Computers & Blues
by The Streets
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Pitchfork
    Feb 28, 2011
    57
    A collection of lesser beats and hooks that somewhat returns to Original Pirate Material's sonics, Computers and Blues sadly trades that record's wonderful sense of place for a foggy vagueness that leaves Skinner's insights mostly impenetrable.
  2. Uncut
    Feb 18, 2011
    40
    The fifth and final Streets albums suffers as a result of his self-imposed exile from the hubbub he once chronicled with such verve. [Mar 2011, p.101]
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  3. Mojo
    Apr 4, 2011
    60
    It's a fine bookend for a man who defined one parochial corner of the music world. [Mar 2011, p.96]
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  5. The Guardian
    Feb 15, 2011
    60
    Computers and Blues is inimitable, flawed, and perhaps a suitable way to bow out.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 15, 2011
    50
    Computers and Blues, ultimately, just passes the test with a studious recount. It is neither atrociously bad nor staggeringly good: no stand-outs, no teeth-clenching clunkers. It is just okay.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Feb 18, 2011
    59
    Overall, Skinner sounds bored and tired of himself-in short, ready to move on.
  8. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Mar 29, 2011
    50
    In the end, the album is a collection of songs, mostly good, some indifferent, and all a hundred times more honest than, say, Rihanna. But it's all really to no transcendent purpose.
  9. NOW Magazine
    Feb 18, 2011
    60
    The production on this unfocused album is, as usual, nothing mind-blowing. Still, Skinner has an insightful charm and a lyrical gift that makes this a respectable send-off.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. JGreenwoodW
    Jan 26, 2012
    6
    Thought the album had a strange sound to it which is strangely appealing but this nothing on The Streets previous albums, a littleThought the album had a strange sound to it which is strangely appealing but this nothing on The Streets previous albums, a little disappointed. The album seems to be full of fillers for me with only one outstanding track which is Going Through Hell.… Full Review »
  2. tbhall23
    Mar 22, 2011
    8
    A return to form! Skinner sounds like he's having fun again, and even if the album lacks A Grand Don't Come for Free's absorbing cinematicA return to form! Skinner sounds like he's having fun again, and even if the album lacks A Grand Don't Come for Free's absorbing cinematic scope, it is a solid Streets album, funny and poignant in equal measure. Shame he's calling it quits.… Full Review »
  3. macsumner
    Mar 11, 2011
    4
    What a lacklustre retirement. If Skinner is as bored of the Streets name and intonation, then why bother with a final album? It's the sound ofWhat a lacklustre retirement. If Skinner is as bored of the Streets name and intonation, then why bother with a final album? It's the sound of a former rabble-rouser deserted by his old posse, left alone in his concrete chasm, riffing his own poetry over MySpace friends music output.… Full Review »
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