1. Smile 3:17 2. Knock 'Em Out 2:53 3. LDN 3:10 4. Everything's Just Wonderful 3:28 5. Not Big 3:16 6. Friday Night 3:06 7. Shame for You 4:06 8. Littlest Things 3:02 9. Take What You Take 4:06 10. Friend of Mine 3:57 11. ... more »Alfie 2:45 12. Nan You're a Window Shopper 2:50 13. Smile Version Revisited 5:44« less
1. Smile 3:17 2. Knock 'Em Out 2:53 3. LDN 3:10 4. Everything's Just Wonderful 3:28 5. Not Big 3:16 6. Friday Night 3:06 7. Shame for You 4:06 8. Littlest Things 3:02 9. Take What You Take 4:06 10. Friend of Mine 3:57 11. Alfie 2:45 12. Nan You're a Window Shopper 2:50 13. Smile Version Revisited 5:44
"Bought this on the strength of the track "Smile" (an MTV featured new single, and once a free single on iTunes). Not dissapointed. If you've heard Nellie McKay's stuff, then you'll dig her. She's like Nellie McKay, only more pop-ish, and with a fierce sense of humor that can only belong to a Brit. Each song has got this great humourous voice (In LDN, she waxes nostalgic about London's crime rate; in Knock 'em out, she addresses the unwelcome advance at a bar; in my personal favorite, "Not Big", she gives the speech many a lady wishes she had given her ex-boyfriend, and you can guess from that title what the song's about). These songs typically have a great beat, you'll immediately want to memorize all the hooks and all the choruses.
I'm always looking for a fresh female voice to add to the pop lanscape (no offense to Fergie or G. Stefani, who I also listen to) and people, this is definately a welcome addition.
"
Irreverent and just plain fun
Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 06/08/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"21 yr. old Lily Allen shot out of nowhere last year in the UK with a number 1 hit "Smile" and her debut album "Alright, Still". After it became clear that this was not a one hit wonder, and single after single kept riding the UK charts, the decision was finally made to also release the album in the US earlier this year.
"Alright, Still" (13 tracks; 43 min.) starts off with that smash-single "Smile" and it immediately sets the tone for the album: the song has an easy flowing reggae undertone (though not all songs on the album are reggae-flavored), and it deals with guys and a failed relationship, both of the singer's favorite topics throughout. "Ldn" (2nd UK single) is an ode to Allen's hometown of London, and another irresitable reggae hum-along, with a splash of Spanish/Mexican musical undertones. "Shame for You" (4th single) is something that Fiona Apple could've done. "Littlest Things" (3rd single) is the most introvert song on the album, a ballad Lily Allen-style. "Alfie" (to be released in July in the UK as the 5th single) is another little ditty. Not to say that the non-single tracks are no good. Check out for example "Friend of Mine", "Friday Nights" and the closer, a souped-up reprise of "Smile".
In all, this is really fun album to listen to, and at 43 min. it clips by in no time. I happen to catch Lily Allen at the Coachella festival in late April, and her live show is simply irresitable, she won the crowd over with her easy going manner and her live band was just outstanding."
Good girl fun!
M. Strohl | Outside Boulder, CO | 07/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These songs are great to share with all of your girl friends! We have all been there one time or another! It has a lot of variety of music and the lyrics are hysterical. ENJOY!"
Fresh sound
Blinky | Northern California | 03/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lily Allen is a breath of fresh air in the current music scene dominated by the likes of Nora Jones. Lily is a scamp. Nora is a snore.
"
The sanitised version
Pieter | Johannesburg | 03/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"
Alright Still is a most appealing collection of quality pop songs infused with wit and humour. There are lots of catchy hooks and lilting reggae rhythms and the music is interspersed with appropriate samples that give it a special flavor. The streetsmart lyrics are clever and engaging, especially on a track like Smile. Lily is obviously one tough girl who takes no nonsense from anybody, least of all an ex lover. My favourite song on Alright Still is LDN, a tuneful song about life in the big city. Knock 'Em Out is another highlight, a very catchy number with clever lyrics and samples. Other memorable tracks include Alfie and Friday Night. The music is an appealing blend of pop, hip-hop and ska/reggae. Allright Still is a brilliant album of rhythmic pop songs with lots of attitude. I do however find the rude version of this album much funnier and more appealing!