Almost five years after the announcement of her false retirement (much earlier than acts like Cher pretend to not perform again, but gaining a little more attention) Lily Allen returns with Sheezus, her third studio album and the follow up to 2009’s #1, triple-platinum It’s Not Me, It’s You. During that time she became Lily Rose Cooper: wife and mother, yet despite the change in name, her Twitter feed ensured there was still fire in her belly and wit in her words. In that respect, Sheezus is a natural follow up to It’s Not Me…, presenting catchy electro-pop numbers with lyrics acting as social commentary, and views presented with her trademark take on things.
Lead single Hard Out Here assured fans that after her foray into Christmas ad music, the girl strolling the streets of LDN in a prom dress and trainers could still be found. It’s controversial (mainly due to the video), it’s clever (“We’ve never had it so good; we’re out of the woods. And if you can’t detect the sarcasm you’ve misunderstood”) and it presents her case for sexism within the music industry with conviction. Unfortunately second single Air Balloon takes a step backwards; its playful melody and “na-na-na”‘s adding to a sound that’s lightweight and lacking in the deeper beats of Hard Out Here or The Fear. Others on the album suffer a similar fate, seemingly attempting to recreate her last album’s successes (As Long As I Got You acts as the new Not Fair, whilst Silver Spoon is an honest defence of her upbringing but an unnecessary one).
It’s the ballads that provide the stronger moments, however, showing growth musically and lyrically. Recent single Our Time is a lush electro-ballad, with gritty synths complimenting smooth vibes and Allen’s range. Whilst still undeniably Lily (“Bring some fags and bring some Rizzlas, we’re gonna party like it’s none of your business”) it’s mature and moving, and a sound she should certainly explore a little more. (Take My Place is similarly-convincing, with organic instruments replacing the electronics.)
On the other hand, would a Lily Allen album be a Lily Allen album without the playfulness and poking fun?
The title track offers minimal beats and her take on grime, with Riri, Katy Perry, Queen B, Lorde and Gaga namechecked, among talk of periods and the statement, “let me be Sheezus”.
Her short spell away from the industry might have set her back a step, with Sheezus not quite as consistent as It’s Not Me, It’s You, but her bubblegum pops at celebrities and the industry she works in have undoubtedly been missed from the charts. And away from the radio, her more mature offerings and tracks that combine the two sides to her (the funk-flavoured Insincerely Yours, with lines of “let’s be clear I’m here to make money”) show promise for longevity, despite claims that album #4 – which she’s already started work on – may be her last. Yeah, right.
Sheezus is set for release on 5th May; hit the iTunes link to purchase:
Words by:
Dan Bull
Follow @DanBull7609
