User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 173 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 157 out of 173
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Mixed: 2 out of 173
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Negative: 14 out of 173
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Aug 19, 2023Mike 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?".
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Sep 9, 2020Legendary album with some legendary tunes . Makes you proud to be British .
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Jul 26, 2019
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Apr 26, 2017I 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.
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Apr 14, 2015This 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.
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Oct 22, 2014
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Oct 17, 2012Very inventive and unique sound mixed with some very British vocals make this an interesting listen for Americans such as myself. Worth listening to!
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JamesVApr 8, 2009Music for those that know nothing about music.
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MattCAug 5, 2008Mark 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!
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danielwJun 19, 2008Brilliant. the music i normally listen to is rock music, but this album is absolutely fantastic.
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BibianeNMay 16, 2008WONDERFUL. Amazingly, surprisingly goog album!
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BrianLApr 25, 2008Some silly brit speaking childish rhymes off paper with garage beats. Critics confuse me. Along with everyone who gave this album above a 7.
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MarkGJan 25, 2008
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RobertCDec 10, 2006Turn the Page is wicked
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AdzHSep 16, 2006
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MattMAug 10, 2006
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ChrisCMay 9, 2006This 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.
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PhilSMay 3, 2006As 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
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KelDec 1, 2005
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JackLOct 3, 2005This 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!
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LouiseBApr 11, 2005I 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!
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DerekNFeb 13, 2005Original 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.
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StephenCFeb 7, 2005Ooof, 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.
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CiaránMcCNov 8, 2004Bout time some gezzer did somethin diferent. The lyrics are classical and so is the album!!!!!
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KaliebladeJul 19, 2004yeah 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!!!!!
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daiJul 1, 2004god f*ing dammit! where's this album been all my life! best rhymes since lord byron... sit back and let ur mind be blown.
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ImogenCJun 29, 2004It's Quality mate just what wev'e all been waiting for More Live gig's in England needed!!!
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AldusHJun 28, 2004Sublime. 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.
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AsiaZJun 13, 2004It'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.
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ddMay 14, 2004doesnt that dude mean cult classic
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timlMay 2, 2004Amazing. The best debut of the 21st Century without question. Probably the best debut full stop since 'Definately Maybe'. Incredible.
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GordonRApr 26, 2004Best British album in ages and Mike Skinner could be the best British lyricist since the mighty Morrissey
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calebmApr 9, 2004good
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AlanBMar 31, 2004Revolutionary! 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.
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TPMar 22, 2004an excellent and very innovative album. fave song is 'the irony of it all'
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catherineRMar 15, 2004Its heaps good
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SpanPFeb 5, 2004**Thumbs up** :p
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AndreasfromNorwayGevingJan 29, 2004Really amazing... This is real and the most impressive thing with the album to me is the lyrics. I discover new things when I listen to it today, even though I bought the album early! The best songs is Weak Become Heroes, It's Too Late and Has it Come To This. Amazing!
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JongNov 16, 2003ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a shame this album wasnt popular, i guess the public just isint ready for something this real.
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JongNov 16, 2003ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a shame this album wasnt popular, i guess the public just isint ready for something this real.
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WillemHOct 23, 2003not bestseller but cold classic
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BobbyFOct 16, 2003this cd is awesome
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NseESep 17, 2003Omigosh, wot a fab cd. From 'Turn the page', through 'Has it come to this', 'Weak become heroes', 'The irony of it all'. Cool Brittania!
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nolanvAug 23, 2003i first didnt like it.....then i got high and had a listen, it was love..........
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IRIEAJul 16, 2003I picked this cd up on a whim and oh baby this thing was a jewel! A few of my boys had a listen to it during a session and it grew on them.
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andrewjMay 18, 2003well i found this on alta vista contrary to the lyrics in one of the songs.not an incredible album,but this guy clearly has something to say i just hope he can keep to his convictions and not bow to what he is clearly pissed off at
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annimanniMay 10, 2003to hear in every situation
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JayDawgApr 14, 2003This is the best CD ever. This thing is the stuff. Buy it now, if you can find it
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LisettCFeb 13, 2003The best thing since "Never Mind the Bollocks."
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JayCJan 14, 2003This is incredible! A mixture between Oakenfold/The Specials/Aesop Rock.
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RenataSJan 6, 2003luv it!
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AaronLJan 6, 2003Ranges from pretty good to totally inspired. The beats, the voice, the lyrics - everything is fresh. Great debut.
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MarkybJan 2, 2003it is the poo poo!
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krisJan 2, 2003beautifully done!
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aitchemDec 28, 2002best sound i have heard for yonks
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ChrisPDec 20, 2002If the artist releases shit .... i'll buy it!!!! cause it will be good ... Give me more, and more and more .... keep going mate
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terrybDec 17, 2002this album is fuckin great
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SarahODec 8, 2002i luv the album, as a u.s listener the accent great and the liyrics are refreshing!
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angelacDec 3, 2002totally raw, smack you in the face. got to love it or leave it, no inbetweens
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SakSNov 26, 2002The Greatest Album Ever of the ever of the ever of all evers greatest, funniest and murkiest.
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LanNov 24, 2002LYRICALLY DELICIOUS- send him down here (Australia) as quickly as possible!!
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RedRageNov 22, 2002Excellent hip-hop! One of the best since way back in the day and Rebel MC.
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adamwNov 20, 2002this album rocks the streets rule dont mug yourself is da best song eva its so catchy wot else is there to say it rocks
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[anonymous]Nov 17, 2002The best of the year!!
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jofishwNov 5, 2002Clubbers poetry!!
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voleyvoleNov 4, 2002simply amazing. mike skinner is a talented, witty geeza
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RichardVOct 26, 2002This album is wonderful. It's orignal and the MC is talented and the beats are good. He also talks about events that all teens and 20 year olds can relate to. Very thankful to own this album.
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MattEOct 14, 2002never before have i anticapted an album so much and been so disappointed. it may be original, i don't know, but nonetheless, its crap.
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JamesMOct 13, 2002The most original album I have listened to this year
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ShineROct 7, 2002Obnoxious blather piled over dated loops and sfx. I don't understand all the acclaim. Is it a british thing?
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EmmaC.Sep 21, 2002d album is da best album out,well dun mike ITS GREAT. n mike ur very good lukin!
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AnthonyL.Sep 10, 2002the best album ive heard 4 yearz. da new face of garage
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SumuduB.Sep 9, 2002BEST ALBUM I'VE HEARD IN AGES!!! the only album that's i've wanted to hear the second i finished it, SUCH AN AWSOME ALBUM! anyone know where i can get lyrics for the songs though (on the net)?
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ManoloT.Sep 2, 2002classic album. good stuff indeed
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MickDAug 30, 2002Very 'Relative' .Great to listen to whilst pillin', i cant wait for the sequel.
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wanAug 26, 2002I love this album, it's funny, strange, wonderful.... the best thing I have heard in years, love it!
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dijitalAug 26, 2002This is home studio bangers and mash for a new generation, man. Get with it!
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SamA.Aug 24, 2002Genius. The most original album of our generation. Sam from Canada
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DonD.Aug 23, 2002Classic Lean Cuisine. Ya get me.
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SheeM.Aug 23, 2002Skinner'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.
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KatyMouldyMilldewAug 20, 2002THE 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!
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askyermammyAug 19, 2002a 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.
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RhiannonL.Aug 17, 2002there 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?
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JeremyB.Aug 16, 2002This album is a definite for your collection. This album is amazing for a debut!
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StevenP.Aug 16, 2002The Streets are well and truely Sharp Darts, Spitting Masters!! I just glad to be a passanger!!
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LeonW.Jul 30, 2002intolerable rubbish thats a chor to listen to. definately one of the most overrated albums of the year. Don't bother!
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michaeldJul 26, 2002Raving is bad. The youth of today are drug addicted whores. I find this album very satisfying Especially "the irony of it all". LOVELY. Look forward to the tour. See you all on the dance floor :-) X (-:
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SiegeJun 19, 2002How 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
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JimP.Jun 15, 2002Very eclectic, but all good nonetheless
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ThomasE.Jun 12, 2002Very Good... I've been living in the U.K for 9 months now and I find the music, Garage, very good.
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MarkG.Jun 3, 2002
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HenryH.May 25, 2002He's not only the saviour of 2-step,but of the whole deadly british music scene.
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BryxtonT.May 22, 2002I'm from Australia and it's safe to say the The Streets have taken over down under too... AN AWESOME album that's bound to go big, no matter what country it's in!!!
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ClareyE.May 11, 2002I have got this album and I think it is really gr8 music cos it is so different but i think sometimes the swearing ruins it and it gets a bit repetitive (when they are swearing).
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RickM.May 5, 2002Absolutely brilliant album, nothing else will ever sound the same.
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ChrisD.Apr 30, 2002its sorted
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EdP.Apr 21, 2002The most refreshing, exciting, incredible album you'll hear all year. It will hi-jack your head and superglue itself to your cd player soon as look at you...
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Awards & Rankings
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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.
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An album whose scope, diversity, wit and heart make it instantly the best album of 2002.
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Alternative PressWhile 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]