User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 173 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 14 out of 173

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  1. Aug 19, 2023
    10
    Mike Skinners absolute masterpiece, this album does not have a single track I would rate under an 8.5. The album perfectly sums up life in the UK. Best song on the album "Has it come to this?".
  2. Sep 9, 2020
    10
    Legendary album with some legendary tunes . Makes you proud to be British .
  3. Jul 26, 2019
    8
    A great album with a very interesting sound! I can definitely see why people might be turned off by the way Mike Skinner raps, as it almost feels like spoken word. I'll admit, I was a bit iffy about the album at first, but after a little while I came to appreciate it. I do still think that the album has a few weak points here and there, but as a debut album, the quality on this thing isA great album with a very interesting sound! I can definitely see why people might be turned off by the way Mike Skinner raps, as it almost feels like spoken word. I'll admit, I was a bit iffy about the album at first, but after a little while I came to appreciate it. I do still think that the album has a few weak points here and there, but as a debut album, the quality on this thing is pretty impressive - especially after reading about the DIY nature of its production. The dude recorded his vocals in a wardrobe! On the lyrical side of things, I appreciate how he describes ordinary life in a way that isn't too flashy. As a result, this album feels like a glimpse into what regular life was like in central England during the early 2000s. Some of my favorites off of this include "Has It Come to This?," "It's Too Late," "Don't Mug Yourself," and "Weak Become Heroes." So if you're looking for something a little different that gives you a look into someone else's lifestyle and experiences, you should definitely check out this album. Expand
  4. Apr 26, 2017
    7
    I remember walking to school playing this over and over every day. Truly a classic. Surprised to see it rated lower than "A Grand Don't Come for Free" tho, I think The Streets' debut was the best thing they have ever done.
  5. Apr 14, 2015
    9
    This is a great rap album. It deals with excellent topics about loss and just having a good time. Clearly The Streets knows what he's doing. Excellent album.
  6. Oct 22, 2014
    9
    A modern British Classic. Mike Skinner's spoken lyrics encapsulate a side of British culture that a lot of people around the world would be oblivious to. The beats which accompany the lyrics are flawless in places, especially for 'Turn The Page', 'Let's Push Things Forward' and 'Stay Positive'. By creating fusion between hip-hop and garage, delivered with lyrics in a regional accent,A modern British Classic. Mike Skinner's spoken lyrics encapsulate a side of British culture that a lot of people around the world would be oblivious to. The beats which accompany the lyrics are flawless in places, especially for 'Turn The Page', 'Let's Push Things Forward' and 'Stay Positive'. By creating fusion between hip-hop and garage, delivered with lyrics in a regional accent, Skinner effectively invents his own genre. Not a bad way to introduce yourself to the music industry. Expand
  7. Oct 17, 2012
    8
    Very inventive and unique sound mixed with some very British vocals make this an interesting listen for Americans such as myself. Worth listening to!
  8. MattC
    Aug 5, 2008
    9
    Mark G. I guess that American hiphop is much better? Much better to talk about pimps, 40's and hoes This is what is wrong about society, people complaining for the wrong reasons!
  9. danielw
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Brilliant. the music i normally listen to is rock music, but this album is absolutely fantastic.
  10. BibianeN
    May 16, 2008
    10
    WONDERFUL. Amazingly, surprisingly goog album!
  11. RobertC
    Dec 10, 2006
    10
    Turn the Page is wicked
  12. AdzH
    Sep 16, 2006
    10
    Original pirate material is the best album of all time, bar none! whether its my background as an English lad now in my late teens i dont know, but what i do kno is that this album will never die. 4 years after its release and its still so fresh and still personally my favourite work Mike Skinner has produced. Every lyric has meaning, every beat matches the vibe of that particular track Original pirate material is the best album of all time, bar none! whether its my background as an English lad now in my late teens i dont know, but what i do kno is that this album will never die. 4 years after its release and its still so fresh and still personally my favourite work Mike Skinner has produced. Every lyric has meaning, every beat matches the vibe of that particular track and this makes every track a masterpiece. You wont find any stupid skits in this album and this means you can play it from biggining to end loving every single minute! .....since its release when i was in high skool it has become the soundtrack to my life, following me everywhere and spookilly commentating on my experiences. Anyone who dislikes this album i got sum advice for you: get high and sit around with you mates...........listen to the lyrics.........jus sit back and chill.......listen to the beats.........youll soon feel every pressure in your life lift off your shoulders and Mike Skinner's deep philosophy will fix you. This album is more than a 10/10, because it cannot equal any other album ever made. perfect. We should all feel lucky we are living in the era that this was released... which this masterpiece places in context for all of us. im gonna listen to this album til i die Expand
  13. MattM
    Aug 10, 2006
    10
    I think everyone on the forum can agree that Steven C, that guy who gave this record a 1 is a complete mindless twat. We all know what kind of person Steven is: "Just give me a good beat to dance to while I try my hardest to look tough in the club, never mind the lyrics." You are out of your mind Bro. This record is the most enthralling & interesting record that has come out in the 21st I think everyone on the forum can agree that Steven C, that guy who gave this record a 1 is a complete mindless twat. We all know what kind of person Steven is: "Just give me a good beat to dance to while I try my hardest to look tough in the club, never mind the lyrics." You are out of your mind Bro. This record is the most enthralling & interesting record that has come out in the 21st century so far. Forget about Eminem! Forget about 50 "Fucking" Cent! You are locked on to the Streets. Expand
  14. ChrisC
    May 9, 2006
    10
    This album is genius lyrically. The use of all the British slang is mindblowing and whoever cannot appreciate something different like this can rot in hell because they are closed minded.
  15. PhilS
    May 3, 2006
    9
    As a poet, there is no better than this working class hero. I was tempted to give this album 10, but decided not to bcause i am mean. It is really really good quality...... i mean, he is what Doherty could be
  16. Kel
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    If you're looking for the standard hip hop album replete with guns, hoes and, erm, female dogs(!), you'd best turn away now, for Mike Skinner aka The Streets is on a different mission with his debut LP. Many have accredited the Brixton-by-Birmingham native of single-handedly revitalising the ailing UK garage scene. Universally praised by critics the world over and hailed as a If you're looking for the standard hip hop album replete with guns, hoes and, erm, female dogs(!), you'd best turn away now, for Mike Skinner aka The Streets is on a different mission with his debut LP. Many have accredited the Brixton-by-Birmingham native of single-handedly revitalising the ailing UK garage scene. Universally praised by critics the world over and hailed as a generational classic upon its release, Original Pirate Material serves as a timeless chronicle of the experiences, travails and culture of modern 21st century British youth. Whether it's the urban shout-out 'Has It Come To this? Expand
  17. JackL
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    This is a stokr of genius from the man Mike Skinner i also have "a grand don't come for free" both awsome living in australia but originaly from Croydon London English Hip-Hop is not that big over here but Mike skinner is certainly well liked by anyone who listens to the albums an awsome 10/10 for this one!
  18. 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. Although (arguably) I think that A Grand Don't Come For Free is better!
  19. DerekN
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Original Pirate Material is the most revolutionary hip-hop album since Eminem's Slim Shady LP. (BlackStar & Roots were pretty good too.) It's got some Artful Dodger elements, but lyrics that any normal young dude can relate to. Although Skinner's lyrics are more British inclined, but anybody that appreciates true hip-hop will truly appreciate it.
  20. CiaránMcC
    Nov 8, 2004
    10
    Bout time some gezzer did somethin diferent. The lyrics are classical and so is the album!!!!!
  21. 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!!!!!
  22. dai
    Jul 1, 2004
    10
    god f*ing dammit! where's this album been all my life! best rhymes since lord byron... sit back and let ur mind be blown.
  23. ImogenC
    Jun 29, 2004
    10
    It's Quality mate just what wev'e all been waiting for More Live gig's in England needed!!!
  24. AldusH
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    Sublime. I've just listened to this CD ten times in a row. Not really into dance or whatever, but this album is a major addiction for me.
  25. AsiaZ
    Jun 13, 2004
    10
    It's hard to imagine a more shockingly brilliant and unexpected debut. Mike Skinner is unlike anyone else in music today, and I mean that with utmost respect.
  26. dd
    May 14, 2004
    8
    doesnt that dude mean cult classic
  27. timl
    May 2, 2004
    10
    Amazing. The best debut of the 21st Century without question. Probably the best debut full stop since 'Definately Maybe'. Incredible.
  28. GordonR
    Apr 26, 2004
    10
    Best British album in ages and Mike Skinner could be the best British lyricist since the mighty Morrissey
  29. calebm
    Apr 9, 2004
    9
    good
  30. AlanB
    Mar 31, 2004
    10
    Revolutionary! Like nothing I've ever heard before. Skinner combines a great mix of wicked samples with social commentary that we can all appreciate. "Turn the Page" is an incredible track.
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Original Pirate Material is England's first great hip-hop record mostly because it isn't a hip-hop record. It's hard to say exactly what it is.
  2. An album whose scope, diversity, wit and heart make it instantly the best album of 2002.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    While Original Pirate Material isn't as good as the U.K. press hyperbole would have us believe, it does prove that sentiment and sincerity are more interesting than slickness and skills. [Dec 2002, p.96]