Mike Skinner, the British rapper and producer, better known by his stage name The Streets, has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential artists in the UK music scene. With his witty lyrics, catchy hooks, and genre-blending sound, Skinner has created a unique and enduring legacy that has resonated with fans around the world.
In this list, we take a look at the 10 best The Streets songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that showcase Skinner’s range and versatility as an artist, and his ability to capture the joys, struggles, and complexities of modern life. From the infectious energy of “Fit But You Know It” to the introspective balladry of “Never Went to Church,” these songs represent the best of The Streets’ discography, and a testament to Skinner’s talent and vision as a musician.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to his music, join us as we take a journey through the 10 best The Streets songs of all time.
1. HAS IT COME TO THIS?
“Has It Come to This?” is a critically acclaimed song by British rapper and producer Mike Skinner, who performs under the moniker “The Streets”. The track, released in 2001, is the lead single from his debut album “Original Pirate Material”.
The song is an electronic blend of UK garage, hip-hop, and house music, featuring a distinctive 2-step beat and a catchy melody. Skinner’s rap style is conversational and witty, delivering a streetwise commentary on urban life in early 2000s Britain.
The lyrics depict the mundanity and frustration of everyday life, with Skinner observing the petty rivalries and conflicts between different social groups. He talks about the monotony of working-class jobs and the disillusionment of young people who are unable to find a way out of their circumstances.
Despite its pessimistic tone, “Has It Come to This?” also conveys a sense of humor and a sly social commentary. Skinner’s skillful wordplay and incisive observations capture the mood of a generation, making the song a defining track of early 2000s British music.
Overall, “Has It Come to This?” is a gritty, urban anthem that showcases Skinner’s unique talent as a rapper, producer, and storyteller. Its blend of electronic music and spoken word captures the essence of a particular time and place in British culture, and remains a classic of the UK garage genre.
2. LET’S PUSH THINGS FORWARD
“Let’s Push Things Forward” is a dynamic and energetic song by British rapper and producer Mike Skinner, who performs under the moniker “The Streets”. The track was released in 2002 as the third single from his critically acclaimed debut album “Original Pirate Material”.
The song features a distinctive hip-hop beat, mixed with electronic and garage music elements. The instrumental backing provides a perfect foundation for Skinner’s fast-paced and witty rapping, which encourages listeners to strive for progress and change in society.
The lyrics explore issues of identity, culture, and politics, with Skinner offering a critique of British society’s complacency and lack of progress. He calls on his audience to reject apathy and work towards a better future, challenging listeners to embrace new ideas and strive for personal and social growth.
“Let’s Push Things Forward” is an uplifting and inspiring track that captures the zeitgeist of early 2000s British music. Its blend of hip-hop and electronic music, combined with Skinner’s thoughtful lyrics and charismatic delivery, make it a standout moment on “Original Pirate Material” and a classic of the UK music scene.
3. IT’S TOO LATE
“It’s Too Late” is a reflective and melancholic track that explores the pain and regret of a failed relationship. The opening chords are somber and introspective, with a subtle electronic beat gradually building in intensity as the song progresses. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple that has drifted apart, with the narrator struggling to come to terms with the fact that the love they once shared is now gone.
Mike Skinner’s vocals are raw and emotional, perfectly capturing the despair and longing that accompany the end of a romance. He sings about missed opportunities, unspoken words, and the sense of loss that lingers long after a relationship has ended. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Skinner repeating the phrase “it’s too late” over and over again, each time with increasing urgency and desperation.
Despite its melancholic tone, “It’s Too Late” is a beautiful and poignant song that will resonate with anyone who has experienced heartbreak or loss. The Streets’ trademark blend of electronic beats, introspective lyrics, and raw emotion make this track a standout in their discography, and a must-listen for fans of thoughtful, introspective music.
4. DRY YOUR EYES
“Dry Your Eyes” is a heart-wrenching ballad about the pain of a breakup and the struggle to move on. The song opens with a simple piano melody, setting a mournful tone that is amplified by Mike Skinner’s raw, emotional vocals. The lyrics are poignant and direct, describing the aftermath of a failed relationship with heartbreaking honesty.
Skinner’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple on the brink of separation, with the narrator begging his partner to stay and offering reassurances that everything will be okay. As the song progresses, however, it becomes clear that the relationship is truly over, and the narrator is left alone to grapple with his feelings of heartbreak and despair.
The chorus of “Dry Your Eyes” is particularly powerful, with Skinner repeating the phrase “Dry your eyes mate” like a mantra, urging the listener to let go of their pain and move forward. The song’s simple instrumentation and raw emotion make it a standout in The Streets’ catalog, and a testament to Skinner’s ability to capture the universal experiences of love, loss, and heartbreak in his music.
5. BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS
“Blinded by the Lights” is a high-energy track that explores the darker side of nightlife and the hedonistic culture that often accompanies it. The song opens with a pulsing beat and a hypnotic synth riff, setting the stage for Mike Skinner’s fast-paced, stream-of-consciousness lyrics.
Skinner paints a vivid picture of a night out, with all its highs and lows – the anticipation, the rush of adrenaline, the endless drinks and drugs. But as the night wears on, the euphoria gives way to paranoia and confusion, with the narrator struggling to make sense of the chaotic world around him.
The chorus of “Blinded by the Lights” is particularly memorable, with Skinner repeating the phrase “Blinded by the lights” over and over again, as if caught in a trance. The song’s relentless energy and Skinner’s manic vocals make it a standout in The Streets’ discography, and a potent commentary on the dangers of excess and the thrill-seeking culture of modern nightlife.
6. DON’T MUG YOURSELF
“Don’t Mug Yourself” is a playful and upbeat track that captures the youthful energy and sense of possibility of early adulthood. The song opens with a funky guitar riff and a catchy drumbeat, setting the stage for Mike Skinner’s rapid-fire vocals.
Skinner’s lyrics are playful and irreverent, full of slang and colloquialisms that capture the raw, unfiltered energy of youth culture. He sings about the thrill of meeting someone new, the excitement of going out with friends, and the sense of possibility that comes with being young and carefree.
The chorus of “Don’t Mug Yourself” is particularly catchy, with Skinner repeating the phrase “Don’t mug yourself” like a mantra, urging the listener to stay true to themselves and not get caught up in the pressures and expectations of adult life.
The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious energy make it a standout in The Streets’ discography, and a celebration of the unbridled joy and freedom of youth. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself, to embrace your passions and your dreams, and to never let the weight of the world crush your spirit.
7. GET OUT OF MY HOUSE
“Get Out of My House” is a confrontational and intense track that explores the breakdown of a relationship and the frustration and anger that can accompany it. The song opens with a sparse, menacing beat and a distorted vocal sample, setting a tense and foreboding tone.
Mike Skinner’s lyrics are confrontational and unapologetic, as he demands that his partner leave his house and his life. He sings about the toxic dynamics that led to the breakup, the hurt and betrayal he feels, and the sense of liberation that comes with finally standing up for himself.
The chorus of “Get Out of My House” is particularly powerful, with Skinner repeating the phrase “Get out of my house” over and over again, each time with increasing intensity and aggression.
The song’s stripped-down instrumentation and Skinner’s raw, emotional vocals make it a standout in The Streets’ catalog, and a potent reflection on the dynamics of power and control that can shape relationships. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to stand up for ourselves and demand the respect and dignity we deserve.
8. NEVER WENT TO CHURCH
“Never Went to Church” is a poignant and introspective ballad that explores the complexities of family relationships and the pain of losing a loved one. The song opens with a simple piano melody and Mike Skinner’s emotive vocals, setting a mournful and reflective tone.
Skinner’s lyrics are deeply personal, as he sings about the complicated relationship he had with his father and the regret he feels for not being able to reconcile before his father’s death. He reflects on the memories they shared, the moments of connection and disconnection, and the weight of unfinished business and unspoken truths.
The chorus of “Never Went to Church” is particularly haunting, with Skinner repeating the phrase “Never went to church, but he taught me something pure” over and over again, like a mantra. It’s a poignant tribute to the lessons and values his father imparted to him, despite their differences and disagreements.
The song’s simple instrumentation and Skinner’s vulnerable and heartfelt delivery make it a standout in The Streets’ discography, and a testament to his ability to capture the universal experiences of love, loss, and longing in his music. It’s a reminder to cherish the people we love, to forgive where we can, and to never take for granted the moments of connection and meaning that shape our lives.
9. FIT BUT YOU KNOW IT
“Fit But You Know It” is a witty and observational track that explores the nuances of attraction and desire. The song opens with a bouncy, guitar-driven beat and Mike Skinner’s distinctive vocal style, setting a playful and irreverent tone.
Skinner’s lyrics are full of sharp observations and clever turns of phrase, as he comments on the beauty and complexity of the people around him. He sings about the subtle cues and signals that can indicate attraction, the power dynamics and social hierarchies that shape romantic interactions, and the insecurities and doubts that can cloud our judgments and motivations.
The chorus of “Fit But You Know It” is particularly memorable, with Skinner repeating the phrase “You’re fit, but you know it” like a teasing jab, simultaneously acknowledging and subverting the traditional power dynamics of male-female attraction.
The song’s catchy melody and Skinner’s wit and humor make it a standout in The Streets’ discography, and a reflection on the universal experiences of attraction and desire. It’s a reminder to approach our relationships and interactions with humor and self-awareness, to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the people around us, and to never take ourselves too seriously.
10. GEEZERS NEED EXCITEMENT
“Geezers Need Excitement” is a raucous and energetic track that celebrates the raw, unfiltered energy of youth culture. The song opens with a gritty guitar riff and a driving beat, setting a frenetic and rebellious tone.
Mike Skinner’s lyrics are full of slang and colloquialisms, as he sings about the thrill of going out with friends, the sense of danger and excitement that comes with pushing boundaries, and the desire for freedom and authenticity in a world that can often feel suffocating and conformist.
The chorus of “Geezers Need Excitement” is particularly catchy, with Skinner repeating the phrase “Geezers need excitement, if their lives don’t provide them, they’ll create their own drama” like a rallying cry, urging the listener to embrace their own sense of adventure and individuality.
The song’s fast-paced tempo and Skinner’s aggressive delivery make it a standout in The Streets’ discography, and a celebration of the unbridled passion and energy of youth culture. It’s a reminder to stay true to yourself, to embrace your passions and your dreams, and to never let the constraints of society hold you back.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
