As much as I’d hate to begin with a reference to Myspace, it’s unavoidable when it comes to Lily Allen. Daughter of actor Keith Allen and the name that’s got many tongues wagging (including Jo Whiley’s), Lily is the music industry’s brightest new darling. In the most unconventional way.  Fresh, different, plus she wears a lot of gold, Lily’s quite the gamble yet is poised for commercial success.

Unpredictably, the comparisons to others are rife: Mike Skinner, MIA, even “Corinne Bailey Rae on crack” according to the NME but none come close. A snapshot of her life in words and melody, Lily’s album is a style of reggae, ska and urban infused pop.  Current single ‘Smile’ breezes through effortlessly (perfect to listen to on a lazy summer’s day), while the brilliantly written, ‘Knock ‘em Out’ pitches the perfectly blunt lyrics ‘Yeah can I take your digits?/ No, not in a million years/ You’re nasty, please leave me alone.’

The feisty thing, however, does show a softer side on such tracks as ‘Littlest Things’ and ‘Alfie’, ensuring she isn’t a one trick pony, and can deliver both with ease. And just to throw a spanner in the works, the pace is turned round with the autobiographical ‘LDN’, a journey with Lily on her perceptions of growing up in the big smoke, which is bound to be close to home for many others in her shoes too. It’s a great song too and certainly one of the favourites on here.

So the girl’s got everything going for her. Great tunes, strong lyrics and a likeable personality.  Her confident attitude might intimidate some but that makes her a welcome addition to the British music scene. It is quite clear she is not “Corinne Bailey Rae on crack” or “The next Mike Skinner”, she is only Lily Allen and aren’t we lucky to meet her?
(5/5)

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