Prior to the album release, Lily Allen posted a number of demos in the MySpace page. Most of which would appear as full versions in the album, meaning they made the cut. =)
Being her sophomore album, expectation are high as many albums tend to suffer from a sophomore slump. Most of the songs are written and composed by Lily Allen and Greg Kurstin, with Greg producing the album too. It was released in the United Kingdom on February 9th 2009 and on February 10th 2009 in the US.
First Impressions
Listening once through, it is an impressive album. Lily has grown as an artist and in person since her debut. You can feel the maturity displayed in the album. Nothing to complain about. With brillant, sharp lyrical wit that she's known for, she's gone electro-pop from her previous offering, which is more alternative-pop.
Standout Tracks
- Everyone's At It - Album opener. It describes about drug consumption for the 'It'. I particularly like the 2nd verse. Sets the tone for the album with it's electro elements in the song.
- The Fear - A very good first single choice. Spend 4 weeks on top of the UK chart. Love the vid too. As usual, the lyrics is Lily's style.
- 22 - "It's sad but it's true, how society says her life is already over". Taken off the chorus. Would be a better 2nd single choice as compared to 'Not Fair'.
- Back To The Start - My fave track off the album. The pulsating electro beats are insane. Has a hint of the modern 80s feel to it.
- Fuck You - Whoops, am I allowed to type this uncensored. I prefer to listen to every song uncensored. Holds the song in it's original spirit. This song is for all the haters out there. Only Lily could pull off a happy tune and curse at the same time. Strange, but it works. One of my fave tracks too. Cynical like me.
- Who'd Have Known - A soothing ballad in the same reign with 'Littlest Things' from the first album. Shows Lily her sensitive and vulnerable side. A nice song to dedicate to your partner. =)
- Chinese - It's means eating chinese food. Westerners always says chinese for short. Getting chinese and watch TV with your partner seems blissful as this song portrays.
- Fag Hag - Being a bonus track, I think it fits into the album really well. It's a fun song."'We're both in our in element when we're on our knees, whatever the work are." Love the sexual innuendo. =)
Final Verdict
This album is a breath of fresh air from the more stereotypical pop in the industry nowadays. It exudes originality and creativity to the max. The innuendoes and references made are very witty and clever. Who could resist. =) An album to be appreciated. A slight flaw would be with it's 2nd single choice. 'Not Fair' sounds country-like, aiming for the US market I guess.
This album deserves:
What do you think about the album? Rate below!
Alright, Still
Lily's debut album. "Alright, Still" is first released as a limited edition 12" format in the UK on 3rd July 2006. Later in the month on 17th July, the full CD is being released in the UK and the rest of Europe. The album is available digitally on the US itunes in Sep 2006 and is released on CD format on 30th Jan 2007. The album title is derived from a line from the 2nd track of the album, "Knock 'Em Out". Lily also stated that she liked Albert Einstein's aphorism "Nothing changes until something moves", and the idea that "everything is alright as long as it's still".
