Spennieslily Allen - Alright, Still
January 2nd 2007 05:07
Album - Alright, Still
Website: www.lilyallenmusic.com or www.myspace.com/lilymusic
I know this album has been out for a while, but I'm reviewing it now, because for me it's the best female artist album of 2006.
Most of you probably know the background to Lily Allen. After a reasonably tough childhood that included getting expelled from a few schools, she headed to Ibiza and downed a truckload of party drugs and had a grand old time. She also wrote some amazing songs about London life and became a MySpace darling where she happily blogged away about how rubbish everyone else is. She's famously referred to Madonna as being irrelevant to the music scene. Her first single Smile debuted in the UK charts at No 1 on the back of her MySpace popularity.
All this by the time she was 21.
Allen's music is an infectious blend of bubblegum pop, reggae and a touch of hip hop. The production is a little raw around the edges, but personally I think that only serves to make it more interesting. I'm sick of these slickly produced albums that are a little soulless.
The first single off the album, Smile is a really upbeat album that you honestly do have to smile when you hear. Then you notice the lyrics. "At first when I see you cry, it makes me smile". Yes, don't get in the way of a scorned woman. She'll rip to shreds.....though in Lily's case she's doing it quite nicely.
The scorned woman theme continues on the track Not Big. Essentially a revenge song against an ex telling everyone how bad he is in bed and that he has a tiny dick. But I dare you not to tap along to the song. It's a bloody happy song. I love it.
There's a sense of joy and youthful exuberance in just about every track on the album. Perhaps its her age. Perhaps it's her attitiude. The girl certainly has confidence to boot. Whatever it is, I like it and hope she keeps it.
The other standout tracks on the album are: Friday Night, a jazzy number about a night on the town; Everything's Just Wonderful, a bittersweet tale of modern life which contains lines such as "I want to be able to eat spaghetti bolognaise and not feel bad about it for days and days and days"; and the track Alfie, an upbeat exuberant musical theatre-esque song about a pot addled brother. In fact I loved the song Alfie so much that I named my new kitten Alfie after the song!
Overall, the album is great fun and a blast of fresh air. Sure it's pop music.....but it's pop music with a nice edge.
Website: www.lilyallenmusic.com or www.myspace.com/lilymusic
I know this album has been out for a while, but I'm reviewing it now, because for me it's the best female artist album of 2006.
Lily Allen
All this by the time she was 21.
Allen's music is an infectious blend of bubblegum pop, reggae and a touch of hip hop. The production is a little raw around the edges, but personally I think that only serves to make it more interesting. I'm sick of these slickly produced albums that are a little soulless.
The first single off the album, Smile is a really upbeat album that you honestly do have to smile when you hear. Then you notice the lyrics. "At first when I see you cry, it makes me smile". Yes, don't get in the way of a scorned woman. She'll rip to shreds.....though in Lily's case she's doing it quite nicely.
The scorned woman theme continues on the track Not Big. Essentially a revenge song against an ex telling everyone how bad he is in bed and that he has a tiny dick. But I dare you not to tap along to the song. It's a bloody happy song. I love it.
There's a sense of joy and youthful exuberance in just about every track on the album. Perhaps its her age. Perhaps it's her attitiude. The girl certainly has confidence to boot. Whatever it is, I like it and hope she keeps it.
The other standout tracks on the album are: Friday Night, a jazzy number about a night on the town; Everything's Just Wonderful, a bittersweet tale of modern life which contains lines such as "I want to be able to eat spaghetti bolognaise and not feel bad about it for days and days and days"; and the track Alfie, an upbeat exuberant musical theatre-esque song about a pot addled brother. In fact I loved the song Alfie so much that I named my new kitten Alfie after the song!
Overall, the album is great fun and a blast of fresh air. Sure it's pop music.....but it's pop music with a nice edge.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
This is a great review. I love this album, the lyrics and music are a fantastic combination. I like her edge, the way that she's brash without being offensive. Sometimes I wish I could be a bit more Lily
I love the songs you mentioned too, did you know Alfie was actually written about her brother?
Byeee
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I did wonder whether Alfie was really her brother or not. Thanks for the info.
I also wouldn't mind being a bit more Lily too!!!
KylieW
Comment by Hellvis
Earache Hotel
I haven't heard the whole album but I've quite enjoyed the singles. She has a fresh sound and cool attitude. Great review.
Have you heard of Lady Soveriegn? She's a potentially annoying English hip hop artist with all the offensiveness that Lily Allen lacks. I don't know if I like her but she's certainly, let's say, interesting.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
I haven't heard of Lady Sovereign (actually I may have heard the name...it sounds vaguely familiar) but I've never heard any music. Might have to check her out.
Kylie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, I agree about Lady Sovereign...she's got that extra edge that Lily doesn't have. She definitely is quite a character. Here's her website if you fancy a look: http://www.ladysovereign.com/flash.php.
She has a way with words...
Tracy
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession