The British are coming! The British are coming! Okay, well, it’s just one Brit—and she’s of a manageable size—but for anyone who follows the hype music industry these days, the release of Lily Allen’s Alright, Still yesterday completes the most fascinating rise to fame of any artist in recent memory. Her tracks leaked into the American consciousness early in 2006 via the magic of the Internets, and a mix tape thing she put up on her own site was in constant rotation in the Whitney offices for much of last summer. She’s spunky, she’s funky, she carries none of the obnoxious grandstanding habits of her fellow pocket-sized countrywoman Lady Sovereign despite being very much in charge of her own image (and not shy with opinions). Most telling fact on the buzzometer: Her debut album, Alright, Still was almost certainly the highest-ranking not-technically-released-in-the-U.S.-yet album on the critics’ year-end best lists for last year.
So the proof is in the Yorkshire pudding, and now we can all decide for ourselves whether she’s the second coming of the musical messiah or yet another talented act from across the pond doomed to spend eternity in the bargain bin with Robbie Williams. In my opinion, the sheer existence of "LDN"—a flouncy story-song about her hometown with a kick-ass reggae merengue sample that, yes, made my year-end best list—justifies my love, but I’m curious to hear what you kids think.
Stream the whole album here, watch this Chevy Sessions, and catch her on SNL this weekend. Then report back, and let me know if you’re ready to believe the hype or bring the [redacted] ruckus.
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I love Brit Pop, but I cannot stand Lily Allen. I heard of her when I was checking out the British charts, and she just grates on my nerves.
I love love love Lily Allen. And Robbie Williams. And I’m American, go figure.
I live in UK and her singles (and album) they all sound the same… and her attitude can be sometimes rude. I mean you can speak your mind but dont have to be blunt or rude.
She looks like my 7-year-old niece and it creeps me out a little bit.
SMILE is an okay song. But I think it gets a little grating after a few listens though.
I love Robbie Williams…
I love Girls Aloud…
I’m starting to love Mika…
Not a fan of Lily Allen…at all.
She’s the greatest and maybe the best British import since the Arctic Monkeys and I will continue to think so for at least another hour or two.
Her music rocks, but the hype machine is beginning to wear me out. I read on Pitchfork.com that her video where she pays a bunch of guys to trash her boyfriend’s house was one of the best of the year. Really? I wonder what you thought of “Since U Been Gone,” Pitchfork.com. But I digress. Her music is the real deal.
I love the album. It’s the mindless dribble of a girl who doesn’t have anything profound to add but is asking and stating the proper angst and questions to become an aware adult. For a young girl to become a self actualized women you kind of have to get to a stage of pissed at the world for what you believe are the worlds lies.
So many young pop singers out there have nothing to sing other than partying, looks, perceived joyously, yeah… pretty much nothing.
I think she’s funny. Give here a chance… she on her way to becoming the artist whom ponders life’s profound issues.
Hey, Whitney! Stop dissing Robbie Williams! He should be a star. Not his fault that American radio doesn’t play his music. His version of Angels is beautiful. Jessica Simpson ruined that song. Pick up The Ego Has Landed and judge for yourself.
Hey, Whitney! Stop dissing Robbie Williams! He should be a star. Not his fault that American radio doesn’t play his music. His version of Angels is beautiful. Jessica Simpson ruined that song. Pick up The Ego Has Landed and judge for yourself.
I Think I’m in love.
i discovered smile about 4 months ago and have been anxiously awaiting her album ever since. so far so good- much more poppy than my usual selections which is good b/c it gives me something fun to listen to. she’s a lot better than the “fergalicious” pop stars we are churning out, that’s for sure…
Robbie Williams had a great track with “Millenium”, and did a fantastic cover of “saying something stupid like I love you”. On the flipside, Lady Sovereign was disapointing as a mofo, and only purchased because of EW’s recommendation. Thanks for NOTHING on that one man!
mika stole my heart two weeks ago, but im pretty sure there’s room for lily- minus the “knock ‘em out”. call me crazy but the drums just didn’t go with the rest of the song.
I’ve had her album for months now *don’t ask how* and it really grows on you. First it’s just catchy and poppy, and then you start listening to the lyrics and it’s quite funny and witty.
I got the album (legally) two weeks ago after hearing about her a couple months ago in EW and then again in the year end issue, and I think it’s great!!! I don’t care if she becomes a big star or not, I know about her and that’s all that matters to me. It’s probably better if she DOESN’T get overexposed, thanks.
I too have had Lily’s album for months now, but I’m actually going to go out and buy the American version off iTunes. Its only $7.99 & I’d like to see this Brit find some chart success where Lady Sovereign didn’t. There are some good b-sides & bonus tracks floating around iTunes as well that are worth picking up like the new Mark Ronson remix of “SMILE”! I don’t understand why most people hate the hype around Lily Allen. I mean if you don’t like her go buy the Katherine Mcphee album, which also ain’t bad, but its process U.S. Top 40 pop-TART down. Lily’s reggae influenced grooves are a perfect vibe to wash the winter blues away. Hoping to cath her here in Philly on Monday, Feb. 12th.
Whitney, you’re not the only one who spent the summer listening to Smile. Believe it or not there are some music lovers who follow British and European charts in this country! While Smile and LDN are ok songs i find her unbearable with her fake accent and she is downright rude. This also shows you that there are people in this country who follow British TV, too(friends send over tapes. Jealous?).
I’ve been hearing hre stuff on sattelite radio for a few months now; I like it okay (except for the one with the pickup lines- hate that song)but I’m not sure it has megahit potential.
As for Britpoppers I would really like to see make it big here, I want to put in a vote for Nizlopi. Seriously, “JCB song” is just about the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard, and I’m not even sure what a JCB is.
Lily deserves and is worth of ALL the hype surrounding her. And Lady Sov kicks ass too. I dont see why people compare the 2…(oooh same country, who gives a crap) Lily and Sov are both great, but in different ways
Delon…how can YOU possibly know shes rude
Whitney’s not dissing Robbie Williams, you guys. If you go back and look, she calls him talented, but ultimately commercially-unsuccessful in the United States. I don’t even think that’s something that can be disputed. He had a couple of minor hits with “Angels” and “Millenium” and then pretty much disappeared.
Love the album! My sister got it for Christmas (we’re in Canada) and I’ve had it in my head since then! I don’t get why some of the posters don’t like “Knock ‘Em Out”. It’s funny and catchy! I’m not a big fan of “Littlest Things”, but, all in all, it’s a great album that rings true.
WHATTHE;
i watched interviews of her. That’s why i think she is rude. And anybody who puts on a fake accent has no credibility in my book.
Amy Winehouse is the more genuine artist.
OK, Amy ‘Wino’ Winehouse is a foul-mouthed lush, but her sheer talent gives her every right to be whatever she wants to be. Check her material out!
i’ve had her stuff stuck in my head for a while and i think she’s great. i already have my dvr ready to record her on snl this wknd. i’ll come home and sing along drunkenly; can’t wait!
I LOVE HER!
That had to be in caps. It HAD to!!! Thanks to Pitchfork, I’ve been playing her since this summer. Everythings Just Wonderful is one of my favorite songs of 2006
Her song “Smile” has been stuck in my head for an entire weekend.
p.s. daisyj my boyfriend was obsessed with that JCB song for so long that I grew to hate it.
delon. have u ever met lilly allen? because why do you think your qualified to label her as a snob. she may be a snob for all we know. but based on your comments i am sure most people are wondering why you are so hypicritical. ne ways. lilly allen cant say im a HUGE fan of hers. but i can say i think shes an improvment from the resent artists:paris hilton, nelly furtado, pussycat dolls…gag me! they scream 25 cent lap dance. sex may sell..but good music..is simply good music.