A Grand Don’t Come for Free – The Streets
Released in 2004, A Grand Don’t Come for Free is the ambitious second album by British artist Mike Skinner under his project The Streets. A concept album at its core, it tells the story of a man navigating life, love, and the mysterious loss of £1,000. Skinner’s fusion of UK garage, hip-hop, and spoken word delivers raw emotional storytelling set against minimalist, home-grown beats. Widely praised for its narrative coherence and everyday realism, it stands as a landmark in UK music history.
Key Highlights
- Includes chart-topping singles “Fit But You Know It” and “Dry Your Eyes”
- A genre-defining blend of garage, grime, and British hip-hop
- Acclaimed for its concept album structure and cinematic narrative arc
- Considered a cornerstone of 2000s British music culture and storytelling in rap
Tracklisting
Side A
1. It Was Supposed to Be So Easy
2. Could Well Be In
3. Not Addicted
Side B
4. Blinded by the Lights
5. Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way
6. Get Out of My House
Side C
7. Fit But You Know It
8. Such a Tw*t
9. What Is He Thinking?
Side D
10. Dry Your Eyes
11. Empty Cans
Fun Fact
“Dry Your Eyes” was so emotionally resonant that it became a mainstream anthem for heartbreak, with The Streets briefly topping the UK Singles Chart—something rarely achieved by artists with such a distinctive spoken-word style.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A cult classic that captures early 2000s UK life with wit, honesty, and poignancy
- Ideal for fans of lyrical storytelling and concept-driven albums
- Vinyl format enhances the album’s lo-fi beats and spoken delivery with analogue warmth
- A unique addition to any collection exploring British rap, garage, or alternative music history
A Grand Don’t Come for Free is more than an album—it’s a vivid slice of UK culture, filled with heart, humour, and everyday drama, best experienced from start to finish on vinyl.