Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You – review

Corporate line:
“It’s Not Me, It’s You,” is the follow-up to Lily Allen’s critically acclaimed 2007 debut, Alright, Still. The album finds Lily in top form, creating a record Blender’s recent “In The Studio” feature described as “part God, part country and all middle finger.” Allen wrote and recorded the album’s 12 songs with producer Greg Kurstin (the bird and the bee), who worked with her on three songs for Alright, Still – “Everything’s Just Wonderful,” “Alfie” and “Not Big.”
On “It’s Not Me, It’s You,” Lily’s characteristically sharp observations find expression in a variety of musical styles, with influences ranging from the Jazz Era to country and western to dance music. “Highlights include `Everyone’s at It,’ a synth-pop song about prescription drugs that features Allen on xylophone; `He Wasn’t There,’ which matches emotional lyrics about her absent father to a jazz groove; and `Not Fair,’ a saucy country song about an inadequate lover,” said Rolling Stone.

“We decided to try and make bigger sounding, more ethereal songs, real songs,” says Lily, who will be touring the U.S. in the spring. “I wanted to work with one person from start to finish making it one body of work. I wanted it to feel like it had some sort of integrity. I think I’ve grown up a bit as a person and I hope it reflects that.”

The tracks:
“Everyone’s At It” – This is the track for hypocrites. “You go to the doctor/ You need pills to sleep in/ Well if you can convince him/ Then I guess that’s not cheating.” Allen calls out all the drug addicts whether they be addicted to heroin or sleeping pills.

“The Fear” – Allen is full of great lyrics: “I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless/ ’cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous.” Beware—Allen is calling you out.

“Not Fair” – Allen likes a guy but is pissed not just because he suffers from premature ejaculation, but because he doesn’t take care of her in bed.

“22” – A woman who is 30 and looking back at 22. Guess 30 is the new 50 and Allen is able to make it sound so wonderful.

“I Could Say” – Pretty and tender. If Allen has already won you over by this point you’ll surely be memorized.

“Back To The Start” – The techno-beat doesn’t really do the song justice as Allen races to the end. The chorus is good—but the rest doesn’t do it.

“Never Gonna Happen” – The verses are interesting with an odd beat and an accordion to boot. Then the chorus gets out of wack with something that sounds straight from the ‘80s.

“F**k You” – “So sick and tired of all the hatred you harbor/ So you say It’s not okay to be gay/ Well I think you’re just evil” How could a chorus that goes “F**k you/ F**k you” sound so damn good? Not only is the song catchy, it’s also frank and inspiring. Allen isn’t afraid to take on jackasses at every turn.

“Who’d Have Known” – Simple verses, but the chorus blasts off forcing you to sing-a-long. Allen should cite Take That for the great hook she borrowed.

“Chinese” – The rare meaningless track and yet it’s like watching a movie that you know sucks but can’t help but enjoying.

“Him” – This doesn’t come of as good as Chinese.

“He Wasn’t There” – Allen is good to the last drop.

Finally:
Lily Allen is unique. Potent. Quality. Interesting. Fun. Good. Lily Allen is inspiring because she doesn’t fall into a category. You just find the lyrics inspired and deep and yet the songs are always worth singing along to.

Watch the video for “The Fear”