Dec. 03, 2009 The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed
by Christopher Scott

Mike Skinner from Birmingham, England returns as The Streets to put forth his fourth studio album in Everything Is Borrowed. Skinner achieved a significant amount of fame and success in the U.K. for his raw, drug-induced portrayal of the English working class pub-goer with his critically-acclaimed debut Original Pirate Material. Skinner began making waves in the U.S. with 2004’s A Grand Don’t Come For Free, however his core fan base remains in his home country.

On Everything Is Borrowed, Skinner ditches the ale-soaked, British middle class attitude that distinguished him from other rappers and adopts a more philosophical one as he tackles heavier issues such as religion and mortality. He even tackles current ecological issues, such as in “The Way of the Dodo". The sudden maturing of Skinner’s lyrics may come as a shock to some, as The Streets’ most attractive trait, to most, was his accurate lyrical description of the trials and tribulations of the average pub-crawler. However, Skinner hasn't completely left behind his old party animal self (“Heaven for the Weather”) or his stories of failed attempts to get laid (“Never Give In”).

Where Everything Is Borrowed separates itself from its predecessors is in its more complex musical arrangements. Tracks like “The Escapist” and the tender, ballad-like “The Strongest Person I Know” showcase Skinner’s desire to part ways with his sampler and embrace a full-band, orchestral approach to creating the music that sets the stage for his cockney-voiced flow. It is a welcome change. Unfortunately Skinner has produced somewhat of a weaker than normal lyrical output on the album, which at some points takes away from the significant improvements in the instrumental aspect of his music.

Fans of The Streets’ previous albums will not find the usual drunken, feisty, humble Skinner present on Everything Is Borrowed. What they will find though, after they finish grovelling, will be a pleasant surprise, as Skinner reveals his happier, meditative side over well-thought out musical arrangements while still delivering the simple, catchy hooks and frisky rhyming he’s loved for.

3.5/5