Lily Allen - Alright Still
Rating
RIYL
BlondieGwen Stefani
Nelly Furtado
The Streets
Tracklist
1. Smile2. Knock 'Em Out
3. LDN
4. Everything's Just Wonderful
5. Not Big
6. Friday Night
7. Shame For You
8. Littlest Things
9. Take What You Take
10. Friend Of Mine
11. Alfie
12. Nan You're A Window Shopper
13. Smile (Version Revisited)
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The United Kingdom has always had a huge impact on US music culture. Starting in the mid-1960’s you had the first British invasion with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who. After that, it seemed each decade the UK stormed the US like it was the American Revolutionary War all over again, yet this time they did make an impact. Even with their victory here in the states, it became apparent that people began to walk away from anything related to that island across the pond in the 1980’s to the present. Yes, you had major successes with bands like Oasis, Spice Girls, and Coldplay, but it was nothing compared to the former.
Now in the 21st century, bands from the UK are still going at it. Some have had mild success, but many have had no success breaking into the US market, despite their success in the UK. Even so, newcomer Lily Allen is set to make a huge impact with her witty rhymes and addictive melodies.
When glancing over Lily, you see a tiny, brown haired, cute, British female. You wouldn’t expect to hear foul words come out of her precious mouth. Yet, when you listen to her music, you get your face stuffed with cheeky, street smart lyrics with a tint of bad mouthing. The first track, “Smile”, is everything Lily Allen is about. She makes a bad situation seem happy. “Smile” is basically about her boyfriend cheating on her and him trying to get back together with her, and when he cries it makes her smile. Probably the most noticeable track on the album is “Alfie”. Right in the beginning of the song, it starts off like it’s going to be a children’s track. Well, let’s just say the song could easily become a children’s hit, but lyrically speaking you would see plenty of pissed off moms wondering why their kids are mumbling, “I want to grow up and smoke weed like Alfie.” Also, if there is one thing Lily is great at, it is painting a vivid picture of what she is singing about. In “LDN”, she pays homage to London, but if you listen closely you’ll hear about the "other" side of the town, the seedy part of town. You got yourself pimps, crack whores, and people who like to rob older ladies.
While Lily will probably be known for her mix of reggae, calypso, ska, and hip-hop, Lily does go outside of her comfort zone in “Take What You Take”. The song is reminiscent of a mashup between Robbie Williams and Oasis with female vocals. Also, on “Littlest Things” the addition of the piano and her wholesome voice almost makes her seem like she’s been hanging out with Mary J. Blige.
While Lily has had major success in London, it is still up in the air as to whether she’ll make an impact in the states. Alright, Still is the best thing to come from the UK since Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?.
--Chris Conlan
Comments
Minnesota
I still call bullshit on this.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
Washington, DC
Austin
The Daily Galaxy
An elephant that never forgets...to kill!
I've actually been meaning to do just that.
"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against
Anytown USA
You play to win the game.
Dubuque
To each his own.
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The Great North Woods
Darla Farmer
RIYL:
the Beatles
Tom Waits
Murder By Death
A Whisper in the Noise
the Blood Brothers
Sacramento, CA
that definitely bothered me. but maybe they're such an assumed band when you speak of such things that it could plausibly be left out.
however, the idea that this is the best thing to come out of the uk in the last decade is ridiculous. i'm willing to stake a year's pay on the FACT that this isn't even the best thing to come out of the UK from the week of its release.
I'm not here to make things better; only to observe and pass judgement.
Dubuque
After the review was posted, I was thinking of Radiohead. Don't get me wrong, I do believe Radiohead has made a big impact in the US scene as well. A very influential band to many acts these days.
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She's the British, female version of Eminem, except she's white and a little bit creatively talented.
Cleveland, OH
Scene Point Blank / Escapist Records
Colorado
This girl is nothing special, I can listen to it, but that's it.
Manchester, England
WHAT?!?!
robbie williams is actually the worst thing to ever happen to music.
Budapest, Hungary
Her debut album "Frank" is very good (if you like nu jazz/nu soul), her new one (Back To Black) is quite weak.
his solo carreer is good, forget about his boy band.
but I'm glad you didn't say anything about George Michael.
Manchester, England
i cant think of anyone i hate more, musically.
ironically, his old band just put out a record without him, and its awesome. and sold loads. and his last one did fuck all.
justice.
Wham/ George Michael is awesome though