Lilly Allen
Alright, Still
Capitol

It all comes down to being genuine. Though Lilly Allen arrives as yet the latest hot thing from the UK, she is for real. The daughter of British actor Keith Allen, dad’s prominence certainly didn’t hurt, though she’s been building this new career brick by brick.

With hip-hop and reggae influences mashed up with shiny pop, she’s full of hooked-on songs like “Knock ‘Em Out” and her catchy yet lyrically wry single, “Smile”. The street portrait of “LDN” contrasts city glitz appeal with the vicious realities found in every alley or dark corner. An ex seems to gets slammed in “Not Big”, a to-the-point zinger about, yes, that (remember “Short, Short Man” years back?).

Sure, she peppers many a track with expletives, but it’s more colloquial than the obvious pandering job that comes from many other artists on either side of the Atlantic looking to raise brows. Equally delightful and challenging, Allen’s come up with a bright debut and has the live spirit to match on-stage.

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