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Musically the breaks and beats are in a similar style to Original Pirate Material; erratic urban drum loops, synths and classical strings except for the lead single "Fit But You Know it" where the punky guitar and steady beat drive the song as much as the content of the lyrics. A Grand Don't Come for free will have much written about it--not only does it stand out for being a latter day concept album, but the complexity of the narrative and the believable swings in emotion provide much food for thought and command attentive listening. --David Trueman
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The concealed rage of "Such a twat" and "What is he thinking" holds such incredible energy it sends shivers down the spine. But that is nothing compared to the devastating final two tracks. For 13 minutes Mike Skinner takes hold of you and drags you through every emotional rollercoaster you have ever been on. "Dry Your Eyes" is simply breathtaking - his honesty is frightening, and I defy anybody to listen to this without a lump in the throat. And then "Empty Cans" fires home his final denoument, cleverly told from two different perspectives that brings the story round full circle. And suddenly the slow build up of the first half of the album makes perfect sense. And you're left completely drained from it.
So it's no "OPM". Indeed, it feels more like the second act of a three part play. If only Mike Skinner could focus his massive talent on refining what he does on the last third of the album into 50 minutes he would deliver one of the greatest albums this country has ever produced, period. The question is, does he have the guts to do it ?
His second album, bizzarely comes across as a concept album, allbeit abouta relationship falling apart after a holiday. Its an ingenious idea.Similair to the Who's narritive in Tommy, the streets employ the sametactic on a grand dont come for free. and it works. As fascinating as itis enjoyable, Skinner shows off as a fantastic lyricist andstoryteller.
The lyrics are as candid and hilarious as ever. "That blue Topshop topyou’ve got on is nice,
Bit too much fake tan though but, yeah you score high" is an example ofone of many. The simplicity and honesty of the lyrics only add to thebrilliance of the album, hardly eloquent, but very accessible andwitty.
One of the greatest pleasures here is letting the story reveal itself overrepeated listens, so I'll try not to spoil it. Just expect fullerinstrumentation, stronger melodies, and a carefully crafted compositionthat can only be described as literary.
The highlight of the album comes from the Chris Martin inspired "dry youreyes" where Skinner creates a Garage ballad, would you believe it, full ofstrings and acoustic guitars. it proves the diversity he can reach on thisalbum.
Following his debut was always going to be a difficult job, but with thismasterpiece, Skinner makes it look so easy. superb.
The greatest strength of the album is that it's challenging. When you first listen you hear a range of eclectic beats that are unlike the majority of music around, but over this is the clarity and honesty of the lyrics.
The Streets could have easily made money producing an album which was a copy of their first, instead they have produced a concpet album that is hugely rewarding.
The album plays out as a story and this focus and theme gives every song a relevance few albums can match. The album moves from attraction to pain and from party highs to depressing lows, yet all through keeps away from the cliched and cheesy.
Whilst this album must be looked at as a whole this does not mean there are not stand out songs, 'Blinded By The Lights', 'Fit But You Know It' and 'Dry Your Eyes' are tracks that engage and connect instantly with the listener.
Many people claim that there are not enough 'classics' on this album, but they miss the point. In a world where producing and marketing a single to be number 1 for one week is the measure of success, The Streets have produced an album where the sum of its parts create a classic and an pivotable album in British Urban music
Somebody stole this CD out of my car when it was being service.
I hope they enjoy it as much as me.
This album may not appeal to you on the first listen but soon enough you wont be able to press stop. Read more
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