Spring Break
Lily Allen's trademark still stands out on second album
Marian Gaviola
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Entertainment
04/16/09 - Celebrating crassness, that's what Lily Allen is all about. Breaking many of the usual marketing trends, Allen received her claim to fame through new avenues such as her MySpace page. Her songs are playfully poppy and they sound similar to Katy Perry's. The big difference is that Allen doesn't sugarcoat anything and she talks about real topics honestly. She's tongue-in-cheek and proud.
This February, Allen came out with her second album It's Not Me, It's You. In comparison with her first album, I found more substance in this new one. Allen stepped outside of her genre and started experimenting with catchy techno beats and futuristic synths. While I can't say she was entirely successful, I do applaud her for the effort.
One particular song that might grow on you if you enjoy techno is "Back to the Start." It's a danceable, but apologetic, song aimed at someone she had been particularly malicious to before.
One song that went straight to the United Kingdom charts was "The Fear." It's a gripping, techno-influenced song, and Allen sings about the things that really matter - the fancy ones. Materialism is an all too real part of life and she has no qualms saying so.
A couple of my favorite tracks from the It's Not Me, It's You, are "Never Gonna Happen" and "He Wasn't There." The former has an interesting, quick-paced, mariachi-like sound but don't let that phase you - the lyrics are hilarious. It's the perfect song for any girl trying to let an overzealous admirer down. Just send them a link to the song and they'll hopefully get the message. If nothing else, give her this: Allen does not beat around the bush.
The song, "He Wasn't There" sounds like something your grandparents would listen and slow dance to. It's sweet and old-fashioned sounding, complete with the slight static in the background. This track talks about a former main squeeze who ended up happy in life thanks to the man who left his wife and ended up with her.
Nothing off the album beats the track "F*** You," at least in terms of crudeness. The chorus goes, "F*** you, f*** you very much." This is actually one of those songs I mentioned from before that had substance. Allen bashes on bigots in this song and proclaims that no one wants them around. It makes for a satisfying listen.
I was honestly surprised by this album. Don't get me wrong, I've been a fan of Allen ever since her single, "Smile," came out. I just never thought she'd have it in her to write songs that actually mean anything. People may call her mean, but I like to think she's just honest. Allen is showing she's not just a one-hit wonder by coming out with It's Not Me, It's You. She's making sure she keeps her trademark crassness in the mix, but also adding in her own thoughtful two cents on important issues. She's no longer just a pretty face in the crowd.
This February, Allen came out with her second album It's Not Me, It's You. In comparison with her first album, I found more substance in this new one. Allen stepped outside of her genre and started experimenting with catchy techno beats and futuristic synths. While I can't say she was entirely successful, I do applaud her for the effort.
One particular song that might grow on you if you enjoy techno is "Back to the Start." It's a danceable, but apologetic, song aimed at someone she had been particularly malicious to before.
One song that went straight to the United Kingdom charts was "The Fear." It's a gripping, techno-influenced song, and Allen sings about the things that really matter - the fancy ones. Materialism is an all too real part of life and she has no qualms saying so.
A couple of my favorite tracks from the It's Not Me, It's You, are "Never Gonna Happen" and "He Wasn't There." The former has an interesting, quick-paced, mariachi-like sound but don't let that phase you - the lyrics are hilarious. It's the perfect song for any girl trying to let an overzealous admirer down. Just send them a link to the song and they'll hopefully get the message. If nothing else, give her this: Allen does not beat around the bush.
The song, "He Wasn't There" sounds like something your grandparents would listen and slow dance to. It's sweet and old-fashioned sounding, complete with the slight static in the background. This track talks about a former main squeeze who ended up happy in life thanks to the man who left his wife and ended up with her.
Nothing off the album beats the track "F*** You," at least in terms of crudeness. The chorus goes, "F*** you, f*** you very much." This is actually one of those songs I mentioned from before that had substance. Allen bashes on bigots in this song and proclaims that no one wants them around. It makes for a satisfying listen.
I was honestly surprised by this album. Don't get me wrong, I've been a fan of Allen ever since her single, "Smile," came out. I just never thought she'd have it in her to write songs that actually mean anything. People may call her mean, but I like to think she's just honest. Allen is showing she's not just a one-hit wonder by coming out with It's Not Me, It's You. She's making sure she keeps her trademark crassness in the mix, but also adding in her own thoughtful two cents on important issues. She's no longer just a pretty face in the crowd.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Sorting
posted 4/17/09 @ 8:31 PM EST
I think this album is 5/5 :D
Post a Comment