Original Pirate Material
by The Streets
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 173 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 157 out of 173
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 173
  3. Negative: 14 out of 173

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  1. danielw
    Jun 19, 2008
    10
    Brilliant. the music i normally listen to is rock music, but this album is absolutely fantastic.
  2. davim
    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
  3. BibianeN
    May 16, 2008
    10
    WONDERFUL. Amazingly, surprisingly goog album!
  4. 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!
  5. ShineR
    Oct 7, 2002
    2
    Obnoxious blather piled over dated loops and sfx. I don't understand all the acclaim. Is it a british thing?
  6. MarkG
    Jan 25, 2008
    2
    I'm mystified by people who call this 'music' timeless. I struggle to think of a record more explicitly grounded in time and place for its resonance. Hopefully when people have stopped injecting themselves with heroin, finding lyrics about chips and lager 'meaningful' and generally just labeling anything as 'genius' as long as it comes from a working I'm mystified by people who call this 'music' timeless. I struggle to think of a record more explicitly grounded in time and place for its resonance. Hopefully when people have stopped injecting themselves with heroin, finding lyrics about chips and lager 'meaningful' and generally just labeling anything as 'genius' as long as it comes from a working class background, maybe we can all evolve...… Collapse
  7. MattE
    Oct 14, 2002
    3
    never before have i anticapted an album so much and been so disappointed. it may be original, i don't know, but nonetheless, its crap.
  8. MarkG.
    Jun 3, 2002
    9
    this is an awesome album. if this is english rap then im in ... the sounds are really good, and the lyrics are almost poetic in places ... and that 'all music guide' review is the exact problem with music today; 'the raps are juvenile and lightweight' ... well, look 'all music guide' reviewer-loser, the problem with a lot of todays music is people taking this is an awesome album. if this is english rap then im in ... the sounds are really good, and the lyrics are almost poetic in places ... and that 'all music guide' review is the exact problem with music today; 'the raps are juvenile and lightweight' ... well, look 'all music guide' reviewer-loser, the problem with a lot of todays music is people taking themselves too seriously (see every other rapper today, and all those awful boy bands) and not just doing it because they enjoy it ... this is a breath of fresh air (copyright cliche machine 2002) ... im not a fan of a couple of the songs, but you get that ... but all up the album is top stuff, incredibly entertaining and funny in places, and in others thinly veiled social comments ... this is excellent ...… Expand
  9. Siege
    Jun 19, 2002
    9
    How can anyone doubt this album? original drums and bass with poetry layed on top -the last time I heard anything this good was The Criminal Minds Tales fom The Wasteland EP - bring on the new sound of urban music
  10. WillemH
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    not bestseller but cold classic
  11. kris
    Jan 2, 2003
    10
    beautifully done!
  12. annimanni
    May 10, 2003
    10
    to hear in every situation
  13. 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.
  14. StephenC
    Feb 7, 2005
    1
    Ooof, Now you might think that, that was a good ooof but it aint. This is an abysmal album. They call him a poet...What? Mr Skinner is a chav with no musical intuition whatsoever.
  15. 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!
  16. ChrisD.
    Apr 30, 2002
    10
    its sorted
  17. RickM.
    May 5, 2002
    10
    Absolutely brilliant album, nothing else will ever sound the same.
  18. ThomasE.
    Jun 12, 2002
    10
    Very Good... I've been living in the U.K for 9 months now and I find the music, Garage, very good.
  19. StevenP.
    Aug 16, 2002
    10
    The Streets are well and truely Sharp Darts, Spitting Masters!! I just glad to be a passanger!!
  20. 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 his album obviusly dont see class music when it slaps them in the face! when will he be doing a tour?
  21. askyermammy
    Aug 19, 2002
    10
    a classic already, best tunes I've heard in years and one of my top five albums ever bought .. Empties what is full, fills what is empty and scratches where it itches.
  22. SheeM.
    Aug 23, 2002
    10
    Skinner's use of imagery is amazing, transports you back to the day (weak become heros), has you in stitches (the irony of it all), and reminds you lost love. I was one of the very lucky ones to see them play thier first gig ever in Dublin, if you get a chance to see them live go.
  23. KatyMouldyMilldew
    Aug 20, 2002
    10
    THE best thing to come out of the album music charts in years.. Clever, funny, entertaining, it's one of those albums you'll listen to over and over again and find hard to get sick of... Let's push things forward!
  24. dijital
    Aug 26, 2002
    10
    This is home studio bangers and mash for a new generation, man. Get with it!
  25. MickD
    Aug 30, 2002
    10
    Very 'Relative' .Great to listen to whilst pillin', i cant wait for the sequel.
  26. AnthonyL.
    Sep 10, 2002
    10
    the best album ive heard 4 yearz. da new face of garage
  27. EmmaC.
    Sep 21, 2002
    10
    d album is da best album out,well dun mike ITS GREAT. n mike ur very good lukin!
  28. ManoloT.
    Sep 2, 2002
    8
    classic album. good stuff indeed
  29. Markyb
    Jan 2, 2003
    10
    it is the poo poo!
  30. AaronL
    Jan 6, 2003
    8
    Ranges from pretty good to totally inspired. The beats, the voice, the lyrics - everything is fresh. Great debut.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2002
7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2002
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Village Voice
    90
    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.
    Read full review
  2. CultureDose.net
    90
    An album whose scope, diversity, wit and heart make it instantly the best album of 2002.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »