If somebody called one of Mike Skinner’s (a.k.a. The Streets) albums real, it would be an understatement. His style is an equal mix of straight up monologue with fresh garage/grime musical backdrops. ‘The Hardest Way To Make An Easy Living’ comes on the heels of his sophomore hip-hopera of an album ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ which turned heads both at home in the UK and worldwide.

Which brings us to his latest album ‘The Hardest Way.’ This one is the album that will smash dancefloors and Skinner comes through with another album destined for success. Playing more like an album than a story, it still keeps with his storytelling flow. “War of the Sexes” rolls overtop of one of the dirtiest bass lines of the year. Chiming in at a slower pace, but just as raw is “Momento Mori” reminding us that we’ll all die one day. The stand-out tune on the album to me is “When You Wasn’t Famous.” This track tells of the parallels between the rich and famous and the rest of us ordinary John Does. Constantly re-inventing, the heavily synth tinged “Hotel Expressionism” gives a fresh take on the jetset lifestyle.

As with his previous outings, Skinner takes you on a tour of what it’s like to be him that turns out to be both hilarious and a treat on the ears. Don’t sleep.