- Label
- EMI
- Release date
- 9th February 2009
- Genre
- Pop
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Lily returns with ear for a tune – and sharp tongue – firmly in place
Despite its vast commercial success, Lily Allen’s 2006 debut album Alright, Still had the air of a novelty hit. While engaging, its ramshackle mix of old ska and reggae samples and her own disingenuous Mockney accent appeared an ultimately limiting formula that would quickly pall.
It is to Allen’s huge credit that she has realised this and recorded a follow-up that retains the winning wit and detail of her debut yet is musically vastly more refined and developed.
From the off, It’s Not Me, It’s You teems with brilliant, slyly observed songs with immaculate choruses that Allen delivers with her trademark subversive charm.
Amoral drug homily Everybody’s At It, Z-list celeb-skewering single The Fear and the lovelorn Who’d Have Known? are all beautifully realised and humane, while It’s Not Fair and I Could Say take pot-shots at departing ex-boyfriends with Lily’s trademark sweet-voiced, faux-naïve vindictiveness.
Tunes, honesty and unerring sense of mischievous fun: It’s Not Me, It’s You has got the lot.
More to try:
Kate Nash: Made of Bricks
Neneh Cherry: Raw Like Sushi
Blur: Parklife
