The Streets Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Few artists capture a time and place like Mike Skinner did with The Streets. His discography is a diary of a generation, a sharp-witted journey through British youth culture, lad life, and the comedown after.

Because his music is so personal, creating a definitive list of The Streets albums ranked is a tough ask. Everyone has their own story tied to these tracks.

We're starting this exploration by looking at the fan favorites, the albums that consistently top community polls and discussions. This gives us a strong sense of what many consider the best The Streets album. Later, we'll see how popularity data tells a slightly different story.

Ranking The Streets's albums: The fan favorites

Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. Original Pirate Material (2002)

The debut album from The Streets, Original Pirate Material, was released in March 2002. It was a landmark moment for British music.

Most of the album was recorded in a rented room in a south London house. Mike Skinner turned an ordinary space into a creative hub. The sound draws from UK garage and American hip hop.

Lyrically, the album tells honest stories of British working-class life. It avoids glamour and focuses on the everyday.

Upon release, Original Pirate Material received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers celebrated Skinner's originality, humor, and sharp observations. It's consistently listed as one of the best albums of the 2000s.

Key tracks:

• Has It Come to This?
• Turn the Page

It's no surprise that Original Pirate Material holds the top spot for fans. It’s more than an album; it’s a cultural artifact.

For many, this record was the first time they heard their own lives reflected back at them in music. Its authenticity is why it remains the undisputed fan favorite.

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2. A Grand Don't Come for Free (2004)

Released in 2004, A Grand Don't Come for Free is the second studio album from The Streets. It stands out as a unique rap opera and concept album.

The record follows a clear narrative. The protagonist loses £1,000 and the story tracks his attempts to get it back while navigating a relationship with a girl named Simone.

Each song functions as a chapter in this story, from the highs of a new romance to the lows of betrayal and heartbreak.

Key tracks:

• Fit but You Know It
• Blinded by the Lights

Coming in at a very close second, A Grand Don't Come for Free is celebrated for its incredible ambition and storytelling.

Fans love the cohesive journey of the album. Listening from start to finish feels like watching a film unfold, cementing its place as a classic.

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3. None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive (2020)

Released in July 2020, None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive is technically a mixtape. It marked a welcome return for The Streets after a long hiatus.

The project features a host of collaborations with artists like Tame Impala, IDLES, and Greentea Peng. This gives the record a fresh, eclectic sound.

The mixtape received generally favorable reviews from critics, who appreciated the new energy and diverse sounds Skinner brought to the table.

Key tracks:

• Take Me As I Am
• None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive (feat. IDLES)

This release resonates strongly with a modern audience and fans who grew with Skinner. Its collaborative nature shows an evolution in his sound.

The excitement of The Streets' return, combined with its solid tracks, gives it a high standing among listeners.

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4. Computers and Blues (2011)

Computers and Blues is the fifth studio album from The Streets, released in February 2011. At the time, Skinner announced it would be his final album under the moniker.

The album was seen as a return to the garage instrumentals and "everyman" themes of his first two records. It explores technology's impact on life and relationships.

Topics range from Facebook dating to Xbox addiction, but also touch on more mature issues like chronic fatigue and impending fatherhood.

Key tracks:

• Going Through Hell
• Trust Me

As the intended farewell album, Computers and Blues holds a special place for many long-time fans.

It felt like a fitting bookend to the project's original run, blending the classic Streets sound with a more world-weary perspective.

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5. The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light (2023)

Released in October 2023, this album was accompanied by a full-length film of the same name. Skinner wrote, directed, and produced both projects himself.

The record is described as a "classic Streets album" and reflects Skinner's experiences on the DJ circuit over the previous decade.

It's a collection of observations from clubs and back rooms, with beats and basslines tested on live audiences.

Key tracks:

• Bright Sunny Day
• Too Much Yayo

This album's ranking reflects its status as a newer entry in the discography. It’s a solid project that showcases Skinner's continued creativity.

While respected, it hasn't had the years to build the deep nostalgic connection that defines the top-tier albums for many fans.

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6. The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living (2006)

The third studio album from The Streets arrived in April 2006. It marked a significant thematic shift for the project.

The album moves away from everyday observations to focus on the pitfalls and pressures of celebrity and success. Skinner details the strange new reality he found himself in.

It’s a raw, often cynical look at the music industry, fame, and the excesses that can come with them.

Key tracks:

• Never Went to Church
• The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living

This album's position in the fan ranking often comes down to its theme. The focus on the troubles of fame was less relatable for some listeners than the grounded tales of the first two albums.

Despite this, it's admired for its unflinching honesty and is considered a necessary, if difficult, chapter in Skinner's story.

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7. Everything Is Borrowed (2008)

The Streets' fourth studio album, Everything Is Borrowed, was released in September 2008. It offered another change in direction from Mike Skinner.

Skinner described the album as having "peaceful, positive vibes." He intentionally moved away from referencing modern life, aiming for more timeless and philosophical themes.

The record is more contemplative and optimistic compared to the cynical tone of its predecessor.

Key tracks:

• On the Flip of a Coin
• Everything Is Borrowed

While a worthy entry, Everything Is Borrowed often lands lower in fan rankings. Its philosophical and abstract nature was a departure from the concrete storytelling that originally defined The Streets.

For some, the album felt less immediate and personal, making it harder to connect with on the same level as his narrative-driven work.

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Picked your top The Streets classic? Check out The Streets's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

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The Streets albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of The Streets's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Popularity Rank	Album Title	Release Year
1	A Grand Don't Come for Free	2004
2	Original Pirate Material	2002
3	None Of Us Are Getting Out Of This Life Alive	2020
4	Computers and Blues	2011
5	The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light	2023
6	The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living	2006
7	Everything Is Borrowed	2008

Quick FAQs about The Streets's albums

Q: What is the building on the cover of Original Pirate Material?

A: The cover art is a nighttime photograph of the Kestrel House tower block, located on City Road in London. The photo was taken in 1995 by photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg.

Q: How was Original Pirate Material recorded?

A: Mike Skinner recorded the majority of the album in his rented room in Brixton. He famously used an emptied-out wardrobe lined with duvets as a makeshift vocal booth.

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So there you have it – a look at The Streets's albums ranked from two different perspectives.

The fan ranking highlights the deep cultural impact of his early work, while the popularity data shows the enduring appeal of his biggest hits.

Ultimately, the best The Streets album is the one that speaks to you. It's the one that you played on repeat, the one that got you through something.

What does your ranking look like?