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Original Pirate Material Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 173 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut album by the London garage (or in this case, bedroom) band, which consists solely of 21-year-old Mike Skinner. Whether or not this style of music (very English rapping over garage/house beats) will translate well overseas remains to be seen, but garage (and especiallyThis is the debut album by the London garage (or in this case, bedroom) band, which consists solely of 21-year-old Mike Skinner. Whether or not this style of music (very English rapping over garage/house beats) will translate well overseas remains to be seen, but garage (and especially Skinner) is the current flavor of the month with the UK music press. Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Uncut
    100
    The first record in a long while I've wanted to play again immediately after it's finished. [Album Of The Month, April 2002, p.92]
  2. Original Pirate Material, to put it plainly, is the most vivid evocation of life as a young person in the UK since Blur's Parklife, and yes, even The Clash's first album.
  3. An album whose scope, diversity, wit and heart make it instantly the best album of 2002.
  4. On the evidence of this excellent debut, few people can challenge Skinner right now except himself.
  5. Q Magazine
    80
    The odd portentous lapse and minor clunker aside, the rate of killer lines is remarkably high. [Mar 2002, p.115]
  6. In the midst of its 14 tracks, there are a couple that, if taken on their own, would qualify as throwaways. But the way the album should be heard, as a whole, each piece works with the others.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 97
  2. Negative: 7 out of 97
  1. RhiannonL.
    Aug 17, 2002
    10
    there is only one word needed to describe this album "wicked". the streets aka mike skinner is a lyrical genius and those who slate him or there is only one word needed to describe this album "wicked". the streets aka mike skinner is a lyrical genius and those who slate him or his album obviusly dont see class music when it slaps them in the face! when will he be doing a tour? Expand
  2. danielw
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Brilliant. the music i normally listen to is rock music, but this album is absolutely fantastic.
  3. JamesM
    Oct 13, 2002
    10
    The most original album I have listened to this year
  4. Jong
    Nov 16, 2003
    10
    ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a shame this album wasnt popular, i guess the public just isint ready for something this real.
  5. Kalieblade
    Jul 19, 2004
    10
    yeah i think the album is ace. Mike is very talented geezer and i cant see a reason why not to like his stuff he also is sexy!!!!!
  6. LouiseB
    Apr 11, 2005
    9
    I love this album and one pf the critics is right, you do have to listen to it quite a few times before you can really appreciate it. I love this album and one pf the critics is right, you do have to listen to it quite a few times before you can really appreciate it. Although (arguably) I think that A Grand Don't Come For Free is better! Expand
  7. LeonW.
    Jul 30, 2002
    0
    intolerable rubbish thats a chor to listen to. definately one of the most overrated albums of the year. Don't bother!

See all 97 User Reviews

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