Grand Don't Come For Free, A [PA] - Streets (The) > Reviews > Interesting or just Bollox?

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
Value for Money

Advantages:	Interesting story
Disadvantages:	Can be repetative

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having heard that this album told a story, I was intrigued and decided to give this album a listen. Although not a major fan of Mike Skinner's type of music, and confess to finding ‘fit but you know it’ slightly annoying, I still wanted to hear this 'story'

The album starts with 'It was supposed to be so easy' with it's almost fanfare start. I found that the background track distracted from the words somewhat, and found it really hard to actually listen to the words. Also, the chorus didn't seem to fit the rest of the track. This seems to be a story about the disasters in a day for Mike, with some funny moments. This is the track that the album title comes from. Overall, I would have liked this track, had it not been for the overbearing backing track.

This is follows by 'could well be in' with another slightly overbearing backing track. I do wonder though maybe I'm just overanalysising these, as I'm interested more in the story than the music, but I'll persevere. This track introduced a woman who has had problems in previous relationships. It also introduces the notion that if women play with their hair, it means they're interested! I really don't like the chorus, it sounds slightly off key or something.

'Not addicted' has a promising start, until the lyrics start in. It sounds like a rap track gone badly wrong, and the bassline doesn't suit the track at all. Pity, as I really liked the bassline...

'Blinded by the lights' starts slowly and sounds like something that I used to do on the keyboard when I was younger! There are a woman’s vocals on this track as well. It has a slightly clubby feel to it overall, and is definitely one of the better tracks on the album for me.

'Wouldn't have it any other way' is a contrast to the last track, and has a quiet background beat. This is one of the few tracks where the vocals are easily understood. It's let down by the chorus though.

'Get out of my house' has a woman rapping at the start, and sounds like a conversation between 2 women. Mike is protesting in the background, and then he argues his point. Mike's 'singing' ruins this track somewhat though!

'Fit but you know it' has a funky guitar beat in it, and a catchy sing a long chorus. It's one of those tracks that you either loved or hated.

'Such a twat' is a fantastic title for a song! However, the song itself is somewhat disappointing. The background music sounds like it's going somewhere, but never gets there.

'What is he thinking' has an interesting start, but becomes somewhat annoying as the same bassline is repeated constantly.

'Dry your eyes' is a very emotive song, and when I first heard it, I didn't believe it was the streets. It is a poignant and romantic song, and definitely stands out from the rest of the album.

'Empty cans' still deals with the broken TV that appears throughout the album. This is another track with annoying vocals and a really annoying chorus.

I'm glad I listened to this album, as I was curious about the story. The idea of the story is a good one, and it is slightly compelling, but doesn't change the fact that I didn't like this album, and some of the tracks actually annoyed me. If you liked The Streets previous work, you’ll love this, if not, don’t bother.

Available from Cd wow for £8.99