THE STREETS レコード& CD

Review: ***B-STOCK: Torn sleeve, product unopened & in excellent condition***


Mike Skinner is surely deserving of National Treasure status by now, is he not? From mischievous young MC upstart to garage innovator and now the voice of the nation, his journey has been remarkable and as this album shows it isn't done yet. He said in the built-up to it that for the first time in his career, he has allowed himself to be more loose with his lyrics, to say enigmatic things, make odd references and use stranger metaphors that might not always make perfect sense but that feel right in the moment. That makes it a great listen, as well as all the usual catchy hooks and compelling beats.

Review: Mike Skinner is surely deserving of National Treasure status by now, is he not? From mischievous young MC upstart to garage innovator and now the voice of the nation, his journey has been remarkable and as this album shows it isn't done yet. He said in the built-up to it that for the first time in his career, he has allowed himself to be more loose with his lyrics, to say enigmatic things, make odd references and use stranger metaphors that might not always make perfect sense but that feel right in the moment. That makes it a great listen, as well as all the usual catchy hooks and compelling beats.

Review: Mike Skinner's evolution alongside his band The Streets has been a fine one that has very much told the tale of youth culture from his early party days to more emotionally aware works and on to this new album The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light. It features Skinner being less slavish to tight and coherent rhymes that make immediate sense and instead cutting loose, allowing his language and references to be more free and abstract. Guests include the likes of Jimmothy Lacoste and many other fine young talents. More than 20 years after his debut, Skinner is as sharp as ever here.