• More
Back to PopWatch Main
Complete Archive
Get Latest Headlines

Is Lily Allen really all that and a bag of crisps?

Jan 31, 2007, 03:48 PM | by Whitney Pastorek

Categories: Music

Lily_l 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.

josh C Thu, Oct 16, 2008 at 10:08 PM EST

If nothing else, Lily Allen is someone to get a kick out of. Sure people take her too seriously, because they think being mean, or even slightly rude, is taken as they're opinion, (but when was the las time they laughed? She's a very cool girl!

KEVIN Sun, Oct 12, 2008 at 10:20 AM EST

I think, Lily Allen didn't expect all the hype. Her goal was to record an album, that was outside of pop culture. However, for someone that has had fame thrust upon her, she's still just a regular girl, her image is hers not a manufactured, (girls aloud) over hyped (give the public what you think they want.. Madonna) kind of image, Maybe sometimes her opinion is misunderstood, but mostly misquoted, or exaggerated, but when was the last time the public, heard something that wasn't all-hype that didn't live up to the talent(like Jennifer Lopez)It's this opinion of over-rated that makes her honest.. yeah, she's cute too, and kinda funny if people would lighten up a little.

kevin Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 06:57 PM EST

Outspoken, opinionated, only sometimes foul mouthed, yeah, cute talented, and sometimes very funny, absolutely! I love everything about her!

Ryan (Philadelphia, PA) Sat, Sep 22, 2007 at 10:49 PM EST

I think Lily Allen is on point! Not only does she "easy on the eyes", she also has a gorgeous voice as well. Her album should do well here in the states.

Tom Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 11:36 AM EST

beb - Love you music taste. Girls Aloud is so good, as is the other excellent British girl group - the Sugababes! They should be bigger in the US. How can you not love "Push the Button" Impossible.

Phil Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 11:34 AM EST

Kate the Fratellis EP has been available on iTunes for a couple of weeks now. I enjoy them as well.

Jeff Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 10:19 AM EST

Robbie Williams F'ing Rules

Joe C Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 09:49 AM EST

ANd Ken, lighten up; how would you like Whitney to refer to us; 'HOLLA AT ME, OLD PEOPLE!

Joe C Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 09:47 AM EST

I am always suspicious of any artist who makes the critic's top 10 list; usually I won't like the music(call it the REM rule). But I'll check her out on Sirius radio; they play her song on the Pulse. Free plug there, Sirius.

Kate Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 02:29 AM EST

I bought the CD ages ago, seeing as I live in Hong Kong, and I'm happy to hear that finally Lily Allen's CD will be out in the States. It's pretty fresh sounding. Also, The Fratellis are a Scottish band who have released their debut CD, Costello Music, everywhere else but the States and they sound exciting too. The Fratellis will have an EP come out Stateside soon, but it's not really the same thing. Oh well.

ken Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 12:55 AM EST

Thanks for the tip. Lily Allen's pretty cool. But please stop referring to us as 'kids'.

dramimusiclistener Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 12:54 AM EST

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.

Banana Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 12:05 AM EST

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. :P

Fatima Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 10:45 PM EST

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

aa Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 10:00 PM EST

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!

Delon Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 06:57 PM EST

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!

Delon Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 06:36 PM EST

Amy Winehouse is the more genuine artist.

Delon Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 06:31 PM EST

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.

Dominique L. Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:57 PM EST

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.

Mak Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:57 PM EST

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.

Whatthe Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:56 PM EST

Delon...how can YOU possibly know shes rude

Nick Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:55 PM EST

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

daisyj Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:46 PM EST

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.

Delon Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:40 PM EST

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?).

Phil Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:32 PM EST

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.

Christie Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:24 PM EST

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.

JC Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:18 PM EST

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.

Caitlin Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:16 PM EST

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.

EP Sato Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:15 PM EST

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!

sdr Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 05:11 PM EST

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...

timm Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:54 PM EST

I Think I'm in love.

dma69 Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:47 PM EST

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.

dma69 Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:46 PM EST

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.

confidential Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:33 PM EST

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.

Mak Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:31 PM EST

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.

nathan Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:29 PM EST

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.

beb Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:24 PM EST

I love Robbie Williams...
I love Girls Aloud...
I'm starting to love Mika...

Not a fan of Lily Allen...at all.

marykate Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:19 PM EST

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.

Rafael Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:16 PM EST

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.

Justine Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 04:11 PM EST

I love love love Lily Allen. And Robbie Williams. And I'm American, go figure.

Ben Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 03:57 PM EST

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.

advertisement

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject — or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.



  • 1000 characters remaining
      • When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.
Copyright ©2008 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.