The Streets, the moniker of British musician Mike Skinner, burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with his groundbreaking blend of garage, hip-hop, and UK garage. Skinner quickly established himself as a gifted lyricist, chronicling the everyday lives of working-class Britons with wit, humor, and unflinching honesty. His music struck a chord with a generation of music fans who were looking for something that spoke to their experiences in a way that was authentic and relatable. Skinner’s songs have since become classics of the UK music scene, with his debut album, “Original Pirate Material,” being regarded as one of the most influential British albums of all time. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 best The Streets songs of all time, spanning Skinner’s entire career. From the breakout hits that put him on the map to the more recent offerings that showcase his continued evolution as an artist, these songs demonstrate why Skinner’s music remains as relevant and essential today as it was when he first burst onto the scene over two decades ago.
1. HAS IT COME TO THIS? (FROM ‘ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL’, 2002)
“Has It Come to This?” is the opening track of The Streets’ debut album “Original Pirate Material” released in 2002. The song is a perfect representation of Mike Skinner’s unique blend of garage, hip-hop, and UK garage, with an infectious beat and Skinner’s distinctive talk-singing style. The lyrics paint a picture of life in the UK’s urban underclass, with references to binge drinking, drug use, and the grind of everyday life. The song’s chorus, “Original pirate material, you’re listening to the streets,” became an instant anthem for a generation of young Britons who felt ignored by the mainstream music industry. “Has It Come to This?” is a seminal track in the history of UK garage and helped to establish The Streets as one of the most important acts of the early 2000s.
2. LET’S PUSH THINGS FORWARD (FEATURING KEVIN TRAIL) (FROM ‘ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL’, 2002)
“Let’s Push Things Forward” is a standout track from The Streets’ debut album “Original Pirate Material”. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, the song showcases Mike Skinner’s talent for blending garage beats and hip-hop rhymes with social commentary. Featuring Kevin Trail on the chorus, the song encourages listeners to break away from stagnant societal norms and strive for progress and innovation. Skinner’s lyrics touch on themes of cultural identity, class struggles, and the pitfalls of conformity. The music video features Skinner and his friends having a good time in various settings, from the streets to the club, capturing the vibrant energy of British youth culture at the time. “Let’s Push Things Forward” is an anthemic call to action that remains as relevant today as it did when it was first released in 2002. It is a testament to The Streets’ enduring influence on the UK music scene and their ability to capture the spirit of a generation.
3. IT’S TOO LATE (FROM ‘ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL’, 2002)
“It’s Too Late” is a standout track from The Streets’ debut album “Original Pirate Material”. The song features a sample from Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” and showcases Mike Skinner’s unique storytelling abilities as he raps about a friend who is spiraling out of control due to drug addiction. The melancholic and introspective lyrics are delivered over a stripped-down beat, with Skinner’s voice conveying a sense of urgency and sadness. The chorus, featuring a haunting vocal sample, is particularly memorable and adds to the emotional weight of the song. “It’s Too Late” is a poignant and honest reflection on the devastating effects of addiction, and it’s a testament to Skinner’s ability to capture the complexities of real-life experiences in his music. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple of The Streets’ live shows, cementing its status as one of the standout tracks on an album that is widely regarded as a modern classic.
4. DRY YOUR EYES (FROM ‘A GRAND DON’T COME FOR FREE’, 2004)
“DRY YOUR EYES” is a poignant and emotionally charged ballad from The Streets’ second album, “A Grand Don’t Come for Free” released in 2004. The song tells a heart-wrenching story of a failed relationship, with Skinner’s vulnerable and raw vocals capturing the pain and sorrow of a love lost. The simple but effective melody is driven by a delicate acoustic guitar riff, supported by a melancholic string section and a subtle beat. The lyrics are relatable and honest, with Skinner’s storytelling ability shining through as he narrates the aftermath of a breakup. The chorus, “Dry your eyes mate, I know it’s hard to take but her mind has been made up,” has become a well-known phrase in British popular culture, reflecting the song’s widespread impact. “DRY YOUR EYES” marked a departure from The Streets’ signature garage and hip-hop sound, showcasing Skinner’s versatility as a songwriter and cementing his status as one of the UK’s most gifted lyricists.
5. BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS (FROM ‘A GRAND DON’T COME FOR FREE’, 2004)
“Blinded by the Lights” is a standout track from The Streets’ second album, “A Grand Don’t Come for Free.” The song opens with a catchy electronic beat before Skinner’s distinctively British voice comes in, recounting a wild night out on the town. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the chaos and confusion that can come with getting lost in the moment, as Skinner’s protagonist experiences a series of highs and lows, both literal and metaphorical. The chorus is an earworm, with Skinner’s repetition of “Blinded by the lights” serving as a powerful reminder of the allure and danger of hedonism. The song’s production is top-notch, with a variety of electronic sounds blending seamlessly to create a dynamic and energetic sound. “Blinded by the Lights” is a classic example of The Streets’ ability to capture the mood and experiences of young people in a way that feels both specific and universal.
6. DON’T MUG YOURSELF (FROM ‘ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL’, 2002)
“Don’t Mug Yourself” is a standout track from The Streets’ debut album “Original Pirate Material.” Released in 2002, the song features Skinner’s signature blend of garage beats and rap-influenced lyrics. The track’s title is British slang for “Don’t make a fool of yourself,” and the lyrics offer humorous and relatable insights into everyday situations, such as trying to impress a crush or getting too drunk at a party. Skinner’s conversational delivery and playful wordplay make the song a joy to listen to, and the catchy chorus is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. The video for “Don’t Mug Yourself” also adds to the song’s charm, featuring Skinner and his friends goofing around in a pub and on the streets of London. Overall, “Don’t Mug Yourself” is a perfect example of what made The Streets so beloved in the early 2000s – a unique sound, relatable lyrics, and an irreverent sense of humor.
7. GET OUT OF MY HOUSE (MC VERSION) (FEATURING DOUBLE E, BRUZA, DEMON AND KANO)
“Get Out of My House (MC Version)” is a high-energy collaboration between The Streets and four other MCs – Double E, Bruza, Demon, and Kano. The track starts off with a catchy beat and Skinner’s signature spoken-word style before the other MCs come in with their own verses, each bringing their own unique style and flow to the table. The song’s chorus is simple yet effective, with all the MCs chanting the titular phrase in unison. Lyrically, the song is a hilarious take on a house party gone wrong, with Skinner and the other MCs taking turns rapping about unruly guests, spilled drinks, and general chaos. The song’s energy never lets up, with the various MCs bouncing off each other’s verses and creating a sense of controlled chaos that perfectly captures the vibe of a wild house party. Overall, “Get Out of My House (MC Version)” is a standout track in The Streets’ discography, showcasing Skinner’s ability to collaborate with other artists and create a memorable, fun, and energetic track that will have you nodding your head and laughing along.
8. NEVER WENT TO CHURCH (FROM ‘THE HARDEST WAY TO MAKE AN EASY LIVING’, 2006)
“Never Went to Church” is a poignant and introspective track from The Streets’ 2006 album “The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living.” The song features Skinner’s trademark spoken-word style, as he reflects on his relationship with his late father and the complicated emotions that come with losing a loved one. Against a melancholic piano melody and stripped-down beat, Skinner’s lyrics are raw and honest, conveying the pain and regret that he feels over not having a chance to reconcile with his father before he passed away. The chorus, which features a sample of a church choir singing “Amazing Grace,” adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the song, as Skinner grapples with issues of faith and spirituality. Overall, “Never Went to Church” is a powerful and moving tribute to a lost loved one, showcasing Skinner’s talent for storytelling and his ability to tap into universal emotions in a way that is both relatable and deeply affecting.
9. FIT BUT YOU KNOW IT (FROM ‘A GRAND DON’T COME FOR FREE’, 2004)
“Fit But You Know It” is a standout track from The Streets’ second album, “A Grand Don’t Come for Free.” The song features a catchy and upbeat instrumental that draws heavily from garage and hip-hop influences, complemented by Mike Skinner’s signature spoken-word style of rapping. The lyrics explore the complicated feelings that arise when encountering an attractive person who is also arrogant and difficult to approach. Skinner’s clever wordplay and observational humor are on full display as he recounts the inner monologue of a man trying to navigate this tricky situation. The chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “I wouldn’t wanna dance with you,” is both catchy and relatable, capturing the awkwardness and self-consciousness that can accompany social interactions. “Fit But You Know It” is a testament to Skinner’s ability to capture the nuances of everyday life in his music, and it remains a beloved fan favorite to this day.
10. GEEZERS NEED EXCITEMENT (FROM ‘ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL’, 2002)
“Geezers Need Excitement” is a standout track from The Streets’ debut album, “Original Pirate Material”. It features Skinner’s trademark stream-of-consciousness style of rapping, painting a vivid picture of the gritty streets of Birmingham. The track’s propulsive beats and infectious chorus make it an instant classic, and Skinner’s clever wordplay and witty observations on youth culture make it a highlight of the album. The song captures the restlessness and boredom of young men looking for thrills and excitement, and Skinner’s frank and unvarnished storytelling brings a sense of authenticity to the lyrics. The track’s energetic production and catchy hooks make it a perfect representation of the garage and UK garage sound that The Streets helped popularize in the early 2000s. Overall, “Geezers Need Excitement” is a testament to Skinner’s skill as a songwriter and rapper, and a testament to the enduring influence of “Original Pirate Material” on UK music culture.
Erica Henderson 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.
