 2004
    8
    Unique sound, doesn't change style much from original pirate material, but enough so that it stays fresh. excellent thought and emotion provoking lyrics and music. I would definitely say worth buying. blinded by the lights, and empty cans are awesome songs. all the pussies who need to talk on their cell phones all the time bitching to their friends and need so much support from Unique sound, doesn't change style much from original pirate material, but enough so that it stays fresh. excellent thought and emotion provoking lyrics and music. I would definitely say worth buying. blinded by the lights, and empty cans are awesome songs. all the pussies who need to talk on their cell phones all the time bitching to their friends and need so much support from everyone need to listen to empty cans. those ppl don't care about you in the end, and your all you got. … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2004
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2004
36
#36 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Vibe
    70
    11 frenetic, oddball, and extremely original tracks. [Jun 2004, p.154]
  2. The New York Times
    70
    The problem with "A Grand Don't Come for Free" is that the pieces often work better as stories than as songs.... But it is still a thrill to hear Mr. Skinner toy with the form that he invented.
    Read full review
  3. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    83
    This makes engrossing listening if the effort suits you, but it's useless as background music.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »