The Streets – Going Through Hell (679)
4/5
“It's gonna be called Computers And Blues and it's all about dancing and CHATTING SH*T” – Mike Skinner
As Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going”, and that’s exactly what Mike Skinner echoes in his new single.
If we’re to believe in what we have read from Skinner of late, then his new album Computers and Blues is set to be his last under the name of ‘The Streets’, and as such we can’t help but reminisce back to the year 2000 and his breakthrough ‘Has It Come To This’ single, a still remarkable song that transformed the UK garage scene. Eleven years and five albums later, ‘Going Through Hell’ signals the beginning of the end of the line.
Yet whilst they’ve become a chart mainstay in recent years, you can’t help but think that some of the original lyrical purpose was lost (perhaps somewhere around the time he started writing songs called ‘Fit But You Know It’?). ‘Going Through Hell’ however marks a return to form for Skinner’s Streets, as although his boyish good looks may have diminished, his way with a catchy pop melody and powerful turn of phrase hasn’t deserted him. ‘Going Through Hell’ captures the words of the aforementioned Churchill and his World War Two speeches (whether knowingly or otherwise), as Skinner reflects upon his past and future on becoming a parent, with the trademark drink and drug related lyrics remaining a constant figure.
Yet it’s also something of a lad anthem, the opening lyrics of “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog” setting the tone for the rest of the song. The inclusion of Rob Harvey of The Music (remember them!?) welcomes a catchy and wonderful chorus, with the strong backing of guitar in the background providing a real sense of purpose.
Ahead of the Computers and Blues release, The Streets have released a string of quotes on their official website, giving us a clue to what we can expect. “It now sounds ravey. It is a ravey album that bludgeons you over the head with its stick of 1988 Romford, Blackpool and Philadelphia rock. It is an insane album.” That description, coupled with the success of its lead single, are reasons enough to be excited for its arrival.
Artists in this article: The Streets
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