ALT-POP
As its title suggests, Lily Allen's second CD finds the British singer returning with her cheekiness firmly intact. On "Never Gonna Happen," a playful, polka-inspired ditty complete with accordion, she informs a lovesick suitor that she just used him for sex. On another sassy romp, "F--- You," she delivers a political statement laced with profanity and tinkling piano. Of course, Allen's bite is softened—and, in some cases, sharpened—by her sweet-as-pie delivery. It serves her well whether she's riffing on prescription drugs (the highlight, "Everyone's At It") or fame (first single, "The Fear"). While this may not be up to 2007's Alright, Still, consider the sophomore slump avoided.
