Computer & Blues
The Streets · 2011
43 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop
A reflective exploration of modern disconnection, blending sparse beats with introspective lyrics and a uniquely British vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Going Through Hell — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of emotional turmoil and reflects Skinner's personal struggles with relatable honesty.
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Puzzled by People — The song's exploration of social anxiety and alienation resonates deeply, showcasing Skinner's ability to articulate complex feelings in simple terms.
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OMG — With its catchy hook and satirical take on social media culture, this track demonstrates how Skinner critiques contemporary interactions while maintaining an engaging sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's minimalist production and storytelling approach create a distinct sound, though it may not resonate deeply over time.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of minimalist production, with many tracks relying on sparse beats and ambient sounds.
- Several tracks employ conversational delivery, where the lyrics unfold in a storytelling manner rather than traditional rap flows.
- The thematic focus on technology and disconnection is woven throughout, with recurring motifs appearing in multiple songs.
- Tracks like 'Going Through Hell' and 'We Can Never Be Friends' utilize a slower tempo to emphasize introspective lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- contemplative background focus
- thoughtful introspective moments
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2011, Computer & Blues is The Streets' fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed third record, Everything Is Borrowed. By this time, Mike Skinner had established himself as a leading voice in UK hip-hop but faced challenges in maintaining commercial success amidst evolving musical landscapes and personal struggles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dizzee Rascal· Mike Skinner· Lethal Bizzle
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Going Through Hell
The narrative voice reveals an internal struggle with self-worth amid societal expectations.
This introspective turn directly contrasts the earlier confidence in the album, highlighting a deeper vulnerability that enriches the overall narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Outside Inside 3:01
- 2 Going Through Hell 3:08
- 3 Roof of Your Car 3:12
- 4 Puzzled by People 3:08
- 5 Without Thinking 3:17
- 6 Blip on a Screen 3:34
- 7 Those That Don't Know 2:54
- 8 Soldiers 3:36
- 9 We Can Never Be Friends 3:36
- 10 ABC 1:11
- 11 OMG 3:26
- 12 Trying to Kill M.E. 3:58
- 13 Trust Me 2:16
- 14 Lock the Locks 3:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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